Serving 'American Independence' - These Are The '21 Met Gala Looks That ATE

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After being canceled in 2020, due to the pandemic, the Met Gala returned this year and its theme was “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.”

While the annual event is known to be a grand showcase of campy couture and luxury fashion, this year’s theme really inspired its attendees to focus on individualism as they explored “American independence” through their ensembles.

Many celebs chose to wear American designers, whereas others made political statements with their outfits. There were tributes to heritage and odes to particularly iconic eras in American fashion. As expected, some of our favorites just showed up and served looks.

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Iman in Harris Reed

Iman’s stunning feathered and gold-accented ensemble was designed by British-American designer Harris Reed. According to Haper’s Baazar, “Reed is inspired by ballroom culture in America’s golden age, with an aesthetic they describe in their brand statement as ‘romanticism gone nonbinary.'”

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Rihanna in Balenciaga

As a Met Gala veteran who always steals the show, Riri showed up in an all-black ensemble topped off with silver and diamond-encrusted jewels by Maria Tash. Her man ASAP Rocky wore ERL.

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Saweetie in Christian Cowan

In honor of the theme and her heritage as a mixed woman, one of the panels drapping behind Saweetie displayed the colors of the Black American flag whereas the other tributed the colors of the Philipino flag.

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Precious Lee in Area

Model and inclusion activist Precious Lee wore Area, a brand founded in New York City by designers Beckett Fogg and Piotrek Pansczczyk in 2014.

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Yara Shahidi in Dior

It’s giving 1920s American flapper vibes, right?

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Michaela Coel in Balenciaga

While we’re not sure of the intentions behind Michaela Coel’s sparkly blue number — we do know that the shade represents vigilance, perseverance and justice for all in the American flag.

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Adut Akech in Michael Kors

Model Adut Akech served in a Michael Kors course number, one of the most well-known American designer brands of our time.

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Erykah Badu in Thom Browne

Always one to keep us on our toes when it comes to her style, Erykah Badu wore Thom Browne — an American designer known for reconceptualizing and reimagining what the men’s suit could look like and be.

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Source: John Shearer / Getty

Simone Biles in Area

Simone Biles also chose to rock this NYC brand, and did so with Fred Leighton Jewelry.

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Natalie Bryant in Conner Ives

The 18-year-old’s fun and campy look gave retro vibes.

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Jennifer Hudson in AZ Factory

Some Twitter users believe J-Hud’s dress was inspired by American icon Aretha Franklin — whom she recently portrayed in the biopic Respect.

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Lupita Nyong’o in Versace

Something that will never change is American fashion’s association with denim and blue jeans. Lupita Nyong’o’s ensemble is a testament to that. In a tweet with a photo of her in the dress, the actress simply said, “Blue Jean Baby. Versace Lady.”

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Venus Williams in Prabal Gurung

Venus Williams also stunned in red. We assume she chose to tribute the event’s theme by wearing a designer who manufactures in NYC and has fought for immigration rights both on and off the runway.

Source: Jamie McCarthy/MG21 / Getty

Tessa Thompson in Iris van Herpen

What screams American more than being a cowgirl? Actress and Los Angeles native Tessa Thompson gave us ‘yehaw’ vibes with her hat and boots in tow.