In its early years, the Met Gala was a more traditional evening gala, with men sticking to classic suiting or tuxedos. However, there were some risk-takers, such as Alan Cumming in a red tartan kilt in 2001 and Alexander McQueen in a tartan print in 2006. Marc Jacobs also made waves in 2012 when he wore a lace dress over boxer shorts, stating that he didn’t want to be boring in a tuxedo. The red carpet fashion rules began to loosen in the 2010s, with male stars adopting a more free-wheeling spirit and straying away from traditional suits.
Many male celebrities at the Met Gala in the past decade have embraced unique and outrageous looks. Jaden Smith made a statement by carrying his own dreadlocks on the red carpet in 2017. Chadwick Boseman donned an angelic Versace cape for the “Heavenly Bodies” theme in 2018, while Jared Leto went full-on camp in 2019 with a prosthetic of his own head designed by Gucci’s Alessandro Michele. The men at the 2021 American fashion-themed Met Gala took theatrical red carpet style to new heights, with Lil Nas X wearing three bold Versace creations and A$AP Rocky in a quilted ERL cape.
At the 2022 Met Gala, stars like Jared Leto, Gunna, and Alton Mason brought forth their best Gilded Age suiting. The previous year’s gala, honoring Karl Lagerfeld, saw Jeremy Pope in a dramatic Balmain cape featuring the late designer’s portrait. Alton Mason dressed as one of Lagerfeld’s iconic Chanel brides, while Bad Bunny’s white Jacquemus look nodded to bridal style. As we anticipate the menswear looks at the 2024 Met Gala, the red carpet has seen its fair share of bold and memorable menswear moments over the years.
The Met Gala has become a place where celebrities are encouraged to push the boundaries of fashion while adhering to the event’s specific theme. While men traditionally wore classic suits or tuxedos in the early years, the red carpet fashion rules have since loosened. Male stars now embrace more experimental and outlandish looks, with some opting for bold and statement-making ensembles. The event has seen memorable moments such as Marc Jacobs wearing a lace dress over boxer shorts and Jaden Smith carrying his own dreadlocks on the red carpet.
The past decade has brought about a surge of creativity and innovation in men’s fashion at the Met Gala. Celebrities like Chadwick Boseman, Jared Leto, and Lil Nas X have delivered some of the most unforgettable menswear moments at the event. The 2021 American fashion-themed Met Gala saw male stars taking theatrical style to new heights, with bold and daring ensembles that pushed the boundaries of traditional red carpet fashion. As we look forward to the 2024 Met Gala, the red carpet has become a platform for male celebrities to showcase their unique and individual sense of style in creative and eye-catching ways.
