12 Surprising Sustainable Looks at the 2023 Met Gala
*A previously published version of this article misprinted BLACKPINK’S Jennie’s look as being archival, when in fact, it was a recreation.
Last night, the 2023 Met Costume Institute Exhibit and Gala came and went. This event historically perpetuates harmful norms about who deserves to be celebrated as fashion’s most impactful. The First Monday In May™ tends to spark recurrent discussions of classism and the gatekeeping of fashion, among many more necessary indictments of the fashion industry, including its lack of sustainability.
This year’s controversial theme was “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty.” We had hoped some might speak out about the theme and possibly condemn the rancid legacy of Karl Lagerfeld's notoriously awful personality. Alas, while there were waves of dissent, we were, overall, left holding our breath.
That said, although honoring Lagerfeld does not align with Sustainable Baddie’s values, the archival nature of the theme may have inspired an uptake in revisiting pieces from the past. We were pleasantly surprised to find a number of #ReWearThat moments, vintage looks, and sustainable designers amongst the incredible looks that graced the steps of the Met. Here are a few of the looks from the 2023 Met Gala that we happily deem sustainable slays.
#ReWearThat
Nicole Kidman ReWearing Chanel
Nicole Kidman brought out the Chanel gown she had worn in the iconic 2004 Chanel N°5 campaign directed by Baz Luhrmann. Kidman told Vogue that she was honored to “show the way these couture gowns last…and if you take care of them and love them, they are timeless.”
Giselle Bundchen ReWearing Chanel
Brazilian supermodel Giselle Bundchen appeared on the red carpet re-wearing a vintage Chanel gown she wore in a 2007 Harper's BAZAAR Korea photoshoot.
David Byrne ReWearing His Oscars Suit
Musician David Byrne of The Talking Heads rewore the suit he wore to this year's Oscars and arrived riding a bicycle! He’s earned the title of sustainable daddy.
Sustainable Designers
Maya Penn & Gabriella Karefa-Johnson in Coachtopia
Climate activist Maya Penn and Vogue Fashion Editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson absolutely attteee circular fashion, wearing Coachtopia gowns and matching bags. “Coachtopia…is a circular design concept that Stuart has come up with, and they have elements of recycled pieces of material from the Met,” Karefa-Johnson told Vogue. “Literally—the Coach team went through the trash of the Met museum,” Penn added.
Quannah Chasinghorse in Prabal Gurung
Last year, Quannah Chasinghorse graced the Met carpet wearing handmade indigenous jewelry by Antelope Women Designs, so we knew this year would hold another incredible moment for the model. Chasinghorse wore a gorgeous gown by sustainable designer Prabal Gurung, as well as jewelry made by Rubia Joy.
Alia Bhatt in Prabal Gurung
Alia Bhatt and susty designer Prabal Gurung walked the carpet together showcasing a gorgeous pearl gown. Gurung’s designs were also worn by Rita Ora, Quinta Brunson, and Anok Yai.
Aubrey Plaza in Stella McCartney
Our deadpan goddess Aubrey Plaza attended alongside one of our favorite susty designers, Stella McCartney. When asked about her look Plaza said, “This is Stella McCartney… That’s right, Sustainable Stella.”
Vintage & Archival
Penelope Cruz in Chanel Spring Summer 1988
Actress, Met Gala co-chair, and Chanel ambassador Penelope Cruz wore a vintage Chanel couture gown from 1988.
Dua Lipa in Chanel Bridal 1992
Singer and Met Gala co-chair Dula Peep wore an archival bridal gown from Chanel’s Fall Winter 1992 collection.
Jennie in Vintage Chanel
BLACKPINK’s Jennie wore a recreated look from Chanel’s 1990 Fall/Winter collection.
What was your favorite look from this year's Met Gala?