Met Gala 2021: the best of the red carpet

(CNN) -- The most famous faces in pop culture descended on the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday night in New York for the fashion industry's party of the year: the Met Gala.

Last postponed due to the covid-19 pandemic, the star-studded annual fundraiser for the Met Costume Institute is back to mark the opening of its fashion exhibit, "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion." . A-list actors, supermodels, television drag queens, musicians and athletes walked the red carpet, or the cream carpet, to be precise, offering their own unique take on American or all-American fashion.

Ahead of the event, gala president Anna Wintour said by email that American fashion in 2021 has become "a mosaic, reflecting the world we all live in, seen through many different lenses." Adding to this patchwork, the Vogue editor-in-chief eschewed her usual Chanel and appeared in a floral dress by Oscar de la Renta, a tribute to the late designer, who was a close friend of hers and an avid gardener.

One of Wintour's famous co-chairs, poet Amanda Gorman, offered her thoughts on the matter when she arrived at the Met, telling CNN Style that American fashion was "diverse, vibrant, beautiful and intersectional."

As she walked up the steps in an embellished indigo Vera Wang gown and silver laurel wreath, she said, "I think American fashion is really at the crossroads of the world." Representing a reimagined Statue of Liberty, Gorman held an Edie Parker tote bag that read "Give Me Your Tired," a reference to the poem inscribed on the statue's base.

The poet was one of many stars dressed in deep shades of blue at the dazzling event. Tracee Ellis Ross wowed in a Balenciaga Couture wrap dress with an open collar, while gymnast Nia Dennis made an acrobatic entrance in a blue Stella McCartney suit.

Another of the night's co-chairs, Timothée Chalamet, was among a handful of attendees who chose white, arriving with typical nonchalance in a shrunken white satin suit jacket and wavy white Haider Ackerman pants tucked into a pair of trainers. Converse.

But of those who looked to the stars and stripes of the American flag for inspiration, those who came in red did so with the greatest force.

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Megan Fox turned heads in pinup-style fringe and a sassy Dundas dress with a plunging V-neckline and high slit, while Karlie Kloss wore a scarlet Carolina Herrera dress with eye-catching structural details.

Model Ella Emhoff, stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris, wore an all-red Adidas outfit by Stella McCartney, joining a long list of celebrities to wear the color, including Jennifer Hudson, Rosalia, Emily Ratajkowski and Maluma.

On a night dedicated to American fashion, it's no wonder so many opted for Hollywood glamour.

With Oscar de la Renta, co-chair Billie Eilish channeled Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly in her plunging peach gown, which came with a fitted bodice and long tulle train that required the support of four helpers. Megan Thee Stallion also sparkled in a chic pink Coach dress with hand-embroidered crystal details and an asymmetrical hemline.

MJ Rodriguez also looked to the past for inspiration, wowing viewers in a Thom Browne creation that he described as "Victorian-style." However, the outfit also alluded to something far more contemporary. Speaking to CNN Style upon entering, the "Pose" star said the outfit had been designed to "show what it looks like to be America now in 2021 and to be a Black and Latinx trans woman who can show that she can carry her roots from back to American roots.

Rodríguez was one of several attendees who interpreted the theme through the lens of diversity. Rapper Saweetie wore a crystal-embellished, form-fitting dress with a long train by Christian Cowan that incorporated the colors of the Black American Heritage flag and a Philippine flag, a reference to her mixed heritage.

Similarly, co-president Naomi Osaka brought together her Japanese and Haitian background in a Louis Vuitton ensemble. The ruffled sleeves were evocative of carnival, while the red obi across its tulip skirt was reminiscent of the traditional kimono tie.

There were also strong social and political messages on the red carpet, many of which were expressed through the language of American values. New York Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney didn't mince words in a bold look emblazoned with "equal rights for women" on her shoulder panels. Meanwhile, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez arrived in a white off-the-shoulder gown from Brooklyn-based brand Brother Vellies emblazoned with the phrase "Tax the Rich."

But while there were plenty of serious statements -- and a narrower focus -- than the 2019 event, which saw stars embrace the flamboyant "camp" theme, it wouldn't be the Met Gala without some dramatic entrances.

Lil Nas X went through a succession of quick costume changes, shedding a gigantic velvet robe to reveal golden armor before unveiling a shimmering gold jumpsuit. Elsewhere, singer Grimes arrived wielding a forged sword with a cast pistol, which was created by the MSCHF art collective, and supermodel Iman wowed in an oversized feathered headdress, gold corset and ruffled ballroom skirt. feathers and wire frame.

With so many opinions about what American fashion means in 2021, one thing is clear: the Met Gala brought it out in all its diversity.