Kendall Jenner’s Met Gala 2022 Style Evolution: From Gilded Glamour to Daring After-Party Chic

The Met Gala is renowned as fashion’s biggest night, a prestigious event where celebrities showcase their most opulent and avant-garde ensembles. However, for many attendees, the fashion narrative doesn’t conclude on the red carpet. The after-parties offer a second, often more audacious, opportunity for sartorial expression. In 2022, supermodel Kendall Jenner masterfully navigated both realms, delivering a performance in high fashion that captivated audiences from the main event’s gilded steps to the exclusive after-party venues. Her journey through the night’s wardrobe was a testament to her versatility and fearless approach to style, leaving an indelible mark on the evening’s rich tapestry of celebrity fashion.

Following her grand appearance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Kendall transitioned into a distinctly different, yet equally impactful, after-party look. Stepping out for the festivities at Zero Bond, she embraced a vibe that was undeniably sexy and effortlessly chic. Her choice for the evening was a stunning combination of a sheer, lace crop top paired with a matching sheer skirt, layered elegantly over delicate pink-colored silk lingerie. This ensemble was a bold departure from her red-carpet attire, signaling a shift from historical grandeur to modern sensuality. The sheer fabrics offered a tantalizing glimpse, meticulously balancing exposure with an air of sophisticated allure. The subtle pop of pink from the lingerie added a soft, feminine touch, creating a captivating contrast against the intricate lace. It was a look that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of post-Gala celebration – confident, daring, and utterly glamorous.

The supermodel’s after-party ensemble, while overtly sensual, maintained a certain minimalist elegance. She completed the outfit with a pair of sleek, strappy heels, allowing the intricate details of her sheer two-piece to remain the focal point. This strategic pairing demonstrated a keen understanding of fashion dynamics, where less can often convey more impact. A notable transformation observed during the after-party was the return of Kendall’s eyebrows to their natural brown shade. For her Met Gala appearance, she had seemingly opted for a bleached eyebrow look, a dramatic choice that completely altered her facial aesthetics and contributed to the “gilded glamour” theme by evoking a sense of ethereal mystery. The reversion to her darker brows for the after-party provided a grounding element, bringing back a familiar warmth to her features and allowing her striking eyes to pop, creating a softer yet still edgy appeal. This subtle yet significant change highlighted the temporary, transformative power of makeup and styling in crafting distinct personas for different phases of the event.

Prior to her dazzling after-party debut, Kendall had made a powerful statement on the 2022 Met Gala red carpet in a custom-made Prada two-piece outfit. Her main event attire was a meticulously crafted interpretation of the evening’s theme, “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” with a dress code specifically calling for “gilded glamour.” Kendall’s ensemble featured a delicate sheer tank top worn beneath a structured fishnet crop top, an ingenious layering technique that added texture and depth. This intricate upper half was dramatically contrasted by a massive black skirt that billowed grandly, complete with an exceptionally long train. The voluminous skirt, with its rich fabric and expansive silhouette, undeniably evoked the opulence and extravagance synonymous with the Gilded Age, the late 19th-century era characterized by rapid economic growth and dazzling displays of wealth and fashion. The custom Prada creation showcased the brand’s sophisticated aesthetic while allowing Kendall to embody the period’s grandeur with a modern edge, establishing her as one of the night’s most elegantly themed attendees.

The 2022 Met Gala was a particularly significant event for the entire Kardashian-Jenner clan, as it marked the first time all five sisters attended together. This collective appearance amplified the family’s already immense impact on pop culture and fashion, creating a truly unforgettable moment on the red carpet. Each sister brought her unique interpretation of the “gilded glamour” theme, contributing to a diverse and memorable fashion showcase. Khloe Kardashian made her highly anticipated Met Gala debut, opting for a show-stopping gold sequined gown that shimmered with every movement, asserting her presence with undeniable radiance. Kim Kardashian, known for her headline-grabbing Met Gala choices, stunned the world by wearing Marilyn Monroe’s iconic “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” gown. This historic dress, originally worn by Monroe in 1962, was a monumental fashion moment, sparking widespread discussion about its preservation and cultural significance. Kim’s dedication to the theme, including adhering to a strict diet to fit into the dress, underscored the level of commitment expected for such an event.

The family reunion on fashion’s biggest night continued to draw attention with the distinctive styles of the remaining sisters. Kylie Jenner paid a heartfelt and emotional tribute to the late designer Virgil Abloh, wearing a white off-white gown that was a poignant homage to his groundbreaking work and enduring legacy in the fashion industry. Her choice resonated deeply, honoring a visionary who had significantly influenced contemporary streetwear and luxury fashion. Kourtney Kardashian, making her Met Gala debut alongside Khloe, attended with her fiancé, now husband, Travis Barker. Their coordinated black-and-white looks, featuring deconstructed elements and punk rock undertones, offered a unique and edgy interpretation of the “gilded glamour” theme, highlighting their distinct couple style and solidifying their status as a power duo on the red carpet. The collective presence of all five sisters not only marked a family milestone but also created a dynamic and multifaceted showcase of celebrity fashion, ranging from historical reverence to avant-garde tribute.

Despite the grand family affair, Kendall Jenner technically arrived at the Met Gala as a solo attendee, a notable detail given her high-profile relationship. Her then-boyfriend, NBA star Devin Booker, did not accompany her to the prestigious event. HollywoodLife exclusively learned that Devin, as much as he “would love to be there to support” Kendall, was unable to attend due to pressing professional commitments. As a key player for the Phoenix Suns, Devin was deeply embroiled in the intense NBA Playoffs season. The timing of the Met Gala directly clashed with his team’s critical schedule, presenting an unavoidable conflict between supporting his partner at a major social event and fulfilling his responsibilities on the basketball court. This situation highlighted the often-complex realities of celebrity relationships, where demanding careers can sometimes take precedence over public appearances together. While Kendall was gracing the red carpet in New York, Devin was showcasing his athletic prowess on the court, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his sport.

Indeed, on the very same day, May 2nd, Devin Booker was instrumental in leading the Phoenix Suns to a significant victory over the Dallas Mavericks. This achievement was particularly commendable given that he was recovering from a recent hamstring injury, showcasing his remarkable resilience and commitment to his team’s success. His absence from the Met Gala, therefore, underscored the seriousness of his professional obligations and the high stakes of the NBA Playoffs. Kendall, in turn, handled the situation with grace, shining brightly on her own and commanding the red carpet with her individual style and undeniable presence. Her ability to captivate attention solo reinforced her status as a powerful fashion icon, capable of holding her own in the spotlight without relying on a partner’s presence. This dual narrative of professional excellence—Kendall’s fashion triumph and Devin’s athletic victory—further solidified their respective standings as influential figures in their distinct fields, even when physically apart.

In conclusion, Kendall Jenner’s 2022 Met Gala journey was a masterclass in fashion versatility and strategic styling. From her elegantly “gilded glamour” Prada gown on the main red carpet to her daring and sensual sheer ensemble at the after-party, she proved her ability to adapt and dominate diverse fashion narratives. Her choice to bleach her eyebrows for the main event and revert to her natural look for the after-party demonstrated a playful yet intentional approach to beauty. Surrounded by her famous sisters, each making their own indelible mark on the night, Kendall still managed to carve out a distinctive presence, further cemented by her solo attendance and the compelling story of Devin Booker’s concurrent athletic achievements. Her overall performance at the 2022 Met Gala solidified her position not just as a supermodel, but as a true fashion chameleon and a captivating figure on the global stage, continually evolving and setting trends.