Met Gala Mania: Celebrity Street Style Kicks Off Fashion’s Biggest Night in NYC
The fashion world is abuzz, and the excitement is palpable as New York City transforms into the ultimate runway ahead of the annual Met Gala. Widely regarded as “fashion’s biggest night out,” this star-studded event brings together the most influential figures in entertainment, fashion, and art for a dazzling display of creativity and couture. While the red carpet on the first Monday in May is where the grand statements are made, a fascinating prelude unfolds in the days leading up to it: the arrival and fittings of our favorite celebrities. These pre-Gala moments offer a unique glimpse into their personal style, often blending high-end fashion with an effortless, casual chic that captivates onlookers and fashion enthusiasts alike.
As the stars descend upon the Big Apple, their outfits for fittings, meetings, and casual outings become a spectacle in themselves. Far from the elaborate gowns and intricate ensembles that will grace the Metropolitan Museum of Art steps, these “off-duty” looks demonstrate a different kind of sartorial prowess. They highlight individual tastes, current street style trends, and the inherent ability of these style icons to make even the most relaxed attire feel elevated and intentional. This year’s theme, “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” based on Susan Sontag’s seminal essay, promises a night of theatricality, irony, and exaggerated aesthetics. And while the fitting outfits may not directly reflect “Camp,” they certainly set a tone of anticipation and an appreciation for distinct personal expression, hinting at the daring choices yet to come.
Among the first to make a stylish statement was supermodel Kendall Jenner, 23, who was spotted navigating the city streets on May 3. Known for her impeccable sense of style, Kendall effortlessly embraced the popular “groutfit” trend – an all-grey ensemble that exudes comfort without sacrificing an ounce of cool. Her look featured a cozy gray sweatshirt and matching elastic sweatpants, emblazoned with ‘DEPT.’ on one leg, a subtle nod to contemporary athleisure. She complemented this relaxed base with a matching gray Yeezy Season 5 Calabasas Crewneck Sweater, showcasing a preference for monochrome and designer streetwear. The outfit was grounded with white Yeezy Boost 700 Salt Sneakers, renowned for their comfort and distinctive silhouette. Adding an element of mystery and classic celebrity flair, she wore oversized Celine Black Sunglasses and her signature go-to accessory, a ’47 Brand New York Yankees Realtree Cap, solidifying her status as a master of elevated casualwear. This initial sighting perfectly captured the essence of model-off-duty style: approachable yet undeniably chic.
The very next day, Kendall demonstrated her remarkable versatility by completely transforming her look. Swapping the comfort of her sweats, she stepped out in a skin-tight, vibrant orange Balenciaga Turtleneck Dress. This bold choice immediately injected a pop of high-fashion color and a sleek silhouette, proving her chameleon-like ability to transition from laid-back streetwear to avant-garde sophistication in an instant. The dress was paired with classic black Dr. Martens 1461 Patent Oxfords, adding an edgy, rebellious touch that juxtaposed beautifully with the dress’s modern elegance. A structured By Far Rachel Bag completed this dynamic ensemble, showcasing a thoughtful curation of accessories that speak volumes about her evolving fashion sensibilities. This rapid style switch-up underscored the dynamic nature of celebrity fashion during Met Gala week, where every outfit becomes a statement.
This year’s Met Gala co-host, the one and only Lady Gaga, 33, made her highly anticipated arrival in NYC, immediately turning heads with a series of distinct outfits that hinted at the dramatic flair she’s known for. On May 4, as she headed to her fittings, Gaga showcased a look that was quintessentially her: a masterful blend of rock-and-roll edge, vintage charm, and luxury staples. She donned a pair of skin-tight black skinny jeans, featuring strategically placed gaping holes at the knees, injecting a raw, deconstructed element into her ensemble. This was paired with a neon yellow vintage band t-shirt, adding a splash of vibrant color and a touch of rebellious nostalgia. Layered over her tee was a chic black Celine Cropped Lambskin Jacket, a testament to her appreciation for high-quality leather and sleek tailoring, courtesy of Hedi Slimane’s vision for the brand. Her footwear choice further cemented the edgy aesthetic: black leather Celine Berlin Boots. Accessorizing with sophisticated Garrett Leight Del Rey Sunglasses and a functional yet stylish Celine Satinated Bag, Lady Gaga’s fitting outfit was a perfect amalgamation of her multifaceted style – a preview of the unique artistic vision she was undoubtedly preparing to unveil on the Met Gala carpet.
Another leading lady in the fashion world, Hailey Baldwin, 22, was seen on Sunday, May 5, exemplifying a refined take on casual comfort. Her ensemble was a study in relaxed proportions and understated luxury. She chose oversized white sweatpants paired with a plain black crewneck sweatshirt, a seemingly simple combination that she elevated with thoughtful layering and statement accessories. Over her foundational pieces, she sported a long, baggy black windbreaker, adding an urban, practical layer that contributed to the overall relaxed silhouette. The true highlight of her outfit, however, lay in her choice of footwear: neon pink Balenciaga Track Trainers. These chunky, brightly colored sneakers provided an unexpected pop of vibrant energy, instantly transforming her casual look into a fashion-forward statement. She completed her ensemble with a coveted Jacquemus Black Le Grand Chiquito Leather Shoulder Bag, a miniature accessory that brought a touch of high-fashion whimsy, and sleek Celine Cl41468 Edge Sunglasses, maintaining an air of cool sophistication. Hailey’s outfit perfectly encapsulated the modern model-off-duty aesthetic, demonstrating how strategic accessorizing can elevate even the simplest streetwear into a runway-worthy moment.
Adding to the roster of supermodels showcasing their pre-Gala style was Bella Hadid, 22, who stepped out on May 4 in an effortlessly cool and distinctly edgy ensemble for her fittings. Bella’s look was a masterclass in combining various textures and patterns to create a cohesive yet striking statement. She opted for a crisp white button-down Dmn Chloe Shirt, which she purposefully left open, offering a peek at a tiny white cropped tank top underneath. This strategic layering added an element of relaxed allure and modern sensuality. The focal point of her outfit, however, was a pair of boldly patterned Miaou Sonia Pants in Newsprint. These eye-catching trousers, featuring a print reminiscent of newspaper clippings, brought a playful, avant-garde dimension to her look, aligning perfectly with her reputation for pushing fashion boundaries. To complement her distinctive attire, Bella accessorized with vintage-inspired Le Specs Outta Love Sunglasses and charming heart-shaped Frasier Sterling Lovers Hoop Earrings, injecting a touch of quirky romance. Her choice of bag, a practical yet stylish Prada Nylon and Leather Grommet Shoulder Bag, provided a high-fashion utility element, while sturdy black Dr. Martens 1460 Boots grounded the entire outfit with a signature punk-rock edge. Bella’s ensemble was a testament to her unique fashion identity, showcasing her ability to blend high-fashion pieces with street-style influences to create a look that is both aspirational and inherently her own.
The days leading up to the Met Gala are more than just a logistical necessity for celebrity fittings; they serve as a powerful prelude, setting the tone for the main event and offering a fascinating study in celebrity personal style. These casual yet carefully curated outfits allow stars to express themselves outside the confines of a strict red carpet theme, showcasing their individual flair and influencing broader fashion trends. From Kendall Jenner’s versatile transformations to Lady Gaga’s theatrical street style, Hailey Baldwin’s elevated athleisure, and Bella Hadid’s edgy eclecticism, each look tells a story, building anticipation for the grand unveiling on the Met steps. These moments remind us that fashion is a continuous conversation, not just a one-night spectacle. As New York City hums with the energy of fashion’s elite, these pre-Gala sightings only heighten the excitement, promising an unforgettable celebration of “Camp: Notes on Fashion.” The world eagerly awaits the dazzling interpretations and audacious statements that will define this year’s most iconic fashion event.