At red carpet events, typically, the brief for men is relatively simple: white tie, black tie, tuxedo, and bowtie. So, it's nice to see attendees push the bounds of menswear. Think "Wu-Tang: An American Saga" [1] star Ashton Sanders' full Telfar [2] dandy suit at the 2019 Met Gala, or Timothée Chalamet [3]'s Haider Ackermann, Rick Owens, and Converse combo at September's part one.
For the Met Gala 2022 Gilded Glamour [4] theme, the brief called for opulence. Focusing on the period dubbed the Gilded Age (roughly between 1870 and 1900), the Met Gala encouraged a white tie dress code; known as "dress suit," white tie was considered the standard formalwear attire in the 19th century. For gents, the dress code could look like a formal black tailcoat jacket, worn with a complete white waistcoat and a white shirt with a wing collar.
That said, at the Met Gala [5], attendees are known to use creative license and offer their own interpretation. From Evan Mock [6]'s cream corseted co-ord with a ruffle collar to Leslie Odom's structured black sailor hat, several men put their own unique twist on the theme.
Some even opted to make a political statement or use their look to pay tribute. "Moon Knight" star Riz Ahmed chose to spotlight immigrant workers with his ensemble. While most attendees' historical aesthetic references leaned towards the dress of the elite, Ahmed donned an outfit honoring the era's unsung heroes. "This is an homage to the immigrant workers who kept the Gilded Age going," Ahmed told Vogue live stream [7] host Emma Chamberlain [8]. "I May Destroy You" actor Paapa Essiedu wore an oversized suit by Off-White to pay homage to the late Virgil Abloh. The dark blue velvet suit was from Virgil's last collection, the emotional Fall 2022 tribute show in Paris.
Alongside Virgil Abloh, one designer whose work was prominent on the red, white, and blue carpet was Thom Browne. From Travis Barker's kilt to Gunna's beaded cape and signature dog bag, the Thom Browne gents were très chic.
See all the explorative menswear looks of the night ahead.
Bad Bunny
Wearing Burberry and a Gibson Girl updo.
Riz Ahmed
Paying homage to "immigrant workers who kept the Gilded Age going," wearing 4S Designs and a Cartier necklace.
Anderson Paak
Continuing the Silk Sonic, '70s era in Gucci.
Lenny Kravitz
Wearing a laced shirt-cape with a corset designed by Chrome Hearts.
Evan Mock
With signature pink hair in tow, wearing a custom look by Head of State.
Gunna
The rapper made his Met debut, wearing a full Thom Browne look (complete with a Thom Browne doggy bag).
Kid Cudi
Putting a fresh take on formal attire and cape, wearing a full cobalt blue Kenzo look.
Alessandro Michele & Jared Leto
Twinning in Gucci.
Paapa Essiedu
Wearing a muted blue velvet Off-White suit, paying homage to the late Virgil Abloh.
Jordan Roth
The theater producer wore full Thom Browne, taking the over shell off to reveal another Thom Browne look.
Ashton Sanders
Wearing fangs and look 1 from Casablanca's FW22 collection.
Kodi Smit-McPhee
The "Power of the Dog" star channeled American workwear, wearing Bottega Veneta.
Leslie Odom Jr.
Wearing a Fendi suit and hat by Esenhel
Jeremy Pope
The actor wore full custom Dion Lee complete with a train.
Oscar Isaac
The "Moon Knight" star wore a kilt designed by Thom Browne.
Franklin Leonard
The film executive wore a black overcoat with built-in bustle.
Sebastian Stan
Wearing Valentino's Pink collection.