The Met Gala, known for its extravagant themes and celebrity attendance, has seen some of the most striking and innovative fashion statements over the years. Read on to see how men are breaking the mold on the red carpet. They are selecting creative and daring designs that reflect their own quirky styles. From Jaden Smith carrying his own dreadlocks in 2017 to Colman Domingo’s compelling appearance at the 2024 event, the evolution of men’s fashion at this prestigious event tells a captivating story.
In 2017, Jaden Smith caught the world’s attention when he stepped onto the red carpet carrying his own dreadlocks. This gutsy artistic statement continued to initiate important discussion and debate surrounding identity, music, and self-expression. The following year, Chadwick Boseman graced the event wearing a stunning Versace cape that encapsulated the “Heavenly Bodies” theme, showcasing a blend of elegance and spirituality that resonated with attendees.
Jared Leto went far beyond the norms of theatricality. He debuted a prosthetic version of his own head, created by Gucci’s Alessandro Michele, which he proudly carted about. This bold decision was the perfect embodiment of how men were starting to experiment with risk-taking, boundary-pushing style at the Met Gala. That trend held true in the last few years. When Lil Nas X walked the 2021 Met Gala in three dazzling Versace looks, like a gilded suit of armor and a dramatic cape, it was the crystallization of a slow shift toward more exuberant, more flamboyant apparel.
Early Met Galas are an important milestone in the advancement of men’s fashion. For example, in 2012 Marc Jacobs chose to wear a lace Comme des Garçons dress rather than boxer shorts. He later remarked, “I just didn’t wanna wear a tuxedo and be boring,” highlighting a desire for creativity in a space often dominated by traditional suiting.
Alton Mason created a buzz at the 2022 gala when he channeled one of Karl Lagerfeld’s legendary Chanel brides. Similarly, Bad Bunny turned heads with a deconstructed Maison Margiela suit paired with a theatrical chapeau, demonstrating that men could not only compete with but surpass expectations on the red carpet.
They took risks with theatrical styles and broke from the traditional tuxedos that used to dominate the red carpet. Jeremy Pope went all-in on that trend in 2023. His statement Balmain cape, emblazoned with the likeness of the late designer Karl Lagerfeld, was both a tribute to the icon and reflection of his own dramatic individuality.
The exciting, vibrant expansion of men’s fashion at the Met Gala embodies a larger cultural movement, one which recognizes and celebrates the beauty of diversity and self-expression. As stars like Alan Cumming, who wore a red tartan kilt in 2001, and Alexander McQueen in his signature tartan print in 2006 laid the groundwork, subsequent generations have boldly carried that torch forward.