Sora Choi

Our Favorite Looks from the 2023 Met Gala

Last night, Asian and AA+PI celebs turned out for a star-studded fundraiser dedicated to the late Karl Lagerfeld

Sora Choi

Getty Images

Words by Vandana Pawa

The first Monday of May has come and gone, so you know what that means: it’s time to talk fashion, and all things Met Gala. The annual event, which serves as a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, wrangles A-listers from across the globe to create fashion moments that will be talked about for years to come. This year’s theme, Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty, continued on despite the complicated legacy of the late designer.  

Fashion’s biggest night is often shrouded in secrecy, with folks at home waiting on the edge of their seats to see who is invited each year. This year’s event proved to be a big night for Asian celebrities, with many stars making their Met Gala debut. In fact, even the Met steps themselves were wearing an Asian designer—the official carpet that outfitted the stairs for this year’s event was made in India. Check out our roundup of our favorite fashion-forward AA+PIs at the 2023 Met Gala: 

Margaret Zhang

Getty Images

Margaret Zhang
Australian born Chinese writer, model, and filmmaker Margaret Zhang made waves at this year’s Met Gala. The 29-year-old, who currently serves as editor-in-chief of Vogue China, attended the event in a dress by Chloé, which was based on the guitar dress in the brand’s 1983 music-inspired collection. Zhang’s gown had a long train and a shimmering gold hem, but what got audiences talking about her look was her accidental twinning moment with Olivia Wilde.

Eva Chen

Getty Images

Eva Chen
The internet's favorite fashion media girl, Eva Chen, is a Met Gala veteran. The journalist and writer has been attending the party for years now, collaborating closely with designers each year to ensure that she has a show-stopping look at the fundraiser. This year, Chen attended wearing a Fendi haute couture gown that was a reimagining of a Spring/Summer 2000 dress by the brand. "Thank you for making my Ariel dreams come true," the social media phenom captioned her post sharing the dress. 

Jennie Kim

Getty Images

Jennie Kim
Global popstar Jennie Kim made her Met Gala debut this year in vintage Chanel. It was no doubt that the member of Blackpink would be present this year, as she’s been a brand ambassador for the French fashion house since 2017. Kim is a certified fashion icon, and she solidified that status at her first Met Gala, wearing a minidress from Karl Lagerfeld’s 1990 ready-to-wear collection. 

Alia Bhatt

Getty Images

Alia Bhatt
Bollywood star Alia Bhatt was another Met debut this year, with her first appearance at the event being a collaboration with designer Prabal Gurung. A classic Chanel bridal look, Bhatt’s white gown was inspired by a dress from 1992, and was hand-embroidered with 100,000 pearls by Gurung’s team in India. Bhatt was one of the few attendees at the Gala this year representing an Asian designer. 

Sora Choi

Getty Images

Sora Choi
Supermodel from South Korea Sora Choi stepped out in one of the night’s best looks, a two-piece ensemble by Thom Browne. The outfit included a checkered cape draped over a gown tailored to resemble a suit, with many details (camellias and gold chains) that are unmistakable references to Lagerfeld’s favorite design motifs. Complemented by a black veil and platform tuxedo shoes, Choi’s Met Gala appearance will be remembered for years to come.

Jackson Wang

Getty Images

Jackson Wang
Musician Jackson Wang added to the list of first-timers at the Met Gala, wearing Louis Vuitton to the event. Wang was outfitted in black head-to-tie, with a cropped jacket and fitted trousers accessorized with sunglasses and black gloves. The look was likely an homage to Karl Lagerfeld’s go-to outfit, and despite this being his debut, Wang was exuding confidence on the red carpet. 

Ke Huy Quan

Getty Images

Ke Huy Quan
The debuts continued with recent Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan, who utilized his acting chops to dress in another version of Asian Karl Lagerfeld cosplay. Wearing custom Christian Dior, Quan’s look was covered in special details—a jeweled tie, fingerless gloves, knuckle rings, an oversized collar—that made him the talk of the Costume Institute. 

Michelle Yeoh

Getty Images

Michelle Yeoh
Everyone’s favorite Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh returned to the Met this year in a sweeping gown fit for a queen. The actress wore a look from Karl Lagerfeld’s eponymous brand that resembled a tuxedo with a fitted cummerbund and buttoned off-the-shoulder lapel, complete with a train following behind her. Platform leather boots elevated the look, both figuratively and literally, leaving a mark on the Gala. 

Stephanie Hsu

Getty Images

Stephanie Hsu
The Everything, Everywhere, All At Once trinity was complete when Stephanie Hsu walked the carpet covered in sequins. The actress wore a black and white Valentino gown, complete with a collar and tie that gave her look an androgynous feel. Hsu is never afraid to be dramatic when it comes to her makeup, with a bold cat eye and dark lipstick complimenting her sparkling dress. Jobu Topaki would be proud. 

Conan Grey

Getty Images

Conan Gray
Japanese American musician Conan Gray is used to stunting at the Met Gala. This is his second appearance, and Gray walked the carpet in Balmain, with a floor-length jacket covered in sequins and outlined with white pearls of all sizes. The hand fan was clearly a popular accessory amongst the Met’s Asian contingent, as Gray also came complete with one detailed with pearls, paying homage to Lagerfeld’s favorite gem.

Cai Xukun

Getty Images

Cai Xukun
Few stars included cultural nods in their get-ups this year, but Cai Xukun didn’t let the theme stop him. The Chinese musician, who was also making his Met Gala debut, wore a custom look by Prada that included a long jacket that was embellished with gems along with a matching sparkling tie complete with accessory chains. The standout part of his look, though, was the gorgeous hand fan printed with traditional Chinese calligraphy.

Ashley Park

Getty Images

Ashley Park
American actress Ashley Park channeled Karl Lagerfeld with Michael Kors, in a netted gown that sparkled on the steps. Chains were also found on her look, and fingerless gloves gave her biker-chic manicure by nail artist Naomi Yasuda a moment to shine. Her time in Paris (with Emily) has clearly paid off. 

Published on May 2, 2023

Words by Vandana Pawa

Vandana Pawa is a Bangkok-born, Brooklyn-based culture and fashion writer. You can find her on Twitter or Instagram @vandanaiscool.