Biggest fashion moments from Emma Raducanu to Billie Eilish

Watch: Stars channel the weird and wonderful for Americana-inspired Met Gala

The Met Gala 2021 was always going to be a headline-hitting affair. 

After last year’s event was cancelled due to the pandemic, celebrities – and their stylists – pulled out all the stops for their red carpet looks this year. 

Hosted by co-chairs Timothée Chalamet, Billie Eilish, Amanda Gorman and Naomi Osaka, the biggest event on the fashion circuit’s calendar also featured red carpet regulars including Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and JLo in addition to some Met Gala newcomers, US Open 2021 winner Emma Raducanu, rapper Lil Nas, Schitt’s Creek star and co-writer Dan Levy and the late Kobe Bryant’s daughter Natalia. 

There were some notable absences. Prior to the event, Nicki Minaj revealed she wouldn’t be attending due to the vaccination requirements. Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Blake Lively, usually three of the annual event’s most talked-about celebrities, also didn’t attend. Pregnant Kylie Jenner declined to put in an appearance, too. 

However, those that did show up most certainly dressed to impress. Kim Kardashian sparked a thousand memes with her all-black look that covered her entire face and body. Billie Eilish was a red carpet sensation in a huge, frothy gown in a look inspired by Marilyn Monroe and Emma Raducanu was a vision in Chanel. 

Scroll for some of the most talked-about outfits of the evening. 

Read more: Kim Kardashian covered her entire face and body at the Met Gala 2021

Emma Raducanu attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Emma Raducanu attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

US Open winner Emma Raducanu wore Chanel for her first Met Gala red carpet. 

Kim Kardashian attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Kim Kardashian attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Kim Kardashian divided fans by arriving in an all-black Balenciaga outfit that covered every inch of her body and face. 

Gigi Hadid attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Gigi Hadid attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

New mum and model Gigi Hadid wore a striking Prada gown, featuring a thigh-high split and leather gloves.

Kendall Jenner attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Kendall Jenner attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Kendall Jenner paid homage to Audrey Hepburn with her bejewelled Givenchy gown with a spin on the dress the legendary actor wore as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady.

Serena Williams attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Serena Williams attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Serena Williams’ Gucci look included a lace bodysuit and an ombre feathered cape. 

Jennifer Hudson attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Jennifer Hudson attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Jennifer Hudson, star of upcoming flick ‘Aretha’, channelled vintage Hollywood glamour in a form-fitting red gown and matching cape. 

Iman attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Iman attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Iman pulled out all the stops in a giant feathered headpiece and skirt by Harris Reed. 

A$AP Rocky and Rihanna attend The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

A$AP Rocky and Rihanna attend The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

A$AP Rocky and Rihanna made their red carpet debut as a couple in a pair of eye-catching looks. While Rihanna’s all-black coat dress was arguably more demure than her previous Met Gala looks, A$AP Rocky’s patchwork cape provided a pop of colour. 

Jennifer Lopez attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Jennifer Lopez attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Jennifer Lopez continued her red carpet victory lap in a plunging brown dress by Ralph Lauren, a very luxe take on the wild west.  

Megan Fox attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Megan Fox attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Megan Fox wore a revealing, beaded red gown with matching heels and lace detailing. 

Lupita Nyong'o attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Lupita Nyong’o attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Lupita Nyong’o put a fresh spin on the classic denim dress in this Versace number. 

Lil Nas attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Lil Nas attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Rapper Lil Nas wore three outfits to his very first Met Gala, including this golden suit of armour designed by Donatella Versace. 

Zoe Kravitz attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Zoe Kravitz attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Zoe Kravitz stunned in a sheer, bejewelled Saint Lauren dress paired with very simple make-up and accessories. 

Emily Blunt and Hamish Bowles attend The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Emily Blunt and Hamish Bowles attend The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Emily Blunt attended the gala with fashion journalist Hamish Bowles. While Bowles took a style gamble in a Statue of Liberty-homage pleated skirt, corset and headpiece, Blunt opted for a more minimal ensemble paired with an intricate headpiece. 

Lil Nas attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Lil Nas attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

A gold, beaded catsuit was another of Lil Nas’ three outfits. 

Grimes attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Grimes attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Grimes arrived in a futuristic gown that she teamed with a sword and platform boots. 

Lorde attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Lorde attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Singer Lorde wore an embellished, satin two-piece with a cape. 

Billie Eilish attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Billie Eilish wears Oscar de la Renta at the 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Billie Eilish paid homage to Marilyn Monroe in a huge, frothy Oscar de la Renta gown. 

Lili Reinhart attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Lili Reinhart attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

‘Riverdale’ star Lili Reinhart wore a gown by Christian Siriano featuring flowers of all 50 states. 

Natalia Bryant attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Natalia Bryant attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

The late Kobe Bryant’s daughter Natalia, 18, made her Met Gala debut in a puffball sequin dress. 

Co-chair Timothee Chalamet attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Co-chair Timothee Chalamet attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Actor Timothee Chalamet paired Converse with white plus-fours and a double breasted tuxedo jacket from Haider Ackermann, in a nod to Gatsby chic.

Dan Levy attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Dan Levy attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Schitt’s Creek co-writer and star Dan Levy made a powerful statement in an ensemble by Loewe’s Jonathan Anderson. The bodice of the blue outfit featured a queer couple kissing, which, he told Vanity Fair prior to the event, was in celebration of “the resilience and the love and the joy” of the LGBTQIA+ community.  

Whoopi Goldberg attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Whoopi Goldberg attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Whoppi Goldberg opted for a tri-tone Valentino look for her turn on the red carpet. 

Carey Mulligan attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Carey Mulligan attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Carey Mulligan paired a cape, worn off-the-shoulder, with a huge, hot pink dress by Valentino. 

Gemma Chan attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Gemma Chan attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Getty Images)

Gemma Chan had one of the biggest trains of the evening: a pale green satin number, cascading down from an embellished mini dress, by Prabal Gurung. 

Watch: Elliot Page makes first red carpet appearance at Met Gala since disclosing he’s transgender