How 'The White Lotus' cast interpreted the Met Gala’s most stylish theme—Black dandyism

It’s fashion’s biggest night—one that serves big brand collaborations and celebrates the ever-evolving alliance between designers and celebrities. But what really makes the annual Met Gala, a fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, a challenge and opportunity for the attendees is its theme which takes from the exhibition on display. This year, ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ (scheduled to open on May 10) inspired the dress code, ‘Tailored For You’ that takes cue from the book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity by professor Monica L Miller, published in 2009. Based on the idea of Black identity, menswear, and its cultural and political resonance alongside a complex legacy, the theme was interpreted in myriad ways at the MET Gala. 

Apart from the usual Hollywood guests (and a historic South Asian representation!) pop culture’s powerful moments on the red carpet stood out the most. This included the cast of the American dark comedy and drama, The White Lotus. The show that wrapped up its third season this April was represented by British actor Aimee Lou Wood, Thai mega star Lisa of Blackpink, and American actor Walton Goggins—all making their Gala debuts, apart from MET regular, American actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

How did they fare? Wood, whose toothy smile arguably courted more discussion than her outstanding performance in the show wore London-based Indian-Nigerian designer, Priya Ahluwalia in a reimagined suit that the designer told media publications paid ode to Sapeurs, part of Congolese subcultural movement La Sape, speaking of resistance, heritage, and African dandyism. Her Manolo Blahnik heels and floral-encrusted socks by Bombas completed the look. On the other hand, Lisa went head-to-toe Louis Vuitton in lace and sheer details (and allegedely, and controversially, Rosa Parks on her undergarment?), while Goggins made a case for fluidity in a Thom Browne look featuring a signature inside-out skirt. For Schwarzenegger, it was Balmain for the evening—the monochrome monotony broken with a delicious side of silken yellow and a deep wine Anthem clutch by the brand. 

The cast’s appearance was a vote for individualistic glamour and also for the new-era of pop culture ruled by K-pop, OTT, and the global celeb. We are here for the age of pop culture dominance, and if Diljit Dosanjh wasn’t proof enough, The White Lotus cast is.

All images: Getty Images

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