Hey everyone, welcome to the MET GALA review. Such an impressive channel we’ve got here. Today, I’ve got a lot to cover. Before diving into the Met Gala, I want to express my gratitude to HelloFresh for sponsoring this video. HelloFresh is America’s top meal kit service, and I’ve been a fan for quite some time. Trust me, it’s a game-changer. With HelloFresh, you can wave goodbye to the frustration of recipe hunting and grocery store runs. They offer a wide array of meals every week, customizable to your dietary needs, lifestyle, and cooking expertise. Plus, they’re downright delicious. Each week, you receive step-by-step recipes and perfectly portioned, fresh ingredients. And the best part? You have the freedom to skip or pause deliveries without any charges. I recently tried their Creamy Dreamy Mushroom Cavatappi, and let me tell you, it’s a winner. Seriously, HelloFresh needs to be on your radar. And don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Right now, you can visit HelloFresh.com and use the promo code IMPRESSIVE14 to score 14 free meals with free shipping. It’s time to kickstart your healthy eating journey with HelloFresh. Now, let’s get back to business and chat about the 2021 Met Gala.
This year’s theme, “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” encouraged attendees to pay homage to American fashion. The theme allowed for a broad interpretation, giving guests the freedom to express themselves in various styles. While the red carpet lacked overtly outrageous moments, there were several standout looks worth mentioning.
One of my favorite ensembles was worn by Gabrielle Union, who dazzled in an Iris van Herpen dress. The intricate details and scaly pattern of the dress perfectly complemented Gabrielle’s silhouette, making it a standout choice for the evening.
Another memorable look came from Iman, who donned a striking Dolce and Gabbana ensemble. Complete with a woven headdress and caged hoop skirt, Iman’s outfit exuded extravagance and creativity. It was undoubtedly one of the most captivating looks of the night, striking a perfect balance between drama and sophistication without veering into tackiness.
I quite admired Kendall Jenner’s ensemble, featuring a stunning Givenchy gown adorned with encrusted jewels. It exuded elegance and sophistication, fitting her impeccably. While this style has been seen before, its timeless appeal and Kendall’s grace earn it my approval. Simple yet chic, it radiated a dazzling aura.
Lupita’s choice also caught my eye. Her Versace gown, crafted from striated denim, was a brilliant nod to classic American fashion, aligning perfectly with the event’s theme. She looked absolutely fabulous in it, effortlessly merging style and substance.
Chloe and Halle’s attire, designed by Rodarte, was undeniably charming. They resembled living dolls, prompting thoughts of potential collaborations with Barbie. Chloe’s white gown exuded simplicity and class, while Halle’s pink shimmery ensemble exuded a reminiscent aura of Tina Turner. Halle’s innate sense of style and photogenic allure suggest a promising future in the fashion industry, akin to Zendaya’s rise. Her consistency in delivering captivating looks, coupled with her undeniable charisma in front of the camera, positions her as a potential fashion darling in the industry’s spotlight.
Another standout look that caught my eye was Megan Thee Stallion’s ensemble. While perusing through social media comments, I stumbled upon some individuals likening her dress to a prom gown. However, I must confess, I found her look immensely appealing. The meticulous styling of her hair and makeup exuded an aura reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. This, undoubtedly, ranks among Megan’s finest fashion moments in my book. She radiated elegance, donning a dress by Coach, for the record.
Additionally, Normani graced the event in a striking mustard yellow gown from Valentino, and she absolutely owned it. Her attire evoked Princess Tiana vibes, resonating with a regal charm. Although I couldn’t help but imagine how a different hairstyle, perhaps a chic side swoop complemented by a long ponytail, could have elevated her look even further. Nevertheless, overall, I found her appearance quite captivating.
When it comes to men’s fashion, one standout look for me was sported by basketball player Russell Westbrook. I was particularly drawn to his style, especially his vibrant blue-dyed hair adorned with a spray-painted American star. It exuded a sense of patriotism and uniqueness that I found captivating. Unlike the usual monotony of tuxedos, Westbrook’s ensemble had personality, and I thoroughly appreciated that. Another notable mention goes to Lil Nas X, who flaunted three striking golden Versace outfits with flair. His golden attire evoked images of the prestigious Oscar awards, though I’m unsure if that was his intended inspiration. His ensemble, including a dazzling gold sequin bodysuit and a majestic golden cape, exuded a flamboyant and extravagant charm reminiscent of Liberace. It brought a much-needed dose of drama and excitement to the red carpet, and I found his fashion choices truly captivating.
Although I appreciated many of the outfits, some fell short for me. Ciara’s ensemble, for instance, left me wanting more. While her hair and makeup were stunning, the jersey gown didn’t quite resonate with me. I admired her nod to her husband, Russell Wilson, by incorporating his jersey number, and her tribute to an American football team stayed true to the event’s theme. Similarly, Kim Kardashian’s all-black Balenciaga attire aimed to channel Kanye West, her spouse. However, it felt more like a bid for attention rather than a fashion statement. It seemed as though she wanted the spotlight and to reaffirm her allegiance to her husband.
Another perspective I found disappointing was Naomi Osaka’s attire. While she seemed to be aiming for something unique, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Her ensemble ended up reminiscent of Angelica’s doll, Cynthia. Furthermore, her boyfriend Cordae’s outfit gave off Inspector Gadget vibes, which didn’t mesh well with Naomi’s. Though I admire both Naomi Osaka and Cordae, their looks didn’t resonate with me. It pains me to say this, but even Rihanna’s appearance left me underwhelmed this year. Normally, Rihanna is synonymous with jaw-dropping Met Gala looks, so my expectations were high. Unfortunately, her ensemble didn’t meet those expectations. Perhaps I’m missing the deeper fashion statement she’s trying to convey, but it didn’t resonate with me. Similarly, ASAP Rocky’s outfit left much to be desired. His attire reminded me of a bowl of Captain Crunch and Berry cereal, which was far from impressive. Considering their reputation for being fashion icons, I anticipated more from both Rihanna and ASAP Rocky. However, for some reason, their looks fell flat this year. Nevertheless, Rihanna’s outfit is bound to be memorable. Even though I personally didn’t care for it, I can envision others drawing inspiration from it in the future. That’s the thing about trendsetters—they always push boundaries and pave the way for new styles, even if they don’t always resonate with everyone.
Let’s dive into the recent Video Music Awards (VMAs) that took place over the weekend. There were some standout performances, and I’m particularly eager to discuss those by Doja Cat, Normani, and Chloe. Let’s start with Doja Cat. Not only did she host the VMAs, but she also treated the audience to two captivating performances. Firstly, she mesmerized viewers with “Been Like This” from her album “Planet Her,” performing suspended in the air—an enchanting visual reminiscent of Pink’s iconic aerial performances. I appreciated Doja’s knack for reinventing her songs with each performance, keeping them fresh and exciting. Her rendition of “You Right” was equally impressive, featuring a compelling interpretive dance that conveyed a complex narrative of conflicting desires. Doja Cat’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed, as she clinched awards for Best Art Direction alongside Sweetie for “Best Friend” and Best Collaboration with SZA for “Kiss Me More.” While some were surprised by the latter’s victory, I believe it was well-deserved, considering the brilliance of both the song and its accompanying video.
There was something that struck me as odd during Doja Cat and SZA’s award acceptance moment. Doja Cat seemed to dominate the stage, barely giving SZA a chance to speak. Initially, I considered nerves or distraction might have been at play, but upon reviewing the footage, it became apparent that Doja was monopolizing the spotlight. While it’s Doja Cat’s song and she rightfully deserves recognition, SZA’s presence and contribution should have been acknowledged. Even though the song isn’t primarily SZA’s, her part was instrumental in its success, especially on platforms like TikTok. Yet, Doja Cat’s focus seemed to be solely on herself, leaving SZA sidelined and her father unimpressed, as he later criticized Doja’s behavior on Instagram. Despite the awkwardness, SZA handled the situation gracefully, choosing not to escalate the issue. If SZA wasn’t bothered by it, perhaps we shouldn’t be either. However, it would have been more respectful to allow SZA a moment to share her thoughts, in my opinion.
Shifting focus, let’s delve into Chloe Bailey of the dynamic duo Chloe and Halle. Chloe took center stage with her latest single “Have Mercy” at the VMA, marking her solo debut on this prestigious platform. Impressively, Chloe delivered a stellar performance, showcasing impeccable vocals and remarkable breath control. Her energy and intensity electrified the stage, leaving a lasting impression. It was her maiden voyage into full-fledged choreography during a performance, a feat that demands both vocal prowess and physical dexterity. While she demonstrated commendable skill in synchronizing singing with high-energy dance routines, there’s room for refinement. Enhancing control in her movements is an area for growth, a skill that often matures with experience.
Previously, Chloe and her sister Halle predominantly emphasized vocals and stage presence over choreography, showcasing their prowess as performers without the need for intricate dance routines. However, Chloe’s venture into choreography signals a new dimension in her artistic journey. With time and practice, her stage presence will undoubtedly become more polished. Her potential knows no bounds; she’s a multifaceted talent, excelling in singing, production, dance, songwriting, instrument-playing, and acting. Similarly, her sister Halle possesses an equal measure of talent and versatility. The future holds much anticipation as both sisters continue to evolve as solo artists and entertainers.
Chloe draws a lot of inspiration from Beyoncé, which is evident in how she channels her influence. Some people raise concerns about this, but I personally see no issue since Beyoncé serves as her mentor. With time, Chloe will undoubtedly carve out her own artistic identity; we just need to allow her the space to grow.
Now, shifting focus to Normani’s performance of “Wild Side,” it was truly impressive. The execution was flawless, with impeccably polished visuals and choreography. Kudos to her choreographer, Sean Bankhead, for consistently delivering exceptional stage routines. Despite being a late addition to the lineup, Normani showcased incredible talent, pulling off a stellar performance even with limited preparation time. Her vocals and breath control were particularly noteworthy, adding another layer of excellence to her performance.
There were some speculations circulating about whether Normani was lip-syncing during her performance. I came across comments under her video questioning the authenticity of her live singing. However, having witnessed her perform live in person, I can confirm that Normani indeed sang live. The clarity of her vocals and the audible presence of her breath through the microphone left no doubt. Despite her flawless breath control and clean vocals throughout the performance, some may wonder due to her impeccable delivery.
It’s plausible that there was some tuning applied to her voice. Given the energetic nature of her dance routines, it’s understandable if she utilized audio correction to ensure her vocals remained at their best. However, distinguishing between live singing and tuning can be challenging, especially since Normani’s live and recorded performances often sound strikingly similar. I recall watching her perform on Genius, where her rendition mirrored the studio version of “Wild Side.”
An intriguing addition to her performance was the display of her whistle register. This unique vocal technique added a captivating dimension to her presentation. For those unfamiliar, Normani’s ability to utilize her whistle register is certainly impressive.
Let’s dive into the moment that had everyone talking about Normani. During her performance, Normani surprised the audience by bringing out Teyana Taylor and treating her to a choreographed routine. Drawing inspiration from Janet Jackson’s iconic “Would You Mind?” performance, Normani paid homage to the legendary artist. While I respect the tribute to Janet Jackson by both Normani and Teyana, I found this part of the performance somewhat out of place, especially considering that the VMAs were airing on Nickelodeon, which caters to a younger audience. This departure from the family-friendly atmosphere took me by surprise, as I only learned about it afterward. The routine felt disjointed from the rest of the performance and seemed more like a bid for attention than a seamless addition to the show.
Despite my reservations, Normani’s daring move certainly achieved its intended effect. The moment quickly sparked conversation online, with mixed reactions from viewers. While some applauded Normani’s boldness, others questioned the double standard that allows certain artists to push boundaries while others face criticism for similar actions. It’s evident that shock value plays a significant role in today’s music industry, especially during award shows like the VMAs, where grabbing attention is crucial in a landscape where traditional viewership is on the decline. It’s unfortunate that such antics have become almost necessary for artists to remain relevant in the age of social media.
What are your thoughts on this moment? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you enjoyed this discussion. Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to hearing from you.