22 Ultra Embellished Beauty Looks That Say 'Met Gala Gilded Glamour'
Opulence, you own everything.
There's nothing quite like a Met Gala theme for being interpreted multiple ways. Yes, 2022's fashion event of the year might be called 'In America: An Anthology of Fashion', but it's the detailed dress code our beady beauty eyes are taking note of.
Listed on invites as 'Gilded glamour: white tie', this year's Met Gala dress code screams OTT hair and make-up opportunities. The first, and most obvious (if less accurate) take on the dress code is practically begging for the A-list to adorn themselves with an abundance of gold, glitter, embellishments and jewels. We're thinking crystallised eyes a la Simone Rocha, Acne-inspired sequin lips and more rhinestones than a Harry Styles tour outfit. If we don't see Gigi Hadid literally gilded with diamond eyebrows, we won't be satisfied.
Then, there's the second layer of the Met Gala dress code mille-feuille. One for the historical fashion buffs attending the proceedings, 'Gilded glamour' technically refers to the Gilded Age of New York, specifically between 1870 and 1890. Or, as we're calling it, the era of sartorial excess. Think indulgent skirt diameters, intricate sky high coifs, plus bows, ribbons and feathers pluming out of any updo available. More is more when it comes to this year's Met Gala and we're into it.
Read on for the bejewelled and bedazzled beauty looks we hoping to see on the A-list at this year's ball...
Simone Rocha AW22
Crystallised eyes take gilded glamour to the next level.
Thom Browne SS19
Prepare to skip the Met Gala dinner with Thom Browne's gold leaf lips.
Dior SS14
We can see these gilded gold brows looking perfect on Maisie Williams.
Etro SS22
One for the boho celebs out there (Sienna, we're looking at you), a sprinkling of rhinestones and tousled hair does the trick.
Fendi SS22
Bring the gilded age into the future with a sci-fi style dotting of diamante.
Amber Valetta at the 2004 Met Gala
Let Amber Valetta show you how it's done with her throwback 2004 Met Gala beauty look complete with regency coiff.
Valentino SS20
Bring the gilding to your eyes and brows a la Valentino.
Vivienne Westwood SS15
Show your revolutionary spirit with Vivienne Westwood's gold script.
Acne SS22
Let your lips do the talking with an embellished sequin pout.
Marco De Vincenzo AW19
Forget freckles, a scattering of rhinestones across your nose says 'Met Gala but make it cute'.
Givenchy SS16
Add a dash of baroque to the proceedings with Givenchy's all over face lace appliqué.
Givenchy SS20
If extravagant face adornments aren't your thing, glowing skin paired with a glittering hairband does the trick.
IA London AW22
Crack out the rollers for a gilded age-esque updo.
Marni AW20
For a more abstract take on the dress code, channel Marni's painterly gold glitter.
Alexander McQueen AW14
Drama, drama and more drama. McQueen's metallic highlights and braided hair give an elven nod to the theme.
Moschino AW20
Regency but make it Moschino. Pracariously towering updos in ice cream shades bring a sense of humour to the most fashion event of the season.
Moschino AW22
Focus on the glamour, rather than the gilding with Moschino's Upper East Side updo.
Thom Browne AW18
If Lil Nas X doesn't spray his hair gold, well, we'll be disappointed.
Valentino AW16
It's all about the hair accessories at the Met Gala. Embrace a more subtle take on the dress code with minimalist gold hair rings.
Dilara Findikoglu AW20
It's giving us Elizabeth I meets Victorian lady's maid and we're here for it.
George Driver was the former Senior Beauty Editor - Digital at ELLE UK.
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