Baby bump debuts and Anna Wintour’s relationship reveal: Here are the 2023 Met Gala’s best moments

While the looks at the 2023 Met Gala were definitely show-stopping, it wasn’t just the fashion that captured our attention on the red carpet on Monday night. At this year’s ball, which drew its theme from the Costume Institute exhibit, Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty, there were plenty of surprises in store, including relationship reveals and baby bump debuts. Meanwhile, the nods to Lagerfield were on display in full force, from A$AP Rocky’s high collar to Jared Leto quite literally dressing up like Choupette, Lagerfeld’s famous feline friend. Here’s a look at all the best moments at the 2023 Met Gala.

Anna Wintour debuted her new boyfriend, Bill Nighy

Vogue chief Anna Wintour walked the steps of the Met arm-in-arm with actor Bill Nighy, much to the internet’s delight. Following years of rumours, the two took the 2023 Met Gala as the opportunity to confirm their relationship. She wore a gown and coat from Chanel’s SS23 collection, while Nighy opted for a sleek navy suit.

Baby bump debuts

Two of the night’s A-list guests accessorised their black dresses with pearls — and a growing baby bump. Both Karlie Kloss and Serena Williams waited for the Met Gala steps to reveal that they are each expecting their second child.

Kim Kardashian kept it low-key

While fashion enthusiasts have come to expect Kim Kardashian to make an outsized statement at the Met Gala (who could forget last year’s Marilyn moment), one of the unexpected surprises of the night was her fairly low-key pearl-draped dress from Schiaparelli.

An ode to Choupette

While Karl Lagerfeld’s beloved feline companion did not make it to the Met Gala herself, she was sure there in spirit! Many of the night’s guests chose to interpret the night’s theme (which was a tribute to Lagerfeld’s life and work) by paying homage to Choupette. From handbags on Chloe Fineman to full-body costumes donned by Jared Leto and Doja Cat, there was no shortage of cool cats on the carpet.

Lil Nas X came dressed in silver body paint

Lil Nas X made the case that less is more on the red carpet of the Met Gala when he showed up in a lot of silver body paint, rhinestones and pearls and not much else (save for a metallic thong, silver boots, and a bejewelled face mask). Like the similarly feline-inspired Doja Cat, he seemed to have a good time meowing at reporters on his way into the event.

Janelle Monáe’s red-carpet transition

After stepping onto the red carpet in a menswear-inspired coat— complete with a Choupette-esque purse — Janelle Monáe did a quick change right in the middle of the Met stairs, as two helpers unwrapped layers of her look to reveal a sheer ensemble below. 

A cockroach became the unofficial mascot

While photographers at the Met Gala yell over each other to get the perfect shot, one photographer had no competition shooting an unwelcome guest on the carpet. A cockroach was the object of his camera lens, and it has since been hailed the ‘unofficial mascot’ of the Met Gala by the internet.

Rihanna makes her entrance

After the rest of the guests had made their way into the museum for the night’s festivities, and even after that cockroach made its appearance, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky finally made their way up the red carpet to close out the show (her look also had two phases, which she revealed as she walked up the steps).