Kim Kardashian and Rihanna

Photography past Getty Images

Kim Kardashian and Rihanna: The Looks that Broke the Internet

All hail the queens of the 2021 MET Gala.

It's the Tuesday after the second Monday in September, and unsurprisingly all anyone tin talk about is Kim Kardashian, and Rihanna on the 2021 MET Gala ruddy carpet.

Subsequently a COVID-induced hiatus, fashion's most prominent result celebrated its glorious return with stylish stars serving looks inspired by "American Independence," the theme of this year's exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute.

Arguably the most anticipated arrivals of the night — which is proverb something considering the A-listing attendees — Kim Kardashian and Rihanna donned similar all-black ensembles, both by creative director Demna Gvasalia for the French business firm, Balenciaga.


The reality star appeared first in a unique couture gown that came with a matching mask and railroad train. As the ensemble completely obscured Kim's face and torso— which didn't stop the Skims founder from spending hours on her makeup — the Kardashian's entrance sent whispers into the crowds until Kendall Jenner greeted her sis and unmasked (pardon the pun) the guest's identity. Kim was accompanied by Balenciaga'due south designer for the evening, contrary to popular belief that it was a hidden Kanye.

Met Gala Red Carpet 2021
Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Rihanna arrived fashionably late (because of course she did), and she didn't come lone. Making their official debut every bit a couple, A$AP Rocky and the Fenty Dazzler founder coordinated their looks, both rocking voluminous puffer pieces. While the rapper chose a colourful confection past American designer ERL, Rihanna wore a nighttime monochromatic Balenciaga dress, accessorized with Bulgari jewels and a band by Nigerian designer Thelma West.

It has to be said, the gowns that Kim Kardashian and Rihanna wore were odd.

In a sea of denim, ruby, white and blue, Western motifs, patriotic icons and politically-fuelled looks all paying homage to 'In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,' the stark and somewhat minimalist approach the two fashion muses took was a little off-shell. As neither are strangers to dressing on-theme at the MET Gala (see Rihanna's 2017 Pope impression or Kim's campsite look from 2019), it's unclear how wearing a head-to-toe blackness ensemble by a French designer pays homage to the United states.

Merely did they stand up out from the crowd? Yes. And that's precisely the betoken.

Simply put, it took less than a few hours for the two celebrities to become viral. You'll be hard-pressed to observe whatsoever global media outlet that hasn't reposted photos from the MET Gala crimson rug and only a sprinkling who haven't included Kim Kardashian and Rihanna in their photo lineup.

And you lot tin can bet Twitter came through with all kinds of reactions, jokes, and memes. While Rihanna was spared for the most part (although at that place were a few trash handbag references), Kim was most definitely not. The Internet's electric current favourites include comparing her Balenciaga dress to a Dementor from Harry Potter; commenting on the difference aesthetics between her and Kendall Jenner, i.eastward. "me and my feet when I exit;" and then general quotes about hiding in public à la "Me trying to hide from the plans I wish I never said yeah to."

Merely that's what the MET Gala does best — it creates buzz. Considering how short the live result actually is, the press before and after can last for days, sometimes weeks, resulting in a complete social media takeover worldwide.

What makes this such a marquee and trending event is the unparalleled creative opportunity it presents to designers, stylists, and stars. For virtually whatsoever other cherry carpet, the clothing can't be seen as "wearing the person;" the artist has to expect good simply simultaneously shine in their own right. In this case, the exact opposite is truthful equally the line between fashion and costume blurs into an over-the-elevation outfit that virtually consumes its wearer.

Kim Kardashian and Rihanna understood the assignment. Maybe not in terms of the "American Independence" theme of the exhibition, but they made their mark in the cultural zeitgeist, which is what actually counts. Later all, becoming a meme is the Cyberspace's highest accolade.

Get the all-time of Fashion in your inbox Thanks for signing up!

The latest fashion, dazzler and celeb news delivered right to your email #FASHIONforall Now, check your inbox to consummate your subscription

We won't ever use your email accost for annihilation else