The Met Gala isn’t your average red carpet event — it’s a chance to break out of formal expectations in favour of fashion-forward creations. This year’s celebration of Rei Kawakubo/Comme Des Garçons gave attendees license to aim for the avant-garde when getting dressed for the gala, but most men still opted for a traditional tuxedo. While they looked good, they were ultimately forgettable on a night where you’re expected to bring your A-game. The men that opted for bold looks, inspired by Kawakubo’s subversive attitude towards design, are the ones who stood out and stole the show.
KILTED OUT

Fashion has always loved a kilt, but it still isn’t something that most men are willing to embrace. Matthew Rhys broke one out for the occasion, but ditched the tartan for an all-black iteration that added a bit of edge. Gucci’s Alessandro Michele, meanwhile, layered one over pants and under an eye-catching blazer, a combination that was true to both his designs for the brand and the theme of the event.
CAPED CRUSADERS

Capes are antiquated and impractical in today’s world, but if there ever was a time to revisit them, the Met Gala is it — something Vogue’s Hamish Bowles knew all too well, choosing to indulge with a peacock embroidered version. Sean Combs’ is actually an oversized, embellished coat, worn slung over his shoulders.
SEEING RED

Red was a popular colour among the female attendees, but only a few men were brave enough to pull off the bright hue. Unsurprisingly, Rami Malek was one – he has shown himself to be a fashion risk-taker, and this crimson ensemble is no exception. Joe Jonas took a slightly more muted approach, pairing his merlot pinstriped suit with black underpinnings.
EDGY ENSEMBLES

Opting to ditch suits entirely, Jayden Smith and ASAP Rocky wore monochromatic, modern outfits with different approaches — Smith’s, a long coat and slim pants; Rocky’s a denim jacket and jeans with a white turtleneck. Both ended up with similar footwear choices, though: trendy square-toed boots with a Cuban heel — who doesn’t want a little bit of extra height?
STATEMENT MAKERS

A suit or a tuxedo wasn’t necessarily the wrong choice for the event, but they needed to be something special to make sense for the occasion. Case in point: Lewis Hamilton and Michael B. Jordan. Hamilton’s vibrant green velvet jacket and choice of accessories were unique, while Jordan’s double-breasted suit was impeccably cut but still had a sense of punk to it thanks to the plaid pattern.