Mary J., Megan, Pharrell And Other Black Stars Shine At The Met Gala

The Met Gala rolled out the red carpet after the pandemic canceled last year’s biggest night in fashion, but stars approached the 2021 event with an enthusiasm for its return and appreciation for its theme, “In America.”

Grammy winner Mary J. Blige, wearing a gold gown, said, “New York is looking normal again. People are outside … it’s just a beautiful time to be free. It’s like we have wings again.”

Blige pointed out Americans are still suffering with the Delta variant’s months-long surge driving up infection rates, hospitalizations and deaths, especially among the unvaccinated but applauded efforts to reconnect socially.

Hollywood producer Lee Daniels sported an off-white tuxedo while emphasizing that Black creatives bring glamour to America’s fashion traditions.

The producer of “Precious” and “The Butler” explained, “For me, we set the tone. I think it’s clear to Vogue and Anna Wintour.”

Wintour, who is the longtime editor of Vogue, hosts the Met Gala. The evening brings high-profile names from every industry to The Metropolitan Museum of Art to walk the iconic stairs in ensembles that combine art and fashion.

In a sign of the times, vaccinations were required.

“I have a little anxiety being around people,” admitted Kris Jenner, matriarch of the Kardashian clan. Jenner added she wanted to get inside the venue where she could wear her mask.

From the sports world, Golden State Warriors basketball star Steph Curry and his wife, Aisha, graced the red carpet in stylish evening wear that shied away from the outlandish outfits typically worn at the Met. Singer Ciara represented her husband, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, by wearing a green gown reminiscent of a football jersey with Wilson’s number on it. Track and field Olympian Allyson Felix stunned in a white gown with feathers. And Olympic gymnast Simone Biles described her black-and-white gown as a display of “Black girl magic.”

New York Congresswoman Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez wore a white gown with the words, “Tax The Rich,” down the back of it in red. The designer, Aurora James, also started the 15 Percent Pledge campaign to support Black-owned businesses after the George Floyd killing and protests.

“Everyone signs a contract and there’s over $10 billion right now that’s going to Black-owned businesses across this country because of the 15 Percent Pledge,” James stated. “Also, Vogue took a pledge.”

Black-ish star Tracee Ellis Ross dazzled in an electric blue gown and said, “[I’m] a Black woman showing up … it’s a gorgeous expression of her inner self.”

And, perhaps, singer Pharrell Williams summed up fashion with the night’s most illuminating observation.

“Whether you know it or not,” he said, “[what you wear] is an expression of what you’re thinking and feeling.”