The first Monday of May is coming up in less than a week and we’re expecting to see these reigning style trends on fashion’s biggest event of the year
The Met Gala, which happens every first Monday of May, is coming up and we’re already feeling the excitement and intensity from miles away. The next few days are going to be at its busiest as celebrities and their respective glam and styling teams prepare their Karl Lagerfeld-inspired ensembles.
There’s still a bit of waiting left, but we can’t pass up the opportunity to predict which of Karl Lagerfeld’s iconic signature designs will be making an appearance at this year’s Met Gala.
Pearls
This specific piece of jewelry was very much loved even before Karl Lagerfeld incorporated it in his designs. Coco Chanel often used this as a classic statement piece that complemented the fashion back then, and Karl Lagerfeld knew just how to add his own touch when he took position. What was often styled with such class was then modernized as Lagerfeld exaggerated the pearls by opting for lengthy necklaces, creating bulky layers, as well as dainty pearl metal chains—a catalyst move that spurred a new fashion in the early 80s.
Fingerless Gloves
This somewhat subtle detail definitely contributed to the fashion of punk. It was fitting for Karl Lagerfeld to add such an edge in his designs since he never once backed down from creating a groundbreaking concept. And with a knack for dark set designs, as seen on his post-apocalyptic runway back in 2013, we see a glimpse of the designer’s taste towards grunge every time he releases a collection that features fingerless gloves.
Tweeds
The first thing we think about when Chanel comes to mind? Definitely tweeds. It’s been a signature material for the French House ever since Karl Lagerfeld even stepped up to the role as their Creative Director. Classic cuts and sleek forms were introduced by Coco Chanel, while Lagerfeld often pushed the boundaries of the material. He was able to usher in sensual silhouettes, structured coordinates, and the iconic tweed miniskirt that was seen on everyone in the 90s.
Appliqués; feathers, chains, bows, neckties, cravats, and the Camellia flower
On top of the tweeds, the suiting fabrics, and the pearls, Karl Lagerfeld was a fan of popping a large amount of appliqués in his designs. You’d see it with a simple fitted dress decorated with gold chains, feathers from waist to hem, and the classic Camellia flowers that would be added, especially in his Haute Couture collections. It’s the ideal balance of contemporary and timeless fashion.
Edwardian rock and roll
Edwardian fashion had two distinct styles back then. One looked dainty with their use of lace, florals, and puffed out sleeves, while the other was more relaxed with their straight-cut skirts and footlong coats. Though they might have been a bit contrasting, two details were kept: the hourglass figure and necklaces that had pendants in them—the two of which Karl Lagerfeld incorporated in his designs. He exaggerated the hourglass figure without forcing such restraint by playing with forms, while emblems were seen decorating several pieces that had such flamboyant appliqués on them, making the designs a great play on juxtaposed details from the past and the present.
