The stars channeled the iconic Chanel bride for fashion’s biggest night out.
When news of the 2023 Met Gala’s theme, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” broke, it was clear that we would be treated to a stunning array of bridal-inspired gowns. Karl Lagerfeld’s signature “Chanel bride” had been a fixture at the end of Chanel Haute Couture shows since the late 1980s, so it was only fitting that this year’s Met Gala pay tribute to the late designer with a selection of wedding dresses worthy of the Chanel runway.
Co-chaired by Anna Wintour, Michaela Coel, Penelope Cruz, Roger Federer, and Dua Lipa, the 2023 Met Gala boasted some of the most impressive fashion choices seen on a red carpet in recent years. While many celebrities wore pieces from Lagerfeld’s extensive career, including his time at Fendi and Chloé, it was the bridal looks that truly captured our attention.
To celebrate the stunning brides who graced the Met steps this year, we have rounded up the most beautiful wedding-worthy gowns from the 2023 Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala.
1. Penélope Cruz in Vintage Chanel
Penélope Cruz was a vision of beauty at the 2023 Met Gala in a vintage hooded ensemble from Chanel Couture’s Spring/Summer 1988 collection. Her exquisite wedding-inspired outfit featured white pearl buttons, a full ball gown skirt, and intricate silver sequin embellishments, making it one of the most breathtaking looks of the night. Cruz looked every bit the fairytale bride in this enchanting creation.
2. Dua Lipa in Vintage Chanel
Dua Lipa made a striking statement at the 2023 Met Gala with a stunning white ball gown from Chanel’s 1992 Haute Couture collection. The vintage outfit boasted a drop waistline, scoop-neck silhouette, and a full skirt, exuding sophistication and glamour. It was an excellent choice for brides who appreciate the elegant and baroque style, and Dua Lipa carried it off with effortless grace.
3. Lala Anthony in Sergio Hudson
Sergio Hudson created a breathtaking one-shoulder trumpet gown for Lala Anthony that perfectly captured the full bridal white aesthetic at the 2023 Met Gala. Anthony’s modern take on bridalwear was both sexy and sophisticated, accentuated by her unique accessory choices. The stunning gown showcased her curves while retaining an elegant silhouette, and we were thoroughly impressed with the overall look.
4. Nicole Kidman in Vintage Chanel
Nicole Kidman graced the 2023 Met Gala in a vintage Chanel gown, originally featured in the brand’s former Chanel N°5 advertising campaign. The beautiful blush hue, intricate feather embroidery, and veil-like shoulder streamers made it a perfect bridal-inspired outfit. The elegant dress showcased Kidman’s refined taste and sense of style, while the subtle embellishments added a touch of glamour to the overall look. It was a stunning ensemble that perfectly captured the essence of a fairytale bride.
5. Alia Bhatt in Prabal Gurung
The train on Alia Bhatt’s wedding gown designed by Prabal Gurung was simply mesmerizing! Drawing inspiration from Chanel’s signature aesthetics, Gurung crafted an alluring drop-waist dress featuring an allover pearl-encrusted design with a full cathedral train. The outfit exuded sophistication and glamour, and Bhatt carried it off with effortless grace. The train added an element of drama to the ensemble, making it one of the most unforgettable looks of the evening.
6. Gisele Bündchen in Vintage Chanel
Gisele Bündchen looked every bit like a bridal angel straight out of Victoria’s Secret at the 2023 Met Gala. Her outfit, a beautiful creation pulled from Chanel’s Spring 2007 Haute Couture collection, was an excellent choice for the event. The simplicity of the column silhouette was perfectly complemented by the dramatic feather overcoat, creating an intriguing contrast that captured the attention of everyone on the red carpet. It was a stunning and unique ensemble that showcased Bündchen’s impeccable fashion sense.
7. Imaan Hammam in Standing Ground
Imaan Hammam’s stunning long sleeve white gown, designed by Standing Ground, was a modern and sexy take on bridalwear at the 2023 Met Gala. While not a traditional iteration of bridalwear, this unique ensemble was perfect for a winter, city-chic wedding. The dress perfectly complemented Hammam’s figure, showcasing her curves in all the right places. The simple yet elegant design made a bold statement on the red carpet and showed that brides can embrace contemporary fashion and still look stunningly bridal.
8. Keke Palmer in Sergio Hudson
Keke Palmer was a vision of elegance and beauty at the 2023 Met Gala, wearing a stunning strapless design by Sergio Hudson. The dress featured Lagerfeld’s signature Chanel fabric, tweed, which was a perfect choice for the event. Palmer also gave a subtle nod to bridal wear with her “something blue” cape, which doubled as a train, adding a touch of drama to her overall look. The outfit was a perfect blend of classic and modern styles, showcasing Palmer’s impeccable fashion sense and making her one of the standout stars of the evening.
9. Halle Bailey in Gucci
Halle Bailey made a stunning statement on the red carpet at the 2023 Met Gala in a semi-sheer lace gown designed by Gucci. The bold and daring look was perfect for the bride who wants to push the boundaries of traditional bridal fashion. The intricate lace detailing and daring cutouts showed off Bailey’s figure in all the right ways, while the full skirt and train added a touch of classic elegance to the ensemble. Overall, Bailey’s look was a perfect balance of daring and elegant, proving that bridal fashion doesn’t have to be boring or predictable.
10. Ava Max in Christian Siriano
Ava Max made a fashion statement at the 2023 Met Gala with a stunning wedding dress designed by bridal fashion expert Christian Siriano. The pearl-encrusted top and headpiece perfectly complemented the voluminous tulle skirt, making it one of the most luxurious and elegant bridal-inspired dresses of the night. With a modern twist and a nod to the late designer Karl Lagerfeld, Ava Max’s ensemble was contemporary and trendy, showing that bridal fashion can be both timeless and on-trend. Siriano’s exquisite design and attention to detail made sure that Ava Max was a standout on the red carpet, capturing the essence of bridal glamour in a unique and unforgettable way.
11. Lea Michele in Michael Kors
At the Met Gala, it’s expected to see at least one fully sequined gown, and this year Lea Michele did not disappoint. The actress wore a daring silver mirror gown designed by Michael Kors, which featured fringe detailing and a medium-sized bow at the neckline. For brides with a love for disco and glamour, this look is sure to inspire.
12. Anne Hathaway in Atelier Versace
Anne Hathaway’s Atelier Versace gown at the Met Gala was a stunning interpretation of the Chanel bride look, with a sexy twist. The dress would be perfect for formal engagement parties or rehearsal dinners, and is ideal for brides who prefer a more maximalist aesthetic.
13. Nicola Peltz Beckham in Valentino
Nicola Peltz Beckham’s Valentino gown at the 2023 Met Gala is perfect for brides looking for warm-weather wedding inspiration. The flowy silhouette and strapless neckline give off spring and summer vibes that would be perfect for an outdoor wedding.
14. Elle Fanning in Vivienne Westwood
It sounds like Elle Fanning’s Met Gala look was the perfect mix of classic bridal elements and modern twists. The white lace gown from Vivienne Westwood likely gave off a romantic and traditional vibe, while the black jacket provided a edgy and unexpected touch. And, of course, the flower crown and bouquet added a touch of whimsy and nature-inspired beauty.
15. Mindy Kaling in Jonathan Simkhai
That sounds like a great choice for a bride who wants a timeless and elegant look on her wedding day. Simple and understated accessories can let the dress shine, and a strapless neckline is always a classic choice.
16. Ice Spice in Balmain
Sporting a sleek long sleeve getup by Balmain, Ice Spice’s 2023 Met Gala dress is a bridal-inspired look for those who favor pared-back but sexy styles. We adore the non-traditional design elements of the look, including the sheer paneling and the body-hugging silhouette.
17. Miranda Kerr in Dior
Miranda Kerr’s Dior gown was a show-stopping look at the 2023 Met Gala. The elegant A-line dress featured a strapless neckline and a full tulle skirt with floral appliques, giving off a dreamy and romantic vibe. We agree that this dress could certainly serve as inspiration for brides looking for a classic and timeless wedding gown.
18. Rihanna in Valentino
Last, but certainly not least, Rihanna was the true belle of the ball at the 2023 Met Gala (obviously!). For this year’s red carpet, the singer and beauty mogul donned a spaghetti strap Valentino dress, a major bridal trend from the Spring 2024 Bridal Fashion Week collections.
