Lively and husband Ryan Reynolds are co-hosts of the event, and while Reynolds wore a more classic Ralph Lauren tuxedo for the “Gilded Glamor and White Tie” theme, Lively stunned with a custom Versace dress inspired by Art Deco design and details of some of New York’s most famous landmarks.
When Lively first arrived, the sparkly, beaded Versace dress was wrapped in an oversized auburn satin bow. But as he ascended the stairs to the entrance to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, his bow was released to reveal the rest of the sweeping ensemble: a long skirt in an aged copper tone, which pays homage to the patina of the Statue of Freedom.
Blake Lively on the red carpet of the Met Gala 2022 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Credit: Angela Weiss / AFP / Getty Images
“I suffered,” Lively told LaLa Anthony during the Vogue live stream. “This dress is a tribute to New York City and so many classic and iconic buildings.” She showed some of the subtle references of the dress: “This is a detail of the Empire State Building, some of the drapery of the Statue of Liberty … (and) the constellation of Grand Central Station.”
Tiaras proved to be the accessory of the night and Lively was one of many to show off the accessory. His was an elegant headband with seven points, another reference to Lady Liberty. Symbolizing the seven continents, the actor explained that they represent “inclusiveness, welcome and freedom”. He also asked jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz to insert 25 stones for the 25 windows of the iconic statues.
“‘Who really counts the stones?’” She recalled Schwartz had asked her. “‘I, I am a Virgin’”, he replied she with a laugh.
“This year it has been particularly nerve-wracking to be one of the hosts,” he told Anthony. “I thought a clear perspective on the subject would be looking at the city I love so much and architecture, rather than just fashion.”