Flowers in Fashion: How Flowers Took Centerstage at the 2023 Met Gala

Flowers for Karl

The Met Gala 2023 was a night of glamour, art, and fashion, but it was also a night of remembrance for one of the most iconic designers of our time: Karl Lagerfeld. The late designer, who passed away in 2019, was celebrated throughout the night with stunning fashion and art installations that paid tribute to his legendary career. Many of these installations includes bursting displays of white roses and luxurious flowers, but perhaps most striking of all were the flowers that appeared in the multiple fashion ensembles of the elite guest list, all in honor of Karl and his legendary contribution to the fashion industry. 

Lagerfeld was a fashion icon, known for his creative genius, sharp wit, and unwavering dedication to his craft. Throughout his illustrious career, he served as the creative director of iconic fashion houses such as Chanel and Fendi, and his designs were worn by some of the most famous women in the world, from Princess Diana to Beyonce. 

Chanel's Dedication to the Camellia Flower 

The camellia flower is synonymous with the house of Chanel, much like the double-C logo. The beloved flower has been a recurring motif in the brand's jewelry, textiles, and handbags since the 1920s, fashioned from a variety of materials ranging from enamel to rubies. Coco Chanel, the founder of the fashion house, first adorned herself with a silk rendition of the camellia flower in 1913, as it represents the virtues of faithfulness and longevity. This week countless guests displayed varieties of the camellia flower in their stunning attire. 

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs wore one of his own designs: a custom Sean John look created in collaboration with stylist June Ambrose. The all-black outfit, made up of a motorcycle tuxedo decorated with 600 Swarovski crystals and black pearls and a taffeta rainwear puffer cape adorned with over 1,000 custom camellia flowers formed of satin and velvet petals. Combs also wore sunglasses, gloves, and pointed boots — all Lagerfeld signatures.

Honnoring a Legacy

To honor Lagerfeld's legacy, the Met Gala 2023 featured several fashion installations that showcased his iconic designs and creative vision. One of the most stunning displays was a recreation of Lagerfeld's beloved Paris apartment, complete with his signature books, artwork, and objects d'art. The installation was a fitting tribute to the designer, who was known for his love of art and culture.

Donning a hooded gown by Valentino, Rihanna, the singer and beauty mogul from Barbados, paid homage to Chanel's love for flowers by incorporating camellia flowers into her outfit. The gown featured a long train, which added to its regal aesthetic. In addition, the fashion icon sported fingerless gloves as a tribute to the legendary Karl Lagerfeld, who passed away in 2019. Rihanna's attention to detail and her ability to stay on theme made her a standout at the Met Gala 2023.

But it wasn't just Lagerfeld's fashion designs that were celebrated at the Met Gala 2023. Several art installations also paid tribute to the late designer's creative vision and legacy. One of the most striking displays was a series of photographs by Lagerfeld himself, showcasing his talent as a photographer as well as a designer.

The photographs featured some of Lagerfeld's most famous muses, including models Claudia Schiffer and Kate Moss, and captured the essence of Lagerfeld's unique and creative vision. The display was a poignant reminder of Lagerfeld's multifaceted talent and the impact he had on the fashion world and beyond.

Throughout the night, guests also shared their memories and anecdotes about Lagerfeld, paying tribute to his creative genius and unique personality. Actress Cate Blanchett, who worked with Lagerfeld on several projects over the years, spoke about his incredible talent and his ability to create beauty and magic through his designs.

Elle Fanning in Vivienne Westwood and Cartier jewelry, using a beautiful bouquet of white flowers and lush greenery as her staple accessory. 

In conclusion, the Met Gala 2023 was a night of fashion, flowers, art, and celebration, but it was also a night of remembrance for Karl Lagerfeld. The late designer was honored with stunning fashion and art installations that showcased his unique vision and creative genius, and guests shared their memories and anecdotes about Lagerfeld's incredible talent and personality. The event was a fitting tribute to Lagerfeld's enduring legacy and a reminder of the impact that he had on the world of fashion and art.