The African Beauties Who Ate at the MET Gala | by AMAKA Editorial

The MET Gala is an annual fundraising event held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to raise money for the museum's Costume Institute. The event, which began in 1948, is known for its high-profile attendees and extravagant fashion. Each year, a theme is chosen, and guests are expected to dress accordingly. The year's Costume Institute exhibition, which is planned to be a celebration of the life and work of the late designer, Karl Largerfeld, will include an accompanying show curated by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. From May 5 through July 16, 2023, "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty" will be on display.

A-listers went above and beyond with the dress code, “in honor of Karl.” We picked our top four African beauties who ate and left no crumbs!

Michaela Coel

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The Ghanaian-British actress dazzled in a gilded Schiaparelli gown that gave her somewhat of an ethereal feel. To go with the look, Coel asked her makeup artist, Bernicia Boateng, to give her the glow. Boateng then sought guidance from the legendary Pat McGrath, saying, “Her input was incredible; she advised me on the colours to use and her gorgeous pigments.”

Tems

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Keeping it regal with a monochrome look by Robert Wun, Tems oozed royalty as she strutted the red carpet. The look consisted of a dress with a bustier top that nestled inside a white cascading bottom. To match the corset, Tems wore gloves and a headpiece adorned with dainty feathers.

Anok Yai

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The Egyptian-born South Sudanese supermodel became the first Black model in 20 years to open Prada’s autumn-winter women’s ready-to-wear show in Milan, in 2018 – following in the footsteps of Naomi Campbell who was the very first in 1997. She wore Prabal Burung’s gold sequin and tassel gown with an underflowing mesh skirt and shades that matched her dark chocolate skin.

Adut Akech Bior

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Another stunner from South Sudan is Adut Akech Bior. A former child refugee, Adut later migrated to Australia where she grew up and later joined an agency with the help of her family. For the MET, she wore a striking ruffled black and white Carolina Herrera dress with lace detailing. The bodice was adorned with pearls that made the perfect accessory to the flowerlike ruffles.