This year’s Met Gala had all the makings of an incredible night in fashion. With the theme of 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' in honour of Black dandyism, it was an opportunity for Hollywood’s biggest stars to show out on the blue carpet. So, why did so few major stars actually attend?
While Diana Ross, Doechii and Jodie Turner-Smith all stole the spotlight with their incredible looks, there were more than a few fans watching who dubbed the night ‘boring’ online. Some called out the less than exciting looks, while others lamented seeing so few major stars making a splash as we’ve seen in years gone by. Where was Beyoncé? Lady Gaga? Taylor Swift?
Which celebrities didn’t attend the Met Gala this year?
In fact, the list of celebrities that snubbed the Met Gala this year is long. The aforementioned Beyoncé and Gaga were both busy on tour, while Swift is taking a break from fame after her two-year intensive Eras tour. Other notable absences? Sarah Jessica Parker, who cancelled last minute due to a scheduling conflict, and LeBron James – honorary chair for the evening – who sent his wife in his place after suffering a knee injury.
Parker told reporters last week ‘I have to work… but there’s going to be so much to see, and I look forward to seeing what everybody does, and how they interpret the theme and the homework they did for the assignment.’
Jennifer Lopez also skipped the fundraiser, after serving as co-chair last year, due to scheduling conflicts with filming her new romantic comedy, Office Romance, in… New Jersey (yes, that is all but round the corner from where the Met is held, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City).
Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz were both pegged to attend, but were no shows, and model Naomi Campbell skipped but chose to congratulate Anna Wintour online instead. ‘I was so honored to be invited to tonight’s big event, but regretfully cannot make it,’ she said on Instagram. ‘Even though I’m not there in person, I’m with you all in spirit, carried by the legacy of my beloved friend, the late Andre Leon Talley.’
Other notable absences include Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, Ariana Grande and Gisele Bündchen – none of whom shared reasons why they skipped the big night. At least we got a Rihanna pregnancy reveal though, huh!