Athletes and celebrities take sports to Met Gala

By: Bernadette D’Auria

With the return of the Met Gala, Andrew Bolton, the Wendy Yu Curator in Charge of the Costume Institute, chose the theme “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” Many attendees showcased American fashion trends through the years and took inspiration from staples of American culture. One of the most popular facets of American culture on display was the nation’s dedication to sports.

Among the attendees were professional athletes, from American basketball stars Russell Westbrook and Stephen Curry to Olympians Simone Biles and Allyson Felix.

Some athletes and attendees took direct inspiration from different sport disciplines when collaborating with their designers. 

Nia Dennis, a 22-year-old gymnast and former member of the United States women’s artistic gymnastics team, attended the event adorned in a sparkly, bright blue Adidas by Stella McCartney bodysuit, which she later topped with a blue diamond net layer. When making her debut onto the red carpet, she performed a gymnastics routine that included switch leaps and a cartwheel-back handspring-back layout. 

Serena Williams, professional tennis player and 23-time Grand Slam singles winner, graced the Met Gala red carpet in a “superhero-inspired” outfit. 

Athletes were not the only individuals who were embodying American athletics at the event. American singer, songwriter, model and businesswoman Ciara Wilson attended the event in a lime green sequin dress. The dress was themed after the jersey of her husband, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.