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When we heard this year's 2023 Met Gala theme, "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty," we knew that we were in for an assortment of gorgeous bridal-inspired gowns. How? Dating back to the late 80s, Karl Lagerfeld was known to end his Chanel Haute Couture runway shows with a bride, also known as the "Chanel bride." So given that this year's theme set forth to pay homage to the late designer, it only made sense for our favorite celebrities to step out in their best Chanel-worthy wedding dresses fit for the Met stairs.
Hosted by co-chairs Anna Wintour, Michaela Coel, Penelope Cruz, Roger Federer, and Dua Lipa, this year's gala had some of the best fashions we've ever seen on a red carpet. And while many A-list stars wore looks inspired by a variety of Lagerfeld's past collections, including designs from his tenure at Fendi and Chloé, in our opinion, it was the wedding dresses that truly stole the show.
Thus, to honor the beautiful brides we saw on the Met steps this year, here are the most gorgeous wedding-worthy gowns from the 2023 Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala.
Penélope Cruz in Vintage Chanel
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Pulled from Chanel Couture's Spring/Summer 1988 collection, Penélope Cruz looked like a true fairytale bride in this vintage hooded ensemble. Between the white pearl buttons, full ball gown skirt, and silver sequin embellishments, this was one of the best wedding-worthy looks of the evening.
Dua Lipa in Vintage Chanel
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Another vintage look, Dua Lipa turned heads in this gorgeous white ball gown from Chanel's 1992 Haute Couture collection. Featuring a drop waistline and scoop-neck silhouette, this ensemble is for brides with elegant and baroque tastes.
Lala Anthony in Sergio Hudson
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Leaning into the full bridal white aesthetic, Sergio Hudson dressed Lala Anthony in a one-shoulder trumpet gown. Equal parts sexy and sophisticated, we absolutely love Anthony's modern interpretation of bridalwear, especially seen through her unique accessory choices.
Nicole Kidman in Vintage Chanel
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Continuing the archival theme, Nicole Kidman stepped out in a vintage Chanel gown from the brand's former Chanel N°5 advertising campaign. What makes it bridal? Well, everything, from the blush hue to the feather embroidery and the veil-like shoulder streamers.
Alia Bhatt in Prabal Gurung
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One word: Train! We simply cannot get over Alia Bhatt's gorgeous wedding gown designed by Prabal Gurung. Drawing inspiration from Chanel's signature aesthetics, Gurung donned Bhatt in an allover pearl-encrusted, drop-waist dress featuring a full cathedral train.
Gisele Bündchen in Vintage Chanel
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Leave it to Gisele Bündchen to hit the red carpet looking like a Victora Secret bridal angel. Pulled from Chanel's Spring 2007 Haute Couture collection, we absolutely love the simplicity of the column silhouette juxtaposed with the dramatic feather overcoat.
Imaan Hammam in Standing Ground
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Though not a traditional iteration of bridalwear, Imaan Hammam showed up in a gorgeous and sexy long sleeve white gown. Designed by Standing Ground, we can certainly see brides drawing inspiration from this look for a winter, city-chic wedding.
Keke Palmer in Sergio Hudson
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Keke Plamer absolutely stunned at the 2023 Met Gala, wearing a strapless design by Sergio Hudson. Featuring Lagerfeld's signature Chanel fabric, tweed, the actress also gave a subtle bridal nod with her "something blue" cape that doubled as a train.
Halle Bailey in Gucci
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Leave it to Halle Bailey to turn heads on the red carpet in the best way possible. Wearing a semi-sheer lace gown designed by Gucci, Bailey's look is for the bride with bold and daring tastes—one who's not afraid to be a little risqué.
Ava Max in Christian Siriano
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Not only did Ava Max step out in one of the most sumptuous wedding dresses of the evening, but she also tapped bridal designer Christian Siriano to do it in style. Between the pearl-encrusted top and headpiece and the voluminous tulle skirt, Max's ensemble honored the late designer in a contemporary and trendy way.
Lea Michele in Michael Kors
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It wouldn't be an evening at the Met without spotting at least one fully sequined gown. This year, Lea Michele donned a daring Michael Kors silver mirror gown, which featured fringe and a medium-sized bow at the neckline. Disco-inspired brides, this look is for you!
Anne Hathaway in Atelier Versace
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Drawing inspiration from the Chanel bride, but with an incredibly sexy twist, Anne Hathaway's Atelier Versace gown is one we can envision seeing at a formal engagement party or rehearsal dinner. For brides who subscribe to a more-is-more aesthetic, look to Hathaway's Met Gala ensemble for your own bridal wardrobe.
Nicola Peltz Beckham in Valentino
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We love this sweet Valentino look that Nicola Peltz Beckham wore to the 2023 Met Gala. The flowy silhouette and strapless neckline provide warm-weather wedding vibes, especially for brides getting married during the spring and summer months.
Elle Fanning in Vivienne Westwood
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Elle Fanning truly leaned into the bridal spirit at this year's Met, wearing a white lace gown by Vivienne Westwood. She paired her wedding dress with a black cropped jacket (a nod to Chanel’s signature color palette), a flower crown, and a daisy floral bouquet.
Mindy Kaling in Jonathan Simkhai
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Mindy Kaling's Jonathan Simkhai strapless gown is a must-have for brides with a mix of classic and sophisticated aesthetics. You can even follow her styling lead and keep accessories minimal for a lovely wedding day look.
Ice Spice in Balmain
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Sporting a sleek long sleeve getup by Balmain, Ice Spice's 2023 Met Gala dress is a bridal-inspired look for those who favor pared-back but sexy styles. We adore the non-traditional design elements of the look, including the sheer paneling and the body-hugging silhouette.
Miranda Kerr in Dior
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We could absolutely see this Dior gown walking down any wedding day aisle. Miranda Kerr looked like a true bride in this A-line ensemble, and her getup will certainly serve as inspiration for those getting married this year and beyond.
Rihanna in Valentino
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Last, but certainly not least, Rihanna was the true belle of the ball at the 2023 Met Gala (obviously!). For this year's red carpet, the singer and beauty mogul donned a spaghetti strap Valentino dress, a major bridal trend from the Spring 2024 Bridal Fashion Week collections.
