Arguably modern fashion's most iconic night, The Met Gala took place in all its grandeur on Monday 2 May 2022, with a sparkle of yesteryear drama. This year's theme was not without its controversy, celebrating the Gilded Age through the anthology and origins of American fashion from the late 1800s to 1900. Think Bridgerton-like opulence, but set in the United States.
As always, stars flocked to the red carpet to walk the steps of the famed Metropolitan Museum in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, bringing with them a swarm of glamour and glitz for the evening's festivities.
Here's Esquire Singapore's round-up of the men who wore their Gilded Glamour best.
1 / 20
Shawn Mendes in Tommy Hilfiger
It’s giving Disney Prince meets Doctor Strange, but we’re here for it all.
2 / 20
Kid Cudi in Kenzo
A little strike of cobalt blue lightning always help defineth the modern gentleman.
3 / 20
Jack Harlow in Givenchy
There was definitely potential for this to look like a creased mess, but Harlow keeps it First Class all the way.
4 / 20
Ryan Reynolds in Ralph Lauren Purple Label
What can’t Ryan Reynolds do?
5 / 20
Stormzy in Burberry
Heaven shineth down on Stormzy’s three-piece Burberry suit, who nails the white-tie brief.
6 / 20
Austin Butler in Prada
If this isn’t the ultimate Regency bachelor vibe, we don’t know what is.
7 / 20
Lin-Manuel Miranda in custom Paul Tazewell
The multi-talented co-Chair of this year’s Gala brings classic American gentleman to the red carpet in the way only Lin-Manuel can.
8 / 20
J Balvin in Ralph Lauren
Continuing the classic tuxedo silhouette by Ralph Lauren this year, we’re loving the cane that rounds off this dapper ‘fit.
9 / 20
Harris Dickinson in Dior
If you’re going to make your Met Gala debut, this is how to do it. Regal and memorable.
10 / 20
Pete Davidson in Dior
His date might’ve been the talk of the town, but Pete Davidson doesn’t miss a beat in this Dior black-and-white suit – with a nice little Or&Elle pocket detail to match. Happy Met Gala Mr. Davidson.
11 / 20
Paapa Essiedu in Off-White
Genderless fashion made a meaningful statement on this year’s red carpet and
12 / 20
Sebastian Stan in Valentino
Does it fit the theme? We’re not so sure. But how can you fault a man who’s willing to wear hot pink head-to-toe? We (Seb) Stan.
13 / 20
Jacob Elordi in Burberry
Though he didn’t quite get the white-tie memo, Jacob Elordi’s sequinned suit was hard to pass by, beaded by Burberry.
14 / 20
Ashton Sanders in Casablanca
It’s serving regal with modern marching-band-corsetry-perfection and he’s nailing every minute of it.
15 / 20
Johnny Suh in Peter Do
The K-Pop sensation from NCT made his debut on the Met Gala carpet this year and he sure left a satined impression.
16 / 20
Evan Mock in Head of State
Talk about intersectionality; the rebooted Gossip Girl star dripped with glamour in this corseted suit – proving there’s no one way to bring masculinity to the fashion table.
17 / 20
Fredrik Robertsson in Iris Van Herpen
The 50-year old actor surprised fans in this scaled number, with many confusing him for his Gucci-adorning doppelgänger, Jared Leto. We don’t know how he pulled this one off, but for figuring out how to wear this jumpsuit at all, he’s on our list.
18 / 20
Regé-Jean Page in Armani and Cartier
No best-dressed list about the Gilded Age can be complete without this breakout Bridgerton star. He’s thriving in this velvet tux and we couldn’t be happier for him.
19 / 20
Thomas Doherty in Dior
Another breakout Gossip Girl star, Thomas Doherty met the brief and then some, in this custom Dior. Plus, the soft grey is perfect for the era.
20 / 20
Alessandro Michele and Jared Leto in Gucci
Never one to disappoint, rounding off our best dressed men cohort is the inimitable Jared Leto. Sure it’s a little bit 70s with the long, beachy locks, but with Alessandro Michele by his side, this look just makes us want to go out on the town and dance with our friends – elegantly, of course.
