On May 1, celebrities across industries, from entertainment to fashion, stepped out for “fashion’s biggest night out,” also known as the Met Gala. The fundraising event features a theme every year–and this year was no different.
Some of the hottest names, from Rihanna to Doja Cat and Usher, graced the red carpet with looks honoring the late iconic designerKarl Lagerfeld.
If you missed any extravagant looks, no worries. The Shade Room rounded up some of the most creative, on-theme, and overall stunning looks.
And while the extravagant fashion keeps folks tuning into the event, last night also provided a few unforgettable moments for those enjoying the festivities from home.
From Serena Williams’ announcing her pregnancy to a cockroach making its red carpet debut, keep scrolling to see what folks are cackling and chatting about hours after the Met.
#1
Party Of 4! Serena Williams & Alexis Ohanian Reveal They're Expecting Their Second Child
Congratulations are in order for Serena Williams and her husband of nearly five years Alexis Ohanian!
Just as the stars began walking the Met Gala carpet, the couple announced they plan to expand their family by one in 2023.
Serena kept the announcement subtle, sharing photos of her and Alexis in their gala fits, including one of her cradling her growing baby bump.
“Was so excited when Anna Wintour invited the 3 of us to the Met Gala,” the tennis champion wrote in her Instagram caption.
Mama Williams wore a black,curve-hugging Gucci dress with a white tulle bottom and sparkly trims for baby’s first red carpet debut. She accessorized the look with a black cropped blazer, layers of pearl necklaces, and a matching pearly headband.
Alexis complimented his wife in a clean-cut black tux with the fly shoes to match!
Lala Puts Diddy In The Hot Seat Over 'Dating' Yung Miami
Lala tapped into her interviewer’s side when Diddy and Yung Miami spoke to her on the Met Gala carpet!
In mid-April, the City Girls rapper appeared on the cover of The Cut and spoke generously about her career and lack of privacy. But she also touched on the romance that had the innanet in a chokehold for most of 2022–Brother Love and Caresha. She revealed that they’re single but “still good friends.”
Friendly enough to attend one of fashion’s biggest nights together! Last night, Lala leaned into this ‘single’ claim, directing her energy at Diddy, who appeared to be ‘sweating bullets.’
“Do y’all officially go together real bad, I’m asking, I want to know,” Lala asked, as Diddy dabbed at his forehead and Miami chuckled.
As Lala continued to press on, Diddy responded, “I don’t know what you’re asking me.” Eventually, the uncoupled pair agreed they were going “together real bad” as each other’s dates for the night.
“It’s just a good date night,” Miami added.
He even called the Miami artist his “best friend,” whom he was blessed to have as his date!
“We don’t put titles on it, everybody wants us to put a title on it, we don’t put titles on it. This is like my best friend in the world. One of the most beautiful people God has blessed me to meet and I’m blessed that she’s my date tonight.”
#3
A Cockroach Makes Its Red Carpet Debut
While the Met Gala is a glamorous and ‘rich life’ event, not everyone who attended last night fits that category!
A cockroach surprised guests and media as it crawled across the carpet. It’s unclear where the unwelcomed guest came from, but the moment, captured on camera, had people in tears online.
The critter even dared to try to climb a photographer’s leg.
Kitty Couture: Jared Leto And Doja Cat Honor Karl Lagerfeld's Cat Choupette
The night might’ve honored Karl Lagerfeld, but his catChoupette also got some red-carpet love. Meanwhile, the beloved pet announced it would stay at home in Paris.
“A million thanks to all of you my fans, animal lovers & Daddy’s admirers. You have all shown the kindest enthusiasm and unconditional support, I say MERCI! Many people invited me to walk the red carpet of the #METGALA2023 in tribute to Daddy, but we preferred to stay peacefully & cozy at home. We pay tribute to my Daddy every day since his parting and we are very moved to see one more day dedicated to him.”
Still, at least two celebrities paid tribute to Karl’s favorite. Actor Jared Leto embodied Choupette with a kitty-look-a-like costume.
Meanwhile, Doja Cat went subtle visually, but her demeanor and answers in a red-carpet interview were all-kitty. She wore a silver and white Oscar De La Renta gown with a hoodie featuring cat ears. She wore a prosthetic cat nose, bleached brows, and cat ears.
But what stunned fans and critics online was how she maintained her cat persona when Vogue attempted to interview her.
#5
New Meme On The Block! Kim Kardashian, Usher And Pete Davidson Captured In 4K
One thing significant events like the Met Gala typically bring about are moments for the internet to meme. And last night gave just that when photos captured Usher and ex-baes Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson speaking inside the event.
It’s unclear what the trio discussed, but at first glance, the pictures seem to show an annoyed Kim as Davidson interrupts the conversation. However, that’s all speculation, and none of the parties involved have said anything online about the moment.
Folks online are drawing conclusions based on Kimmy and Petey’s past, which includes dating amid Kim’s divorce from Kanye West last year. Their romance began after Kim hosted Saturday Night Live and reportedly ended last summer.
RELATED: Kim Kardashian & Pete Davidson Call It Quits (Breakups)
Cassandra Santiago is a multimedia journalist, editor, and editorial strategist with over a decade of experience shaping conversations across arts, entertainment, culture, and global news. A graduate of the University of Iowa, she has built a cross-platform career spanning newspapers, magazines, radio, and digital media.
She joined The Shade Room five years ago and currently serves as a Senior Editor, where she leads editorial direction, oversees exclusive coverage, and trains and edits a team of writers. Cassandra has played a key role in developing high-impact content and editorial strategies for an audience of more than 30 million, contributing to platform growth, engagement, and monetization across multiple channels. In addition to her leadership role, she remains a daily contributor, with her articles generating more than 41 million views since 2023.
Beyond The Shade Room, Cassandra offers freelance social media strategy services, speaks on the influence and impact of Black media at public panels, and owns Did It For You, an event design company in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. She is Poynter Institute–certified and was named to the DMV’s 35 Under 35 list in 2024.
