Each year, when the first Monday of May rolls around, the worlds of fashion, art, and glamour awaken in excitement for the Met Gala. This year, stars paid homage to the theme “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” which seamlessly fused technology into rare and delicate pieces of fashion. From floral motifs to elements inspired by forests and nature, the runway dazzled with global icons like Zendaya, Gigi Hadid, Jennifer Lopez, Anna Wintour, Kendall Jenner, and Kim Kardashian, as well as sports stars like Serena Williams and Lewis Hamilton.
Their outfits evoked wonder and admiration, captivating both the fashion world and the internet. As the world continues to buzz about last night’s event, let’s revisit how, in 2021, the worlds of sports and fashion converged with the unforgettable Met Gala outfits of Sha’Carri Richardson, Noah Lyles, and other Olympic stars.
How track and field stars blazed the Met Gala 2021 white carpet
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According to Runners World, in 2021, the Met Gala theme “Celebrating in America: A Lexicon of Fashion” drew several athletes and sports stars to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on September 13 after the Tokyo Olympics. Among them were track and field stars Allyson Felix, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Noah Lyles, who, much like on the track, blazed the white carpet with their powerful style.
On fashion’s biggest night, Sha’Carri Richardson turned heads, attending the Met Gala for the very first time. Before the event, Richardson told Vogue, “I’m very proud of the fact that I’ll be wearing a Black designer tonight, to represent that we’re here and we’re part of America.” She made a fierce statement in a black and red bustier leather gown by designer Theophilio.
Her look was complete with long, vibrant nails in red, black, gold, and white, along with a chic choker, cuff, and lace-up heels. Joining Richardson in her Met Gala debut as well was Allyson Felix, the most decorated female Olympian in track and field. Felix stunned in a custom-made Fendi Couture ball gown.
The breathtaking pastel blue piece was intricately designed and adorned with 240,000 feathers and crystal beads. Allyson Felix looked radiant with her braided hair tied in a high bun, graphic eyeliner, and intricate turquoise jewelry. Joining these gorgeous ladies was the bold Noah Lyles, who had made waves at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, earning a bronze medal in the 200 meters.
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Dressed in an all-white suit designed by Pyer Moss, he accessorized his look with a gold and diamond chain and stylish gold fist cuff links. He also donned a stunning gold Omega Constellation Co-Axial Master Chronometer 39mm watch, adding a touch of luxury to his look. As the night lit up with these three track stars, they weren’t the only sportsmen and women who turned heads.
Other sports icons in attendance
At the 2021 Met Gala, several sports icons made glamorous appearances. Simone Biles took the world of fashion by storm and wore a Swarovski crystal-covered AREA Couture x Athlete gown. Stephen Curry, the NBA player, looked dapper in a custom-embroidered suit by Versace. Naomi Osaka, the tennis Grand Slam winner and Olympian, opted for a Louis Vuitton dress.
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Serena Williams, the tennis champion, stunned in a silver lace catsuit with pink stars by Gucci, paired with an ombre pink feather cape. Other sports icons in attendance included Sunisa Lee, Nia Dennis, Megan Rapinoe, the U.S. women’s soccer star, Nyjah Huston, the Olympic skateboarder, and countless others. With this year marking another Olympic cycle, fans eagerly anticipate seeing these sports stars grace the Met Gala once again in 2025, following the memorable and glamorous display of style witnessed in 2021.