Dwyane Wade, Eileen Gu and 4 athletes rock diamonds and couture at Met Gala 2022

The Met Gala is a celebration of fashion that has evolved into one of the world’s most-watched red carpet events. The event explores fashion’s connection to and influence on history, culture and the arts. 

Over the years, themes have ranged from celebrating gothic aesthetics to religious symbolism. Celebrities, designers, and athletes gather at Met Gala 2022 to celebrate the opening of the "In America: An Anthology of Fashion” exhibition. Guests walked the red carpet in designs that nod to the evening's "gilded glamour" dress code.

Sports have always played a heavy influence on American pop culture. From baseball caps (Kylie Jenner’s backwards baseball cap look this year) and Air Jordans transitioning into fashion trends to athletes expressing their style through jewellery and, in many cases, their own fashion labels, sport-inspired apparel is a crucial piece of Americana. 

Fashion on-court transcends beyond its utilitarian appeal and has seeped into all corners of social media. Stylish athletes are doubling as fashion icons, models, and brand ambassadors. And the inspiration goes both ways. Fashion now takes cues from sports apparel and has given rise to the 330.97 billion athleisure industry and elevating sportswear into luxury status in some cases. 

So it’s no surprise that some of the world’s most recognisable American athletes took turns under the spotlight on the Met Gala red carpet this year. Here, we look at who was there and what they wore. 

Russell Westbrook