Russell Westbrook, Odell Beckham Jr., Chloe Kim among athletes rocking diamonds and couture at Met Gala 2022

Gloria Fung

Russell Westbrook, Odell Beckham Jr., Chloe Kim among athletes rocking diamonds and couture at Met Gala 2022 image

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 gathered at Met Gala 2022 Monday to celebrate the opening of the "In America: An Anthology of Fashion” exhibition. Guests walked the red carpet in designs that nodded 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 jewelry and, in many cases, their own fashion labels, sports-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 billion-dollar athleisure industry and elevating sportswear into luxury status in some cases. 

So it’s no surprise that some of the world’s most recognizable 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
 

The LA Laker’s affinity for fashion is undeniable — he founded fashion brand Honor the Gift in 2017, creating designs that take inspiration from the Inner City of Los Angeles. The NBA star answered the event’s brief with a jacket and kilt plus a top hat. 

Odell Beckham Jr. 
 

The Los Angeles Rams star took athleisure to the next level with a green velvet hoodie look. He brought that NFL bling with him by way of plenty of diamond pave chains, rings and a grill. 

Dwyane Wade
 
Wade accessories his shirtless white suit look by Versace with a diamond necklace and a Bird Brooch from Tiffany & Co. Adding to that gilded age drama, he further accessorizes with a cane.

Chloe Kim


Shining brighter than her Olympic gold medals, snowboarder Chole Kim arrived on the Met Gala red carpet in a white ball gown adorned with red feathers by Giambattista Valli.

Eileen Gu

An ambassador for Louis Vuitton, the skier walked the red carpet in a leather ensemble from the brand’s archives- the edgy look dates back to a 2017 collection. Gu also opted to wear a pair of black Bone Cuffs from Tiffany & Co, of which she’s also an ambassador.

 


Venus Williams

The tennis legend drops the evening gown for a three-piece suit in black by Chloe. She accessorized her look with bedazzled braids and a statement necklace. 
 

Gloria Fung

Gloria Fung Photo

Health & Fitness Editor