Behind the Scenes at the 2023 Met Gala with Adut Akech and Carolina Herrera's Wes Gordon

One of the biggest Met Gala 2023 trends was undoubtedly black and white, the signature colors of not only Chanel, but Karl Lagerfeld himself. And one of the most memorable gowns in said palette was worn by supermodel Adut Akech, a muse of Lagerfeld, who made history as the second Black model to close a Chanel Haute Couture show as the show's "bride" for the Fall 2018 Collection.

But for Monday's Met Gala, Akech wore a gown by another iconic label, Carolina Herrera. The sheer black and white pleated tulle evening gown with hand-embroidered pearls and flowers was one of the evening's standouts, even as it fit right into the night's big trend. Ahead, see a behind-the-scenes look at the model's evening, courtesy of Carolina Herrera and Creative Director Wes Gordon.

"Tonight is such a special evening to honor the life and work of Karl Lagerfeld, someone I have admired and looked up to my entire career, with whom I’ve cherished working with,” says Adut. ”To be wearing a piece inspired by the legacy of Karl imagined by Wes makes this evening even more special.” 

“Growing up as a young boy who loved to sketch dresses and gowns, ‘fashion’ and Karl Lagerfeld were synonymous," says Wes. "For 85 years, he made the world a more beautiful and interesting place and he will forever be an inspiration to me."

"For Adut’s look, I wanted it to be a celebration of the shared codes of Carolina Herrera and Lagerfeld — of elegance, precision and drama," explains the creative director. "I was drawn to his signature color palette of black and white, with a striking silhouette adorned with two of his signature embellishments that is found in the House of Herrera as well —  pearls and flowers.” 

All eyes on that full skirt as the model heads out the door.

A work of art.

Gordon and Akech take a moment to rest inside the museum.

Not too shabby for a Monday night!