It was the night that the world of fashion had been waiting for, and all eyes turned to New York City for the star-studded event: the Met Gala. Over the years, the annual benefit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art has been “fashion’s biggest night out,” and it has rarely disappointed. Between the Avant guard themes, dazzling guest list, and shocking moments, it’s become an absolute spectacle.
Of course, all of that changed last year when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Met Gala to cancel its yearly event and postpone until a 2021 return. This year, there were a few different elements to the Met Gala. Firstly, the date changed. Within recent years, the Met Gala has been held in May. But due to the health and safety protocols in place, the Met Gala moved its date to September 13.
The evening’s theme — “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” — was also quite different. Now, we’re not saying the evening was a star-spangled spectacle, but you likely saw a mosaic of designs, inspirations, and fashion labels represented. The event’s co-chairs also included Amanda Gorman, Billie Eilish, Naomi Osaka, and Timothée Chalamet, ushering in a new class of public figures who took on the coveted Met Gala roles.
Despite all this excitement and a return to some semblance of normalcy, some famous faces were missing from the 2021 Met Gala arrival carpet. Of the list of celebs who are opted out of this year’s gala, Zendaya was probably one of the most surprising — on a list that also includes Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé. The actress and singer has practically owned the red carpet since her debut in the mid 2010s. Due to a work conflict, however, Zendaya wasn’t be able to attend — but she wasn’t the only one. See which other seemingly skipped the 2021 Met Gala arrival carpet.
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez‘s makeup artist, Hung Vanngo, reportedly confirmed that the singer and actress will not attend this year’s Met Gala. The last time Gomez attended the Met Gala was in 2018, pictured here in a Stuart Vevers for Coach gown.
Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa, who dazzled at the 2019 Met Gala, will also miss out on the night’s festivities. The singer is currently filming her big screen acting debut in Argylle, alongside such A-list talent as Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, and more.
Zendaya
Zendaya has ruled the Met Gala for the past few years. But in 2021, she will not be one of the stars in attendance. The Emmy winner is currently filming the second season of her hit show Euphoria.
“I know that this is the first time people are gonna hear that I’m not going,” Zendaya told Extra. “My fans will be very upset with me. I will unfortunately not be able to attend because I will be working on Euphoria. I got my time off to come here and do this Venice experience, which has been really, really special.”
Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Jessica Parker has always been a staple of the Met Gala. This year, however, the actress is busy filming the mini-series And Just Like That… which follows the women of Sex & The City today. According to Us Weekly, this particular work conflict might mean that SJP will not attend the Met Gala.
Andy Cohen
Andy Cohen has often been BFF Sarah Jessica Parker’s date to the Met Gala. This year, however, he too is taking the night off. “I’m taking a year off,” he told Access Hollywood in August, citing SJP’s production on And Just Like That… for his reason.
Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner announced via her personal Instagram Story that she would not be attending the 2021 Met Gala. Instead, Jenner reminisced on her past looks, including her 2019 gown, pictured here.
Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj revealed on September 13, the day of the 2021 Met Gala, that she contracted COVID-19 and would not be attending. “I was prepping for vmas then i shot a video & guess who got COVID? Do u know what it is not to be able to kiss or hold your tiny baby for over a week?” Minaj tweeted.
Beyoncé
We can’t really imagine the Met Gala withou Beyoncé. And yet, in 2021, the legendary singer did not attend fashion’s biggest night. Instead, Beyoncé was with her family on a European getaway, per Cosmopolitan.
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