Selena Gomez received criticism for the noticeably heavy spray tan she wore to the 2018 Met Gala. Her overly dark spray tan, frizzy curls, cakey makeup, and a matronly custom Coach ensemble were widely considered unflattering from multiple angles.
Other stars who impressed on the red carpet included Blake Lively in a custom Atelier Versace ruby-red and gold gown paired with Christian Louboutin heels, Rihanna in a beaded Maison Margiela by John Galliano ensemble, and Zendaya channeling Joan of Arc in an Atelier Versace armor-inspired gown with Jimmy Choo ‘Max’ heels.
Selena Gomez sporting an overdone spray tan in her custom Coach ensemble at the 2018 Met Gala.
The Inspiration Behind Selena Gomez’s 2018 Met Gala Look
At first glance, Selena Gomez’s look seemed disconnected from the event’s religious theme. However, in a red carpet interview with Vogue, the singer revealed the deeper inspiration behind her ensemble.
Selena shared that her custom Coach crystal-embellished silk-gauze slip gown with a long train was inspired by the biblical figure Queen Esther.
She incorporated her favorite Bible passage — Proverbs 31:30, which reads, ‘A woman who fears the Lord is a woman who shall be praised’ — by having it inscribed on the front of her custom Coach ‘Kisslock Frame’ handbag and on a delicate ribbon trailing down the back of her dress.
Accessories and Audience Reactions: Hit or Miss?
The then-25-year-old then accessorized with her own $19,500 Tiffany & Co. diamond cross pendant necklace, the same one she wore at her lackluster 2017 AMAs “Wolves” performance. She completed her look with metallic-silver custom Coach ankle-strap sandals featuring the label’s C-links on the toe straps.
When a look requires this much explanation, it often misses the mark. So, was Selena Gomez’s 2018 Met Gala ensemble a fashion risk worth taking—or a total misstep?
Selena Gomez showcases the flowing train and delicate ribbon detail of her backless Coach gown, with silver ankle-strap heels subtly adding height to her ethereal Met Gala look
Selena Gomez in a custom Coach vintage-silk-gauze crystal-embellished slip gown with a long train and custom Coach silver C-link-embellished ankle-strap sandals at the 2018 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 7, 2018 (Credit: Andres Otero / Rob Rich / WENN)
Details of Selena Gomez’s custom Coach “Kisslock Frame” bag with Proverbs 31:30: “A woman who fears the lord is a woman who shall be praised” inscribed on the front.
Selena Gomez’s custom Coach silver ankle-strap sandals with C-link embellishments on the toe straps peeking out from her custom Coach gown’s silk gauze fabric
For more standout fashion moments from the same event, check out our feature on the best red dresses and dramatic headdresses worn by celebrities at the 2018 Met Gala.