Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber continued the Met Gala celebrations at a star-studded after-party, showcasing new looks after the divisive main event, which faced criticism for its entertainment and sponsorship.

After-Party Glamour

The aftermath of the Met Gala saw several A-list celebrities continuing the festivities at exclusive after-parties across New York City. Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber, both prominent figures at the main event, were spotted heading to a Saint Laurent bash in the Upper East Side.

Jenner, who initially graced the red carpet in a GapStudio gown, underwent a striking transformation, changing into a captivating satin dress featuring a corset top with a deliberately provocative ‘fake nipple’ design. This choice was a clear nod to the Costume Institute's theme, drawing inspiration from the iconic Greek statue, Winged Victory of Samothrace, embodying the ideal of a living statue.

Jenner playfully concealed her face with a sheer scarf as she navigated a throng of photographers. Bieber, having earlier worn a Grecian-inspired Yves Saint Laurent gown, opted for a more playful look, switching to a chic white mini dress.

Trendsetting Styles

The trend of ‘fake nipples’ was further echoed by Jenner's sister, Kylie, who also stunned in a dramatic nude corset gown designed by Schiaparelli. Other stars also showcased their style at various after-party locations.

Pop sensation Katy Perry, known for her extravagant Met Gala ensembles, traded her elaborate mask and outfit for a dusky pink mini dress adorned with a furry trim. Sabrina Carpenter, equally stylish, covered her sequined mini dress with a vibrant, Pucci-esque coat.

Margot Robbie, who had captivated attendees in a glamorous gold gown, embraced a more relaxed vibe, arriving at an after-party in jeans paired with a sparkly jacket.

Controversy Surrounds the Gala

However, the Met Gala itself was not without its controversies. The event, largely funded by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos and his partner Lauren Sanchez, faced criticism from the moment their sponsorship was announced.

The opening of the gala, with Sanchez taking a prominent position alongside Anna Wintour and Nicole Kidman, was met with dismay by some attendees. The initial entertainment – a performance by Joshua Henry and a 12-person choir singing Whitney Houston’s ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ – was described by some as reminiscent of a ‘cruise ship-style’ show.

Social Media Backlash

The initial performance sparked a wave of negative reactions on social media, with many expressing their disappointment and labeling the event as ‘tacky’ and ‘cheap’. Comments ranged from comparisons to ‘Carnival Cruise lines’ to declarations that the gala marked ‘the farewell party for Anna Wintour's credibility’.

The criticism extended to the guest list and the overall quality of the outfits, with many fans deeming this year’s Met Gala the ‘worst’ one yet. The event, which carries a hefty price tag of over $75,000 per ticket, failed to live up to expectations for many, leading to widespread outrage and a sense that the gala had lost its prestige.

The contrast between the lavish spending and the perceived lack of sophistication fueled the negative sentiment, leaving many questioning the future direction of the annual fashion extravaganza. The after-parties, while offering a continuation of the glamorous atmosphere, couldn’t entirely overshadow the criticisms leveled against the main event.