The elaborate fashion showcase that is the Met Gala occurs annually on the first of May as the Metropolitan Museum of Art celebrates the costume institute’s exhibition. This year’s theme was “in honor of Karl Lagerfeld” and had celebrities joining together in extravagant outfits to honor the late Lagerfeld and his legacy.

According to the Harper’s Bazaar, “The legendary designer sadly passed away in 2019, aged 85. He was one of the most prolific and celebrated fashion designers of all time and has headed up some of the biggest fashion houses in the world, including Fendi, Chanel and his own namesake label, all three of which he acted as creative director for until his death.”

The Met Gala is often referred to as the “Oscars” of fashion as this event draws in famous movie stars, singers, and others in the entertainment industry dressed as their best.

Not only does the Met Gala honor iconic fashion designers and honor the Met’s new exhibits, the event also raises millions of dollars for the Costume Institute at the Met as tickets are priced approximately at $35,000, with tables costing as much as $300,000.

A number of guests chose to pay tribute to Lagerfeld by digging from the past and wearing one of his own creations. Nicole Kidman, Naomi Campbell, and Dua Lipa were some among those to wear vintage Chanel.

Various artists chose to work with the fashion houses that Lagerfeld was so associated with: Kate Moss wore Fendi, Cara Delevingne wore a design by Karl Lagerfeld Couture, and Margot Robbie wore custom Chanel as well.

As many honored Lagerfeld’s legacy and brilliant work, others decided to instead point out Lagerfeld’s most problematic moments and controversial quotes for their reason to not attend this year’s Met Gala.

According to People’s Magazine, Actress and activist Jameela Jamil also directly called out the Met Gala for its “hateful” theme last year when it was announced, citing Lagerfeld’s comments toward “fat women” and “marginalized people.”

Lagerfeld has in fact made numerous heinous statements about women, including the #MeToo Movement, as he previously stated: “What shocks me most in all of this are the starlets who have taken 20 years to remember what happened. Not to mention the fact there are no prosecution witnesses,” Lagerfeld said. “All their accusations of harassment have become quite toxic.”

The Met still chose to honor Karl’s greatest work regardless of his hurtful and problematic comments made before his passing.

The Met Gala is one of the most anticipated events of the year as many enjoy judging whether or not celebrities are dressed according to theme and wishing they could attend. This years’ Met Gala takes the cake for fabulous on theme outfits with a highly controversial theme.