A surprising attendee stole the spotlight at the 2023 Met Gala in New York on May 1: a cockroach. The unexpected guest gained online attention for its fashionably late arrival and sparked discussions on social media.
Social media platforms were filled with comments speculating on the designer the cockroach might be wearing, praising its unique style. Some users even created fan art and recreated its outfit, while others humorously connected the insect to fashion icons like Lagerfeld or fictional characters such as Wall-E’s Hal and the Pokemon Pheromosa.
Approximately half an hour after making its grand entrance, the cockroach’s moment of fame was cut short when someone unintentionally stepped on it.
The annual Met Gala, held on the first Monday of May, is a by-invitation-only fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. The event gathers celebrities for a night of fashion and fundraising.
This year’s theme, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” paid tribute to the influential German designer who passed away in February 2019. Lagerfeld’s legacy has been the subject of controversy due to both groundbreaking design and controversial comments. The announcement of the theme faced criticism, particularly from fans and notable figures like actress and activist Jameela Jamil.
The unexpected appearance of the cockroach, often associated with filth and decay, at an event honoring Lagerfeld added an ironic twist to the evening. Social media users playfully connected the insect to Lagerfeld, with some even referring to it as “Karl Lagerfeld reincarnated.”
Despite its brief moment in the spotlight, the cockroach’s untimely demise was reported with a touch of humor by Variety, signifying the end of its unexpected fashion debut.
