Halle Berry didn’t eat “anything all day” in the build-up to the Met Gala. This revelation comes amid ongoing discussions about the extreme measures celebrities often take to fit into designer outfits for high-profile events.
“I haven’t eaten anything all day, trying to wear this dress. They told me I could have a little treat for myself, and come here and get some Cane’s chicken. So, I’m like, yes, I’m there!” The 58-year-old actress arrived at fashion’s biggest night on Monday, May 5, but admitted that after leaving the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, she treated herself to some fried chicken after starving herself all day so that she could fit into her somewhat revealing LaQuan Smith dress. The annual gala is known for its elaborate fashion displays and strict dress codes.
View this post on Instagram
The Academy Award-winning star was then asked when she was left most “star-struck” during the evening and revealed that her “jaw dropped” when she got to witness a performance given by “Isn’t She Lovely” crooner Stevie Wonder. The legendary musician’s surprise appearance was one of several memorable moments from the star-studded event.
Berry says Stevie Wonder ‘a real treat’
She said: “I didn’t know this would happen but Stevie Wonder performed tonight, and that was just a jaw-dropping moment, I had no idea that I would get to see like that. He has such a good voice, it was just a real treat!” Wonder’s performance was part of the evening’s entertainment lineup, which typically remains secret until the actual event.
The Never Let Go actress was dressed in a LaQuan original and explained that her personal “highlight” of the night came when she got to see several others wearing clothes also designed by him, more than a decade after she started working with the luxury fashion brand founder. LaQuan Smith has become increasingly prominent in high fashion circles in recent years.
She added: “I think seeing everybody out looking so dandy-ish and I think it was really special that I went with LaQuan, he designed my dress, I was his muse. The Met Gala’s theme this year inspired a diverse range of interpretations from both designers and celebrities in attendance.
“To see him shine tonight and see his creations come to life on all the people he dressed was really special. The event serves as a major platform for designers to showcase their work on a global stage.
“It was so fun and so easy. Berry has been a fixture at fashion events for decades, known for her consistently elegant and sometimes daring style choices.
“He showed me some sketches. I chose two that I really liked, so he made two dresses. The collaborative process between celebrities and designers is a crucial aspect of preparation for major fashion events.
LaQuan outfits Berry
“The dresses were gorgeous. I could hardly choose. I asked LaQuan, ‘Which one would you like me to wear?’ So, I chose his favorite.” This year’s Met Gala featured hundreds of celebrities, fashion industry figures, and cultural icons, all adhering to the event’s exclusive invitation policy.
Berry‘s candid comments about not eating all day highlight the often unseen pressures that come with attending high-profile fashion events. Fashion and body image experts have long expressed concern about the extremes to which celebrities go to fit into designer garments for one-night events.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Benefit, commonly known as the Met Gala, is considered one of the most significant fashion events globally. The annual fundraiser for the Costume Institute features elaborate themes that guide the evening’s fashion displays.
LaQuan Smith, who dressed Berry for the event, has developed a reputation for creating bold, sensual designs that celebrate the female form. His clientele includes numerous A-list celebrities and performers who appreciate his distinctive aesthetic.
Berry, who made history as the first African American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress, continues to be a significant presence in both Hollywood and fashion circles. Her red carpet appearances are consistently noted for their elegance and contemporary edge.
The post-gala meal of Raising Cane’s chicken that Berry mentioned is a stark contrast to the elaborate, multi-course dinner served to guests inside the Met Gala. Many attendees have previously shared that despite the lavish meal offerings, the busy nature of the event means they often have little time to eat during the actual gala.
