Halle Bailey has channelled Princess Ariel for the 2023 Met Gala, arriving on the starry steps of the New York Metropolitan Museum today in an aquatic-inspired number designed by Gucci. The Little Mermaid star’s ensemble consists of sparkling, semi-sheer lace and a ruffled cape, with tendril-like frills and pearly tones. To complete the look, the actress and musician sported a deep red hairdo, all-but confirming her muse as the titular sea princess.
Bailey’s appearance at the Met Gala has sent the Twittersphere into a tizzy, with fans describing the actress’ look as “iconic” and “old Hollywood glamour.” Speaking to The Cut on the red carpet, Bailey made reference to her upcoming role in Disney’s live action remake of The Little Mermaid, saying that she would “not eat” either of her marine co-stars Sebastian or Flounder, who are voiced by Jacob Tremblay and Daveed Diggs respectively.
“They are my friends!” Bailey joked. Elsewhere on the Met Gala steps, Bailey was pictured alongside Julia Garner and Daisy Edgar-Jones, and spoke to Variety about the differences between her rendition of The Little Mermaid compared to the 1989 original. “I definitely think it’s gonna be different,” the actress said of the remake. “You get to see a modern take of our world, and you get to see a reflection of our world we live in today.”
Bailey’s 2023 Met Gala appearance marks her third attendance to the coveted celebrity event, having made her debut on the 2021 carpet alongside her sister and musical collaborator Chloe Bailey. The actress’ most recent look comes just weeks ahead of the release of The Little Mermaid on May 25. The remake has attracted lots of buzz in recent weeks following the reveal of the photorealistic renderings of its aquatic life characters, though some fans have come to Flounder’s defence.
Elsewhere in 2023 Met Gala news, Doja Cat appeared on the carpet with feline facial prosthetics, thought to be in reference to Karl Lagerfeld’s much-loved pet. The designer — upon whom this year’s Met Gala theme is based — has attracted renewed controversy given his previous stance on plus-sized models and opposition to the #MeToo movement. “This man… used his platform is such a distinctly hateful way,” actress Jameela Jamil said of Lagerfeld in a social media post explaining her Met Gala absence, “so repeatedly and up until the last years of his life.”
Stay up to date with We Got This Covered’s 2023 Met Gala coverage — including red carpet looks from Serena Williams, Vanessa Hudgens and Jenna Ortega — here.