Why Camellia Flowers Were Blooming All Over the 2023 Met Gala Red Carpet

To understand why the glossy-leaved camellia flower bloomed all over the red carpet at the Met Gala 2023, we must consult an image of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel on the beach in Étretat, France, in 1913. The Chanel founder, who had an affection for the Asian bloom, has a camellia corsage fastened to her waistband. Like the Dior rose and the Schiaparelli ranunculus, the camellia became an emblem of the Parisian maison, one that was adopted and reimagined by Karl Lagerfeld when he took the creative helm of Chanel in 1983. They featured prominently as adornments on hats and headpieces for his debut 1984 couture collection, and today features as centrepieces to the brand’s high jewellery creations, and in the blends of its fragrances.

From Rihanna’s outré, corsage-emblazoned Valentino Haute Couture cape to the blooms that adorned the bust of Anne Hathaway’s Versace gown, discover all of the camellias on the Met Gala 2023 red carpet.