A moment of unexpected sartorial synchronicity caused a stir on the Met Gala’s blue carpet. Two prominent actresses arrived in ensembles that were remarkably alike, leading to a visibly awkward reaction from one of fashion’s most influential stylists.
The incident unfolded as actress Anna Sawai stepped onto the carpet wearing a tailored white suit, a wide-brimmed hat, and a tie. The look bore a striking resemblance to the outfit worn by Zendaya, who had arrived earlier. Zendaya’s custom Louis Vuitton ensemble, styled by Law Roach, was a collaboration with Pharrell Williams and featured a silk blazer, trousers, and a Bulgari brooch. The design paid homage to Bianca Jagger’s iconic 1971 wedding attire.
Sawai’s version, styled by Karla Welch, was a Dior creation. The core elements—the white suit, hat, and tie—were essentially identical, differentiated mainly by accessories like a Cartier watch and a pair of white gloves. Welch later acknowledged the similarity on social media, framing it as an homage, while Sawai expressed honor at the unintentional twinning with a fellow star.
The overlap, however, seemed to catch Roach off guard. Witnessing Sawai’s arrival in real time, the stylist was captured on camera reacting with clear discomfort, remarking on the duplication and expressing relief that his client had arrived first.
The coincidence sparked immediate discussion among observers, raising questions about the event’s famed coordination. While some speculated that Vogue’s leadership would typically review major looks to prevent such overlaps, it was clarified that outfits are not formally pre-approved, with the editorial team offering advice only when consulted.
Online, the public reaction ranged from amusement to fervent style comparisons. Many users humorously imagined the panic of arriving at a prestigious event only to find another guest in a nearly identical outfit. The parallel looks also ignited debates over tailoring and fit, with numerous commentators praising the specific cut and silhouette of one suit over the other.
The episode underscores the high-stakes, meticulously planned nature of red-carpet fashion, where originality is paramount. It also highlights how even at the most exclusive events, an unforeseen fashion alignment can become one of the night’s most talked-about moments.
