Billie eilish met gala oscar de la renta

Billie Eilish stunned New York at the Met Gala on Monday night as she channeled Old Hollywood in an dramatic Oscar de la Renta gown.

The evening marked the 19-year-old superstar's first appearance at the legendary fashion event and she made sure that it was a debut no one would forget. In an example of true star power, Eilish convinced the house of Oscar de la Renta to go completely fur-free before she stepped out onto the red carpet.

Cartwheels, costume changes and political statements take stage at the Met Gala

Eilish, a vegan who has voiced her support for animal rights, said on Instagram that it was "an honor to wear this dress knowing that going forward Oscar de la Renta will be completely fur-free," in the future and went on to thank Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim -- the label's creative directors -- for listening to her on the matter.

She stated that she was "beyond thrilled" the team heard her on the issue and "have now made a change that makes an impact for the greater good, not only for animals but also for our planet and environment too."

The "Happier Than Ever" singer also said she was honored to "have been a catalyst and to have been heard on this matter," then urged "all designers to do the same."

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Kim Kardashian-West arrived at the Met Gala wearing an all-black Balenciaga gown, which completely obscured her face. Scroll through the gallery above for more highlights from this year's Met Gala red carpet. Credit: Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Alex Bolen, chief executive of Oscar de la Renta, said in a statement to CNN that he was endeavoring to "surround" himself with people who have different points of view -- particularly young people.

"I thought a lot about what Oscar said -- he was a big fan of fur, by the way -- that the one thing he really worried about in the fashion business was his eye getting old," Bolen said.

Eilish channeled Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly in her décolleté-bearing peach gown, which came with a fitted bodice and lengthy tulle train that required the support of four helpers.

The look further cemented the pop giant's shift in style, as she continues to move away from the trademark Goth look, that she first burst onto the scene with back in 2019, in favor of pastel colors and a sleek blond haircut.

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No slogans needed! The singer affected actual change at the Met Gala by urging the label to go fur-free

When Billie Eilish first tried on the peach Oscar de la Renta gown that she wore to last night’s Met Gala, her mum took so many photos that her phone froze. With a cloud-like 15 foot train, tousled blonde bob, and a slick of red lipstick, Eilish was the very vision of a modern Marilyn – reaching the zenith stage of her much-discussed Old Hollywood image revamp. And though she looked classic beyond her years, for the designers behind this look, at least, it came at an unexpected price. 

The 19-year-old singer, vegan, and animal rights activist agreed only to be dressed by the label if they, in turn, agreed to ban the use of fur throughout its business. Such is her star power – and the urgency of her demand – that on the order of Eilish, Oscar de la Renta will now terminate the sale of all furs, forever. While the brand had stopped using fur on its runways, on account of creative directors Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim no longer finding the material chic or relevant, it continued to be sold in Oscar de la Renta stores – contributing to a “meaningful amount of sales and profit,” CEO Alex Bolen told The New York Times. 

While Bolen has been resisting pleas to ban the use of fur – from his wife Eliza, members of staff, and the public alike – it wasn’t until Eilish’s refusal to work with the company that he thought it best to stop. “I have to surround myself with people with different points of view,” he said, noting how Oscar himself, who was a “big fan of fur” was most worried about his “eye getting old”.

“It’s shocking that wearing fur isn’t completely outlawed at this point in 2021,” Eilish told The New York Times, before sharing the news on Instagram. “I am beyond thrilled that the entire team heard me on this issue, and have now made a change that makes an impact for the greater good, not only for animals but also for our planet and environment too. I’m honored to have been a catalyst and to have been heard on this matter. I urge all designers to do the same,” she posted. And while many attendees, including AOC and Cara Delevingne chose to (quite literally) make political statements with their fashion choices, Eilish’s decision to leverage her influence to elicit policy change is a prime example of how celebrities should, and could, make a difference. 

Check out the rest of this year’s Met Gala looks in the gallery below.

LIL NAS X BROUGHT MORE DRAMA

Going for a double win, Lil Nas X collaborated with Atelier Versace once again on a custom look. Except it wasn’t just one look, or even two, the musician served us three solid gold looks. The first look channeled royalty with giant structured shoulders, before being torn away to reveal a golden suit of armour (complete with abs), before revealing the final sparkling catsuit. Theatrics and glamour – will he ever miss? 

NORMANI HIT ANOTHER HOME RUN

Listen. Does it fit the theme? Probably not... but who cares?! This gigantic Valentino creation is Normani serving us something we’ve never seen before and we’re living. Rihanna better watch her back... 

TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET THREW CAUTION TO THE WIND

No white after Labour Day? Psht, who cares? Rewriting the ancient laws of American fashion, the Dune actor mashed-up some of his design faves: Haider Ackerman and Rick Owens, accessorised with some beaten up Converse. Let’s hope there are no spillages tonight... 

KIM K WAS THERE (WE THINK)

After serving some Balenciaga Kimk (that’s Kardashian-flavoured kink) earlier this week, Kim Kardashian brought out another kinky look for the Met Gala. A Demna design again, her look entirely obscured her face and body, only revealing her ankle-grazing ponytail – a clever ploy to escape socialising we’re sure. Similarly concealed, the designer appeared alongside Kim on the red carpet. 

THE SPIRIT OF MARILYN MONROE WAS ALIVE AND WELL

After last night’s rather demure black skirt and jumper combo at the VMAs, Billie Eilish was clearly saving all of her glamour for tonight. Looking like a vintage Hollywood starlet with her coiffed blonde locks and pastel peach Oscar de la Renta gown, the musician said “it was time” to bring glamour. Using her platform for good, Eilish revealed that she only agreed to work with the label if they agreed to no longer use fur in future collections. Win/win. 

MORE FETISH ON THE RED CARPET

Following on from Kim Petras’ bedazzled gimp fantasy, à la Richard Quinn at last night’s VMAs, Gossip Girl’s Evan Mock opted for a similar look. Dressed in Thom Browne, the pink-haired actor’s look was safety pinned within an inch of its life and accessorised with a patent black gimp mask – playfully studded to mimic a mohawk. 

LOOKING CAMP RIGHT IN THE EYE AGAIN

There was plenty of Americana-inspired designs on the red carpet tonight, as there should be, but Serena Williams appeared to nod to 2019’s Camp theme with her Gucci look. Wearing a gargantuan ostrich feather coat, we simply can’t be mad at it. 

HORSE GIRLS WERE REPRESENTED

Shout out to horse girls, guys, and theys everywhere – the inspiration behind Kim Petras’ Collina Strada look. Appearing alongside brand founder Hillary Taymour, the singer paired her floral look with a giant horse’s head and mane – as you do. Shant-neigh you stay. 

GRIMES SLAYED (LITERALLY)

Seemingly living life in 3021, Grimes stuck with her futuristic aesthetic in an Iris Van Herpen gown and what better way to accessorise than with a giant sword? 

JUST... IMAN

Looking respendent in Harris Reed. End tweet. 

FRANK OCEAN HAD A BABY

Making a surprise appearance at the event, the musician appeared wearing Prada and his newly launched jewellery label Homer, but that wasn’t the only accessory. In his arms he cradled a lime green animatronic baby, clad in a onesie. Yeah... we don’t know why either, but fashion. 

RED FOR FILTH

Naturally, red, white, and blue were prominent colours on the red carpet tonight. Fresh off her NYFW appearance at Proenza Schouler’s SS22 show, model and vice-president Harris’s stepdaughter Ella Emhoff opted for a slick, sporty, sparkling number by Stella McCartney. 

RIHANNA KEPT US ALL WAITING

As she should! The ex-singer eventually turned up with boo A$AP Rocky on her arm, joining the army of attendees wearing Demna Gvasalia’s debut Couture collection for Balenciaga. Looking equally snug in a patchwork quilt, the rapper opted for ERL. 

What brand did Billie Eilish wear to the Met Gala?

Eilish wore a custom Gucci ivory and duchesse satin corseted gown, complete with a green lace underlay and gathered ivory skirt—and a padded bustle, of course.

Who was Billie Eilish Met Gala look inspired by?

Eilish said the inspiration was “holiday Barbie,” and we definitely see the inspo. “It just was time,” she revealed during the Met Gala livestream.

Who designed Billie Eilish Oscar dress?

Eilish wore designer Alessandro Michele's tiered, ruffled, off-the-shoulder gown with a dramatic train. The romantic dress felt reminiscent of the more retro-glam Oscar de la Renta silhouette she wore to the 2021 Met Gala.