X-Men’s Hellfire Gala vs Met Gala 2021: Who Had Better Costumes?

The Met Gala is the event of the season for out-of-the-box fashion statements and red carpet magic, and the X-Men’s Hellfire Gala proved to be no different. With golden armor and capes, the Costume Institute Gala looked a lot like the Hellfire Gala, but when put side by side, who had the coolest costumes?

There’s no denying that both events went above and beyond, set the stage for political statements, and shocked the world by breaking molds. Nevertheless, a comic book soiree isn’t limited by the same laws of physics that the real world is. Plus, superpowers allow for another level of creativity when it comes to fashion and costumes. This doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed to come out on top in the battle for avant-garde greatness though. Regardless, there are a few outfits from each event that, when put side by side, bear striking similarities. So, all of that considered, who won this fashion face-off… the heroes or the humans?

Zoë Kravitz and Hailee Steinfeld vs. Emma Frost

The first up in this fashion head-to-head are Zoë Kravitz, Hailee Steinfeld, and Emma Frost in a three-way battle since Emma Frost donned three separate ensembles before the night of the Hellfire Gala was over.

Kravitz’s Saint Laurent dress faces off against Frost’s final, and most revealing, outfit of the night due to their risqué and diamond-clad similarities. But regardless of the fact that Kravitz owns her outfit and looks stunning in the process, Frost takes the cake on this one. It’s hard to compete when going up against a woman who can turn her skin to diamond to match her dress.

As for Steinfeld’s Iris van Herpen dress, it’s obvious why the two have been put side by side. From the cut of the outfits to the hair and pose, it lines up. But in this case, the delicate details in Steinfeld’s dress put her a step ahead of Frost by making it feel more elegant while still maintaining the powerful aura Frost’s gives off. Plus, her dress defies gravity outside of the pages of a comic book.

Rihanna vs. Storm

Next up, two very popular figures in their respective arenas. Storm is undoubtedly one of the most beloved members of the X-Men franchise, so much so that fans made art that turned Lupita Nyong’o, into Storm. Rihanna is equally loved in the real world for her superpowers as an artist and entrepreneur.

Rihanna went this route with her Balenciaga look to empower Black Americans by embodying, what she told reporter Gia Peppers to be, “a look that seemed very powerful, yet feminine, yet like a black hoodie, which is usually the thing that we are incriminated by as Black people.” Meanwhile, Storm’s outfit emphasizes her power and royalty in preparation for her becoming the regent of Mars. Both are incredible costumes, but as amazing and impactful as Rhianna’s Met look is, Ororo had a literal cape made of lightning and clouds… which is hard to beat.

Lee Pace vs. Beast

Although the only obvious similarity Lee Pace shares with Beast is being a blue Marvel character (as Ronan the Accuser in the MCU), his Gala outfit carries a striking similarity to the mutant’s. While Beast’s outfit is chic and practical, Pace’s emphasizes fashion in his Thom Browne suit.

All of the outfit’s little details play a big part in elevating what would normally be a simple tailored short suit. From the arm buckles to slightly mismatched socks and even sock suspenders, he makes it look fun and different. Beast’s one-piece suit on the other hand is sleek and more on-brand for an X-Force member working security. It’s also simple and he doesn’t seem to care what he’s wearing, as long as it allows him to do his job. Yes, the bolo tie does add a fun touch, but overall, Lee’s got him beat.

Lil Nas X vs. Exodus and Prodigy

The next three-person face-off is for Lil Nas X. In terms of his all gold Versace armor, he definitely stands out amidst attendees at the Met Gala, but would he stand out next to Exodus at the X-Men’s Hellfire Gala? Exodus’ multi-colored armor and impressive cape make him not only an intimidating sight but also a kingly one. These two are pretty equally matched in grandeur and therefore would probably split reporters’ attention on a red carpet.

Then there’s Prodigy, another proud POC and member of the LQBTQ+ community. His gold gala looks more Greek in style, playing off a draped toga instead of a bodysuit. Plus, he had golden wings to accompany him. So, not only was he breaking barriers of stereotypical men’s fashion in the modern age, but he did it looking like a greek nymph, even while hunting down his own murderer in the last X-Factor issue. It’s hard to hold a flame to this particular mutant.

Iman vs. Jean Grey

This one is actually rather simple. Jean Grey may be one of the most recognizable characters in the X-Men franchise, and her outfit is stunning with her golden cape and psychic halo, but Iman outshines her tenfold in her Dolce&Gabbana x Harris Reed ensemble. Iman’s outfit makes her look like an actual Aztec sun goddess that just walked off the pages of a comic book soiree into the real world without losing any buoyancy or drama. Jean Grey looks great of course, but Iman looks like she owns the show.

Naomi Osaka vs. Psylocke

Two Japanese fighters giving homage to their heritage in similar kimono-inspired looks. One tennis champion and one mutant, ninja assassin. While Psylocke took her Hellions teammates’ breath away when she walked into the room, Osaka wowed the entire Met Gala’s press pen with a novel nod to her heritage. They may have both gone with an updo, similar color scheme, and endless ruffles, but it’s obvious that Osaka outshines in her Louis Vuitton look. The vibrant colors, gravity-defying hair, colorful makeup, elegance, and incorporation of classic kimono details, make her an all-around winner in this face-off.

Of course, there are many more wonderful creations by real-world designers and comic artists alike that took the stage during these two mega-events. Canadian artist Grimes stunned in an Iris van Herpen, Dune-inspired dress while carrying around a 1400’s era medieval sword replica like she was from Excalibur. Serena William’s and Mystique both rocked their own versions of fur-centric looks. And transgender model Valentina Sampaio stunned in another Iris van Herpen creation that would have rivaled Penance’s Hellfire look.

When it comes down to it though, it looks like the humans have it. It makes sense considering the Hellfire Gala was inspired by the Met Gala. Plus, considering the laws of physics do apply, the costumes, headpieces, and hairdos are more impressive for their gravity-defying feats. It wouldn’t be surprising if Krakoa’s own Jumbo Carnation was influenced by designers like Balenciaga, Iris van Herpen, Louis Vuitton, and others. Maybe he’ll take the win for mutantkind in the future if the Hellfire Gala becomes annual, but for now, he must bow to the skilled hands of this world’s most talented designers working to bring the Met Gala to life.

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