Um, Simone Biles’s Met Gala Dress Weighed Almost 90 Pounds & Took Over 6,000 Hours to Make

Published Sep 14, 2021

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2:12pm

Less than 24 hours after Simone Biles turned heads on the MTV Video Music Awards red carpet, the 24-year-old Olympian stepped up her fashion game for the 2021 Met Gala.

Biles attended the prestigious event on Monday evening in New York City, where she walked the carpet and stairs of the Met in a custom AREA x Athleta look designed by Beckett Fogg and Piotrek Panszczyk of Area. She paired the stunning dress with statement earrings by Fred Leighton.

According to Bustle, the entire ensemble weighed approximately 88 pounds (which was evidenced by the fact that she had a whole team helping her carry the piece around the carpet) and took over 6,700 hours to make. Per The New York Times, the shimmering gown included more than 17,000 feet of Swarovski glass crystal chains and 200 feet of tulle. See the full look below.

Getty Images

“How do I feel in the dress? It's definitely heavy, but I feel beautiful, strong and empowered,” Biles told Vogue on Monday before walking the red carpet.

Not only was the occasion Biles’s first-ever appearance at the annual gala, but it was also the first time the activewear brand has designed for the famous fashion event. Athleta shared a snap of Biles in the dress on its official IG account, alongside a heartfelt message.

“Dear 2019 @simonebiles—you did it!” the company wrote in reference to one of Biles’s old Tweets stating her desire to attend the Met Gala one day. “Gushing over Simone at the #MetGala in a custom @area x Athleta design. And because tonight is about so much more than fashion, we're celebrating by donating $50,000 to The Power of She Fund to empower women and girls.”

We are officially speechless.

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Alexandra Hough

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