Save up to 50% on new deals from 40 Boxes!

Open menu

  • Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2023 ABC News
  • Style

Why this celebrity chef chose custom Chinese dynasty nail guards for their Met Gala look

VIDEO: Get ready with Chloe Bailey for Met Gala
4:18
Get ready with Chloe Bailey for Met Gala
ABCNews.com
ByKelly McCarthy
Video byBrittany Berkowitz and Will Linendoll
May 03, 2022, 4:42 pm

The red carpet looks from the Met Gala can come with mixed reviews from stylists, fashion editors and more, but one celebrity chef's standout look on Monday carried with it a deeply significant meaning.

"As for my #MetGala jewelry piece, I was determined to represent my culture through Chinese nail guards traditionally worn by empresses in dynasty times," King wrote in a post on Instagram.

PHOTO: Melissa King attends The 2022 Met Gala Celebrating "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, May 2, 2022 in New York City.
Melissa King attends The 2022 Met Gala Celebrating "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, May 2, 2022 in New York City.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

"These nail guards were inspired by the last empress of China, Empress Dowager Cixi who historically was written to be power hungry or a 'dragon lady,' but I feel might have been more of a feminist in patriarchal governed China (she met with Western women during the Guilded Ages and banned foot binding!). As a chef, I work with my hands daily so highlighting them in this way felt like a fun play on things," King explained.

The Cantonese-American chef, TV presenter, and winner of "Top Chef All Stars L.A." tapped "the incredibly talented" New York City-based jewelry designer Chishabana to create "the guards into a guilded glove that felt like I dipped my hand in gold."

"Chris has designed for names like Lady Gaga, Madonna, Lil Nas X and SZA to name a few," they continued. "He went through the story, images, sketches, and came up with this beautiful piece I felt proud to rock! Thank you Chris for blessing me with your work! Go Asians queers!"

MORE: Met Gala 2022: Watch Blake Lively transform her dress on the red carpet

Related Topics
  • Met Gala
Up Next in Style—

Best matching holiday family pajamas from Hanna Andersson, Kohl's and more

September 29, 2023

'Tube Girl' Sabrina Bahsoon takes confidence to the next level

September 28, 2023

'Grab your big scarf': Lenny Kravitz makes clever TikTok debut

September 25, 2023

Natalia Bryant makes her runway debut during Milan Fashion Week

September 25, 2023

Up Next in Style—

Best matching holiday family pajamas from Hanna Andersson, Kohl's and more

September 29, 2023

'Tube Girl' Sabrina Bahsoon takes confidence to the next level

September 28, 2023

'Grab your big scarf': Lenny Kravitz makes clever TikTok debut

September 25, 2023

Natalia Bryant makes her runway debut during Milan Fashion Week

September 25, 2023

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2023 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2023 ABC News