You’re like a canvas. Whatever you paint on yourself says something about you. So, what do you want to say? – Drew Barrymore
The most anticipated event on the fashion calendar came and went last week leaving us bewildered and in awe of the up and coming trends for the season that were on display. Models. Tommy Hilfiger. Andy Warhol. Atelier Versace. Technology. Basically one of the most exclusive soiree’s on the planet. Each year the curators of the Costume Institute use the Metropolitan Art Museum’s important collections to explore themes that place historical fashion within the context of contemporary culture. This year’s theme being Manus x Machina, opened the floodgates for high-tech fashion forward ensembles. And so while the subjects of these shows change, the opening fundraising gala remains, always, the hottest ticket in town. If its been said once its been said a thousand times, the Met Gala is the party of the year.
This annual fundraising event started in the 1940’s as a small social affair, and by the 1960’s expanded into the museum’s great hall. It was only when former Vogue editor in chief Diana Vreeland took over the event that it transformed into the star studded celebration we know it to be today. The event became even more illustrious under current Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour in the mid 90’s. Today the collusion of high fashion and celebrity at the Met Gala is more striking than ever.
To begin to dissect stand out looks of the night is a nearly impossible task, I struggled to even choose what looks I wanted to emphasise for this post. As I have touched base on Balmain before it is a must to mention how the gorgeous embossed and glitzy gowns of Balmain definitely turned some heads. I was a little disappointed to see the standard Balamin Army rocking this look again, such as Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner. They of course looked amazing and really fitted the theme, but I think universally everyone was hoping to see these icons ‘Wow’ us; where Balmain has become a rather monotonous look for them. A great example of this was Kendal Jenner stepping out in custom Versace. Breaking away from the rest of the Kardashian/Jenner theme and pulling off something different – needless to say you can’t go wrong in Versace.
Some disappointing looks of the night for me were Louis Vuitton, Moschino and Prada. Celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Selena Gomes, Demi Lovato and Katy Perry were a Met Gala miss for me (All of whom I adore). The colours, the textures and ensembles as a whole really didn’t do the theme or themselves justice. I will commend them however on taking a risk and trying something different, as that is what fashion is all about. More importantly that it what the Met Gala is historically known for.
In the same breath Louis Vuitton pulled out a fashion favourite of the night for me with the cropped leather and mismatched red dress worn by Alicia Vikander. Statistically it was said to be one of the worst outfits of the evening, but paired with on trend ankle boots and slicked back glossy hair this ensemble is a perfect example of dressing to your own style. On anyone else I probably would have detested this look but she is so little and fabulously stylish – she was glowing all the way up the Met steps. Other favourites of the night for me were Nicole Kidman and Zoe Saldana who stunned in Alexander McQueen and Dolce and Gabbana. Brava to the gentleman of the night Nic Jonas and Zayn Malik. They looked very dapper and well put together, proving that men too can make a fashion statement (Although in Zayn’s case it did help he had supermodel Gigi Hadid on his arm).
Of course there were also the usual fashion Queen’s of the night, namely Beyonce and SJP. Although nothing can compare to the fashion moment of the decade in Beyonce’s 2015 bejewelled Givenchy dress, she looked equally glamorous in a latex body fitting Givenchy gown (Beyonce and Givenchy are clearly a perfect match). Realistically speaking there is a large possibility Beyonce could have worn cargo shorts and a khaki blouse and I would have still been mesmerised by her. While there was a lot of controversy around Sarah Jessica Parker’s Met look this year, and while I didn’t really understand the thought process behind it (even after she explained it several times on social media) I liked the look regardless. Not because it really looked great but because she will always be Carrie Bradshaw to me and because Carrie Bradshaw can do no wrong. Not very profound I know, but I gotta tell it like it is.
If you have the time, the Met Gala is really such a complex, historical occasion well worth finding out more about. The legendary guests, outfits, performances and showcase’s that have been documented throughout the years of the Met Gala can transport you back in time. Whilst so many Hollywood events are highly publicised and sort after, none so much as the Met Gala. Once inside the seating is arranged strategically so as to network and meet new people, there was a strict ‘no selfie’ rule throughout the evening and overall, the evening sets the tone for fashion events to follow.
2017 Met Gala, I am already waiting for you.
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