Possibly the glitziest and, arguably, most outrageous night of fashion the Met Gala was held this past Monday night in New York City. The event kickstarts the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute exhibition and is themed every year accordingly. This year’s theme Punk: Chaos to Couture was a controversial one this year and even more interesting to judge. I was on the look out for looks that both encompassed the theme but also worked the red carpet with elegance…tough criteria? This first part of two (there were over 60 looks to review!) looks at who managed to catch my eye for all the right, and wrong, reasons.
First up a trio of wonderfully dresses ladies, all showcasing the theme in their own way.
I can always count on Paloma Faith to show up and steal the show. The British singer wore a shimmering ombre Michael Cinco gown. Not only was the gown backless, which showed off her event appropriate tattoos, but the gown has built in gloves which blend seamlessly into the whole look. Classic-ly simple make up and an eye-catching headpiece captured the perfect blend of punk and couture, so much so that I’d go out on a limb and say she was the ambassador of the Met Gala theme this year!
Anne Hathaway showcased one of the most daring looks of the night, in fact I had to double take to make sure this was actually her. Anne not only looked killer in her sheer and sequined Valentino gown, but her now famous cropped do been given a new lease of life. Namely the peroxide blonde treatment. The whole look certainly turned head and I’m loving this new ‘throw caution to the wind’ Hathaway.
Emmy Rossum’s look shoots up to one of my best dressed of the night for many reasons. 1. The gorgeous Donna Karan gown in all it’s sequin, frayed tulle and embellished glory 2. The accessories, from the knuckle ring to chainmail earrings 3. The beauty/hair. The backcombed updo and oh-so smokey eyeshadow…4? Emmy Rossum throwing a 180 on what she usually goes for and pulling off beautiful punk princess glamour. Brava!
The next set of women opted for the typical gothic black look as an ode to the theme.
Vampire Diaries actress Nina Dobrev donned a vampish Monique Lhuillier jumpsuit/gown hybrid. Whatever it was, it was definitely one of the most eye-catching gowns of the evening and she looks uttering stunning in it.
Indie princess Florence Welch went for a soft gothic glam instead of full blown punk in a fringed Givenchy gown. The dress was actually one of the ones from the collection I was hoping she would pick up and wear, and she didn’t let me down with this sultry look.
Ashley Greene seemed to skip punk and headed into gothic territory with this elegant looking Marchesa gown. The gown is gorgeous, but the fit’s a little funny around her stomach and bust?
It wasn’t a complete dark gloomfest of blacks and khol eyeliner, these ladies opted for shining whites for the Gala instead. It’s been a while since I’ve been wowed by Rooney Mara so I suppose the Met Gala would be the perfect place for her to get back into my good books. Which she did in a white lace, Victorian inspired Givenchy gown. Bold lips and minimal styling keep this looking less angelic and oh so good.
At first Hailee Steinfeld’s look is rather adorable. Take a closer glance and you’ll spot the subtle use of safety pins to create the golden starburts on her Donna Karan dress, bed head hair and smokey eyes. Well played Steinfeld, both pretty and punk at the same time.
A very ethereal looking Katie Holmes attended the Gala in a white Calvin Klein gown. It’s a gorgeous look, but the only thing keeping her within theme is her punk-ish quiff.
The Met Gala is famous for attracting designers and their muses, so this next photo set I’m simply gonna call…the models.
As one of Burberry’s babes (as I like to call them) it’s no wonder Cara Delevinge wore the designer on the night. It’s a simple black gown, but the golden studs, gothic make up and ear cuff hit the theme right on the head. Supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whitley went for a daring Gucci look with a silk skirt, revealing cleavage and gothic lace detailing. It’s unusual and it stands out, but Rosie’s had better looks in the past. A black cut out dress, yet despite the cut outs why does this feel so tame for Miranda Kerr? Her Michael Kors gown was elegant, but a blended behind the more daring looks of the night.
It wouldn’t be a Met Gala night without a little animal print right? Coco Rocha’s Emmanuel Ungaro fit the bill here, but shoulder detailing felt a little too distracting and her ankle boots too heavy for a gown like this. It’s Heidi Klum in Marchesa, so this should be good right? Well for someone who loves a good ol’ OTT Halloween costume you would’ve though Ms Klum would’ve first to hit the costume couture but no. Her white, silk gown with silver bejewelled bodice was positively angelic…not very Hell’s Angels at all. Must do better Heidi!
Only supermodel Giselle could get away with this Anthony Vaccarello mini. It’s tiny, it’s revealing but have you seen what this Brazilian model looks like? I can cut her a break I think.
As one of Burberry’s babes (as I like to call them) it’s no wonder Cara Delevinge wore the designer on the night. It’s a simple black gown, but the golden studs, gothic make up and ear cuff hit the theme right on the head. Supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whitley went for a daring Gucci look with a silk skirt, revealing cleavage and gothic lace detailing. It’s unusual and it stands out, but Rosie’s had better looks in the past. A black cut out dress, yet despite the cut outs why does this feel so tame for Miranda Kerr? Her Michael Kors gown was elegant, but a blended behind the more daring looks of the night.
It wouldn’t be a Met Gala night without a little animal print right? Coco Rocha’s Emmanuel Ungaro fit the bill here, but shoulder detailing felt a little too distracting and her ankle boots too heavy for a gown like this. It’s Heidi Klum in Marchesa, so this should be good right? Well for someone who loves a good ol’ OTT Halloween costume you would’ve though Ms Klum would’ve first to hit the costume couture but no. Her white, silk gown with silver bejewelled bodice was positively angelic…not very Hell’s Angels at all. Must do better Heidi!
Only supermodel Giselle could get away with this Anthony Vaccarello mini. It’s tiny, it’s revealing but have you seen what this Brazilian model looks like? I can cut her a break I think.
A trio, famous for being in franchises with famous trios…hehe ^_^ aka Emma, Jen & KStew somehow didn’t seem to make the best dressed cut for me…
Oh Emma. I was expecting huge things from Emma Watson at the Gala this year (I mean c’mon the girl wore De La Renta for the HP7 world premiere!) but her Prabal Gurung dress isn’t remotely edgy enough to carry into the theme or catch my attention. Yes, it’s something different for her, but the Met Gala is all about the drama and Emma simply fades into the background. Better luck next time!
Jennifer Lawrence, I do love you. But this is the Met Gala dah’ling and a pretty princess Christian Dior gown simply won’t do, even with the netted veil. We’ve seen Jennifer do rockstar edge before, so this look (despite the fact that she looks incredibly gorgeous here) was more than a little bit of disappointment.
This year’s theme should’ve been a breeze for tom-boy Kristen Stewart. However, though her hair has been given the quiff treatment, there’ something a little off with her Stella McCartney jumpsuit. I’m not sure whether it’s the cut or colour of the jumpsuit but it make Kristen look a little frumpy…ah well.
There felt like a distinct lake of punk looks on the night…until this duo rocked up. Take this next look from the neckline down and I would’ve been happy to call it one of the more fitting couture pieces of the night. I can’t be too harsh on Miley Cyrus here. She did follow the theme in her Marc Jacobs gown but she took it one step too far with the styling. The hair would’ve done better in the side-swept look she’s been sporting recently and, dare I say it, she may have been hoisted up to one of the best dressed of the night!…dammit Miley!
Jesus take the wheel, what have we here? Oh yes, Madonna. Yes taking on the punk theme with both hands. This Givenchy number alone would’ve sufficed on it’s own, but no she had to add the studs…and the heels…and the chains…and the hosiery…and the dog collar…oh and the wig. Oh dear.
It wasn’t all a lost cause though! Three women who went for the hard edge. Sienna Miller went for classic British designer Burberry for her look on the night. Had it not been for the studded leather jacket and rockstar accessories, I would’ve brushed this look under the carpet. She’s definitely channelling a Kate Moss vibe here and it totally works.
Think punk. Think Vivienne Westwood. And Christina Ricci did with her high-low tartan number. It’s classic Westwood, and Christina’s styled this very simply with retro waves and platform pumps. The dress does the talking here.
Hunger Games gal Elizabeth Banks, shunned the fancy gown or rockstar mini in favour of a golden Atelier Versace blazer. But it’s her Brian Atwood heels that grabbed my attention with their gold accents and fringing detail.
The Met Gala is all about trying something a little different, a little fashion forward and having fun with the look. Cameron Diaz almost slipped by my in her electric blue Stella McCartney gown. She’s usually one for a sexier look on the red carpet but this is caped and minimalist, with a not so subtle spiked belt and sleek bleached blonde hair. This is quite the departure for Cameron and I kinda like it. Fashion lovely Alexa Chung went for a little black Erdem dress. But don’t be fooled by the simple premise, the detailing on this is immense. From the sheer midriff, peek-a-book pants, cut out details and Victorian inspired neckline this look is daring for Alexa, yet completely fresh too.
Keep an eye out for part 2 coming soon!
R.xoxo
*all images via Zimbio