It’s the one event – bar the Oscars – that gets the fashion pack really excited! This year’s
Met Gala, held at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, was one of the most star studded in recent years and the theme of the evening, ‘white tie and diamonds’ in tribute to the designer Charles James, was sure to inspire some of the most glamourous red carpet looks since this year’s Oscars. For me it was a night of hits and misses, mainly for the lack of adherence to this year’s theme, which was a shame because if there was any excuse for sumptuous amounts of satin, tulle and ol’ school Hollywood glamour, a night celebrating Charles James would’ve been it! No matter! There was still plenty to fawn over. Here are my favourite looks from the night…
Best Tribute to Charles Award | Sarah Jessica Parker
Out of everyone at the event, there’s only one lady who managed to hit the theme right on the head. Sarah Jessica Parker sashayed her way onto the red carpet in a stunning monochrome Oscar De La Renta gown. The whole ensemble, from the gloves, to the satin to the impressive updo and hair accessories became the perfect tribute to Charles – the bodice itself even looks like one of the gowns on exhibition – whilst also still maintaining much of SJP’s quirk and personality.
The ‘Took My Breath Away’ Award | Blake Lively
I’ve been missing Blake on the red carpet recently, so I think it’s safe to say when I saw the first few photos of her in this absolute stunner of a Gucci Premiere gown, my jaw dropped to the floor. Beautifully embellished, with a soft draping train and accompanied by some killer crimson and rose gold accessories, this gown looks like it was made to for Blake and I still can’t quite get over how well it fits too. Add in super glossy blonde waves, pinned old Hollywood style and pretty yet subtly pink make-up, and the effect is quite spectacular.
Most Dramatic Entrance | Liu Wen
Giving SJP a run for her money in terms of theme interpretation, Liu Wen wore this incredible seafoam green Zac Posen gown on the night. The entire look feels as though it was lifted from one of James’ collections and I love the Grace-Kelly-esque styling, especially the dramatic red lip.
Best Runway to Red Carpet Award | Karolina Kurkova
One of the most dramatic looks of the evening came from statuesque model Karolina Kurkova. Wearing one of my all time favourite Monique Lhuillier gowns, not only is the design simply breathtaking but I’m oh so impressed that it has has been perfectly translated from the runway. There’s always a risk with an origami-like structure like this that the shape falls flat – after all these ladies have to sit in town cars in these creations! – but I’m so happy this turned out looking just as amazing.
Best of Burberry Award | Suki Waterhouse
There was a distinct lack of my favourite design house at the Gala, but luckily model of the moment Suki Waterhouse snapped up this beautiful, blush pink, Burberry gown to wear on the night. The two tone effect of all the tulle, dark crimson lips and slightly disheveled updo, give the look a bit of edge whilst also paying tribute to James’ use of this fabric in his designs.
Following Anna’s Stylish Footsteps Award | Bee Shaffer
Being the daughter of the most formidable and influential woman in fashion definitely has its perks. Bee Shaffer got to walk down the Met Gala red carpet in a beautiful custom made Alexander McQueen gown, and some seriously beautiful jewelry. Her little Cinderella moment is such a fitting tribute to the silk artistry of Charles James’ work but with the added twist of signature McQueen tulle and draping.
Best Designer/Celeb Match Award | Dita Von Teese
Despite it being an event celebrating the work of Charles James, it was many of Zac Posen’s creations that really shone on the night. My favourite look presented was worn by the ever vivacious Dita Von Teese. The mermaid silhouette is oh so flattering on her and I love the cream and red colour combination on the gown and her accessories.
The ‘On Theme’ In Her Own Awesome Way Award | Alexa Chung
Compared to the other ladies on the red carpet, you’d be mistaken for thinking Alexa Chung thought twice about making an effort for the night and to that I argue back with a big NOPE. Alexa’s never one to follow the rules of the fashion pack when it comes to something as formal as the Met Gala, but she’s paid her own tribute to the theme in this Nina Ricci number. The silhouette and draping is actually very much on point with some of James’ designs, but Alexa goes her own way with the styling with a messy curls and embellished pointed pumps.
Golden Girl Award | Lea Michele
Hot off the back of wrapping Glee season 5, Lea Michele, walked the red carpet on the night in a glittering golden Altuzuarra dress. The match-y/match-y nature of the whole look is perhaps a bit too much, maybe a hint of emerald green or ruby red in the jewelry would’ve helped, but nevertheless she looks amazing here and it’s lovely to see her loosely hair swept up for the look.
Pretty in Pink Award | Taylor Swift
Taylor was quite a vision in her blush pink Oscar De La Renta gown. This theme is right up her street so I wasn’t surprised when she knocked it out of the park, again. The beauty is in the detail of the gown and it’s golden applique, plus the back of the dress and train are divine. Plus hey, her adorable bob cut, styled in retro-inspired waves and signature red lip as well.
The Modern Day Debutante Award | Karlie Kloss
In a stark contrast to BFF Taylor Swift’s gown, Karlie went for an altogether baroque-esque black and gold Oscar De La Renta gown. The black leather gloves could’ve easily pushed this into punk territory, but Karlie kept the rest of the styling retro inspired with a simple side-swept updo and delicate diamond encrusted jewelry pieces.
Best ‘On Theme’ Minimalist | Hailee Steinfeld
Young Hollywood star Hailee beamed her way up the red carpet on the night and she had legit reasons to be smiling. Her monochrome Prabal Gurung, gown was one of my personal highlights of the night and thought it was a rather elegant yet edgy take on the evening’s theme. I’m always about the little details, but I really do adore the cut of the back of the dress and the way it sweeps into the skirt.
Most Avante Garde Award | Lupita N’yong’o
I’m sure the world was waiting with baited breathe for this little lady to turn up to the Gala and when she did she turned more than a few heads. Sporting a flapper inspired green netted, feathered and beaded dress and matching green accessories, including an emerald headband, Lupita’s Prada ensemble was one of the most left-field choices of the night. After the initial shock factor, the more and more I look at this, the more I find myself falling for the all the details. Sure, it’s not quite on theme, but it’s a whole lot of fun and Lupita looks like she’s having a whale of a time too!
The Ultimate Power Couples Award | Emma Stone & Andrew Garfield, Beyonce & Jay Z, Diane Kruger & Joshua Jackson
Couples were everywhere at the Gala but the couples that share this three-way tie award showcased some of the best his/her styling I’ve seen in a long time. My favourite Spidey-duo, Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield have already had an impressive run of looks during their promotional tour and their stylish streak is in no way slowing down. Emma went for a very summer-y two piece Thakoon crop top and draped skirt, with Andrew subtly co-ordinating with her silver accessories in a rather sharp Band of Outsiders suit jacket. Of course, stealing the show when they turned up, the Carters aka Beyonce and Jay Z were also on form on the night. Beyonce went for a rather gothic Givenchy Couture number, the beaded details also compliment the beaded veil she also wore. Jay Z was a stark contrast, looking very suave in a white tux and bow tie combo. And finally Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson, both in rather minimalist looking Hugo Boss looks. Again, the subtle hints to Charles James collections are obvious and they compliment each other’s looks marvelously!
And that’s a wrap of some of my favourites! Let me know which looks you rated in the comments!
R.xoxo
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