The Met Gala is a lavish affair and the decadent red carpet showcases some of the more theatrical gowns; unlike something like the Oscars this event expects daring attire that might look out of place elsewhere. Last year’s punk theme was one many struggled with, in that they looked amazing but there was nothing particularly punk on display. Couturier Charles James is celebrated this year; both at the Met Gala and at the Met’s new Costume Institute exhibition as his designs revolutionized the world of fashion. Charles James was a perfectionist and he created incredibly structured and exquisite gowns. This is how fashion designers paid homage to this work and influence.
This is part one (for part two head here) and it is a picture heavy post. Enjoy!
Last year Lena Dunham looked amazing and she’s done it once again; the Met Gala is where Dunham gets it right. Mullet dresses tend to make me shudder and yet this Giambattista Valli Spring 2014 Couture is rather beautiful. The floral embroidery is exquisite and while I would have maybe added a necklace, it is dramatic enough as it is.
I can’t resist a cape even if it could double as a tapestry and Janelle Monae’s Tadashi ensemble is the kind of theatricality this event demands. Monae shows how pants can be just as eye-catching as any fancy gown and this is one of the most memorable looks of the night.
The next two pieces are from Tommy Hilfiger and use his signature colors of red, white and blue. Hilfiger is all about the classic approach and Lake Bell’s red gown is beautiful in its simplicity. One way to add impact is with a statement necklace and bold lip color/minimal makeup enhances Bell’s look.
Zooey Deschanel wore Tommy Hilfiger last year and it’s no surprise to see her wearing a gown made by her recent collaborator. Details I adore include the feathered shoulders, and the stunning Chanel Ruban Mademoiselle necklace. The white belt and train add the necessary drama, however her hair is giving me images of 80s volume which on this occasion is not a good thing.
Taylor Swift was one of the only attendees who managed the punk theme and she’s once again on point in this Oscar de la Renta gown (minus the cat) in a gown that takes the structured element of Charles James’ work and runs with it. The punk theme saw a style departure for Swift, whereas this is very much in her style comfort range and she looks stunning once again.
Now here’s one of my favorite approaches to hair styling at the Met Gala as Olivia Munn’s gold hairpiece and loose curls complement this stunning Diane von Furstenberg yellow gown. It’s maybe a bit too cleavy for this event, however the color is stunning and the long sleeves have a way of balancing out the plunging neckline. Munn isn’t overly done up either with just an orange pop on her lips.
More color and this time a floral explosion from Emmy Rossum in Carolina Herrera. It’s a structured ball gown and one of the more overt Charles James tributes.
Another play on the floral look as Jessica Paré opts for Michael Kors and monochrome. This might be a case of needing a necklace and yet I think the lack of one adds to the elegance of the look, especially as Paré’s sleek updo, bright pink lip color and super sparkly earrings add the required impact.
Michelle Williams keeps it simple and chic in shimmery Louis Vuitton. I adore this dress and I’m glad to see a variety of frock lengths, however this dress doesn’t scream Met Gala. Still super cute though.
Leighton Meester is going all 70s boho in gold Emilio Pucci. Pulling off both the plunging neckline and high leg slit, Meester looks amazing.
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Valentino dress and matching cape is going to be pretty divisive and it might be cape bias, but I think this is terrific and hey it’s the Met Gala so these more costumey pieces are more than welcome. This also has a whole 70s thing going on with the color palette and dramatic dots (which you know, I’m also partial to). The super blonde pixie cut is also doing it for me.
Brie Larson’s robot-esque space pajamas from Prada is another ensemble that might raise the wrong kind of eyebrows, but it’s getting only good eyebrows and hand claps from here. Setting it off is the hair twist as Larson goes all in.
For more Met Gala coverage head here.
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