The Met Gala (or New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual Costume Institute Benefit) is one of the biggest parties of the year, and everyone’s excited to see what our ladies wore. Of course, every year it gets everything from plain gorgeous to ugly to what-the-hell-is-that? But they are all certainly unmissable. This year’s theme was China: Through the Looking Glass. Take a look at the best (and worst) in the order of my liking:
1. 50 Shades of Red
Although lots of celebrities wore red, considering the Chinese theme. But I really liked Amal Clooney in this strapless red gown with a layered and ruffled skirt by Maison Margiela. Also like her simple hair and makeup in an I’m-cool-without-too-much-make-up-or-jewelry sort of way.
2. Elegant and Wearable
I’m a big fan of Victoria’s Secret Angel Candice Swanepoel and always feel like buying whatever lingerie she models in the catalogues! And I like this simple curve-hugging and flattering gold dress she wore to the ball by Michael Kors. It’s very wearable and her skin looks young and happy!
3. Very Chinese and Very Cool
I heart Jessica Hart’s Valentino crimson and red gown. It has mixed Chinese-inspired patterns and it’s slightly sheer but not too much. Plus cute makeup!
4. Showstopper (and Meme-Worthy)
You could not wear this gown and not get memed about it all over the internet! But the only one who can pull this off is Rihanna of course! Her bright yellow fur-trimmed dress with the longest and widest trail was designed by Chinese designer Guo Pei. I don’t care much for fur but I like head-turner numbers. RiRi’s lavish dress inspired internet memes, with comparisons ranging from pizzas to Belle of Beauty and the Beast to condoms!
5. Pop Art
Katy Perry’s strapless black gown by Moschino was graffiti inspired, with spray-paint texts and bold graphics. Plus, matching gloves. Non-traditional, but she really pulls it off with that hair and attitude.
6. Do-I-Look-Like-I-Care?
FKA Twigs made her debut at the Met Gala with Robert Pattinson wearing a Christopher Kane gown with art-print that has arms and legs and ahem, male private part. I find the art very sad, but it’s definitely a fashion trend in the making.
7. This is not a Dress, It’s a Costume
Sarah Jessica Parker wore a custom black H&M gown that is just painful to look at. I don’t care for unflattering shapes and single-sleeved dresses. The headpiece by Phillip Treacy is although a good effort, but would look better in a costume shop than at a party on SJP’s head.
8. Sheer, Dragon and Overly Contoured Makeup
I have a love-hate relationship with JeLo’s style. And I like how this Versace gown takes an interesting yet obvious dragon inspiration, and I like the intricacy of the design. But I would’ve liked it better if its sheer were not so obvious, and a bit more classy, same for the extra-contoured cheeks. That’s just contour and blush abuse.
9. Just Bad
Boyonce’s totally sheer gown with strategically placed sequins doesn’t do justice to her figure and frankly looks unappealing and tasteless. Also the hair is bad, but who would look at her hair with that dress?
10. Who Wants to Look Fat?
Lady Gaga never fails to amaze with her choice of wardrobe. Some of it is just sculptural art, and others just plain costume-y. Well I can’t say this is the worst she ever wore, or the most shocking, or anything. But I can’t think of anyone who really wants to look like they gained a hundred pounds?
And her headpiece looks like a Kentrosaurus.
Well, so that’s that. Which one was your favorite and least favorite Met Gala outfit? 🙂
Shilpa Ahuja the editor-in-chief of ShilpaAhuja.com, which she founded with the goal of inspiring confidence in the modern working woman through fashion. Other than defining the direction of the magazine, she also writes about fashion & beauty trend forecasts, industry analysis, and opinions.
Shilpa’s work has been published in the University of Fashion blog and Jet Airways magazine. She is also an artist, illustrator and cartoonist. She is also the creator of Audrey O., a comic series that represents the lifestyle of millennial women. She enjoys creative writing and world travel. Her art has been exhibited at Harvard Graduate School of Design and the Aroma Hotel, Chandigarh and been published in Chandigarh Times.
Originally from Chandigarh, Shilpa also has a degree in architecture and has worked in interior project management. She is also the author of the book “Designing a Chinese Cultural Center in India”. Shilpa has a Masters in Design Studies degree from Harvard University.
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