Yes, my darlings, New York City saw its biggest fashion red carpet event of the year Monday night. If you received an invitation from Anna Wintour to attend the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala, it “simply” meant that you are one big step ahead of everybody else. Anna herself is in charge of the names on this coveted guest list.
“Charles James: Beyond Fashion” was this year’s Costume Institute Exhibit theme, which opens to the public Thursday. So, keeping up with the theme, it was only natural that the Met Gala dress code be “white tie” — the most formal evening wear of all. I mean, this is where and when full evening dresses meet evening tailcoats and white bow ties for a good time, a good glamorous time. It was clear beyond any doubt that PUNK was no longer welcomed.
It was truly a glamorous night. Celebrities tried to bring out their best to the red carpet. Some women paid homage to the shapes and silhouettes created by Charles James, the British-born designer who was very known by his highly structured aesthetics, but others were not so lucky. Sometimes I wonder if they or their stylists can’t read, actually. I mean how difficult can it be to read an invitation? I can’t forgive Brie Larson or Cara Delevingne for stepping on that carpet wearing pants, and Michelle Williams and Elizabeth Olson in mini dresses, why? And they were not alone. Did these stars think that “white tie” applied to the men only?
I must confess that, although I am not really a great admirer of Kim Kardashian’s style, she looked radiant and beautiful last night in a Lavin dress, although I wished it would have fit her better. Sarah Jessica Parker showed up on a grand Oscar de la Renta dress, signed with his name on the bottom part in the back part of the dress … if this becomes a trend, we will never have to hear, “Who are you wearing?” again. I should comment on Anna Wintour, but I won’t. Throughout the years, I realized that she will go against everybody as she pleases. Her amazing sense of beauty doesn’t apply to her … ever!
The Best
1. Karen Elson in Zac Posen
Zac Posen is the great winner of the night; all the stars he dressed looked spectacular.
2. Diane Kruger in Hugo Boss
In an ice-blue divine dress looking very hot and divine.
3. Liu Wen in Zac Posen
Absolute perfection.
4. Charlize Theron in Dior
By throwing a tuxedo jacket over her shoulder, Charlize looked super chic.
5. Dita Von Teese in Zac Posen
Dita does the mermaid glass in a very glamorous Zac Posen way.
The Worst
1. Lupita Nyong’o in Prada
Give her a float, and she will be ready for carnival in Rio.
2. Rita Ora in Donna Karan
When a street walker has a good fashion dream, this is what she sees.
3. Lena Dunham in Giambattista Valli
Please give up fashion or start it all over again
4. Kate Upton in Dolce & Gabbana
She was listening to Madonna’s La Isla Bonita all week
5. Sandra Lee in Dara Lamb
This is what happens when fashion impregnates your hips on the red carpet.
Best Dressed Couple
David and Victoria Beckham
They could have showed up naked, and we still would love them.
Worst Dressed Couple
Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka
This is what happens when gay men kill fashion on the red carpet.
Gazelle Paulo is a contributing journalist for TheBlot Magazine. He also writes a column for NewYorkSPY.com. You can follow him on Twitter.
