The Met Gala is one of the most exclusive fashion events in social calender. It is an annual fundraising gala for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. It also doubles as an opening celebration for the institute's annual fashion exhibit. This year's fashion exhibition "Charles James: Beyond Fashion" was unveiled at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's brand new gallery, the Anna Wintour Costume Center.
The inaugural exhibition of the newly renovated Costume Institute examine the career of the legendary 20th century Anglo-American couturier Charles James (1906–1978). Charles James was noted for his breathtaking artistically excessive ball gowns. His use of mathematical and sculptural processes to design and create revolutionary ball gowns still influences 21st century designers.A James gown, was a masterful blend of elegance, structure and 20th century glamour. "James was an artist who chose fabric and its relationship to the human body as his medium of expression," said Jan Glier Reeder, co-organizer and consulting curator in The Costume Institute. "In fact, a devoted James client once said, '…his work went beyond fashion and was a fine art.'"
Each year the event has a theme which is based on the exhibit showing in the Fashion Wing. This year's theme is Charles James: Beyond Fashion. Though not as interesting as last year’s “punk”
theme or 2012's McQueen's theme it's just as exciting. Anna Wintour, Vogue editor-in-chief and chair of the event since 1995 declared the dress code "White Tie and Decorations.”
Check out some of Charles' brilliant creations below
Charles James, 1936
Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photograph by Cecil Beaton, The Cecil Beaton Studio Archive at Sotheby's
Charles James with Model, 1948
Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photograph by Cecil Beaton, Beaton / Vogue / Condé
Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photograph by Cecil Beaton, Beaton / Vogue / Condé
"Butterfly" Ball Gown, ca. 1955
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Purchase, Friends of The Costume Institute Fund, 2013 (2013.591)
Ball Gown, 1949–50
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Arturo and Paul Peralta-Ramos, 1954 (2009.300.2786)
Evening Dress, 1946
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Arturo and Paul Peralta-Ramos, 1954 (2009.300.795)
"Four Leaf Clover" Evening Dress, 1953
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Gift of Elizabeth Fairall, 1953 (C.I.53.73)
"Taxi" Dress, ca. 1932
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Purchase, Alan W. Kornberg Gift, 2013 (2013.309)
Photographed by Tim Walker, Vogue, May 2014
Sneak peek of the exhibition
Based on the theme and dress code for this exclusive event, I was expecting grand ball gowns, vintage couture gowns and generally traditional glamorous looks from the 1930's to1950's with a modern twist from the ladies. For the men the rules of a White Tie event are formal. It involves winged collared shirts, waistcoats, double-breasted tailcoats and of the course the white tie. Let's get right into the night's looks. The conformists (stayed true to the theme and dress code of the evening), the divergents (they got the memo but couldn't care less) and of course the worst dressed for the evening.
CONFORMISTS
Givenchy was the designer of the night for the power couple. Queen Bey played by the rules in this black beaded haute couture gown from the designer. Decoration for her came in form of a black Philip Treacy veil, Lorraine Schwartz statement earrings and of course her man who was looking dapper.
Diane Kruger looked elegant in Jason Wu. This is yet another red carpet favorite look from the actress.
Sarah Jessica Parker usually has so much fun at the MET and this year was no exception. She served much needed old Hollywood glamor in a white and black Oscar de la Renta gown.
I love the train, the gloves and her hair do. SJP nailed the night's theme.
Taylor Swift also served some major cuteness in yet another Oscar de la Renta piece.
Alicia Quarles had one of my favourite looks for the night. The navy Zac Posen creation was divine, the jury's still out on her clutch though.
Hailee Steinfeld got i right in a black and white high low-hem gown by Prabal Gurung.
Joan Smalls!!!! Vera Wang check!!! Bad ass pose check!!! Face beat check!!! Bold lip colour double check!!! The purple lips sealed the deal for me.
Charlize Theron looked like a million bucks in stunning Dior ensemble. I love how she pulled off both menswear and womenswear looks.
Kendall Jenner nailed the theme in a custom made Topshop gown. Kendall is absolutely gorgeous!!!
Anne Hathaway was quite the minimalist in a Calvin Klien gown. I like that she kept her chest bare
with no necklace, i however wish she didn't have statement earring on.
Maggie Q looked magnificent in Zac Posen creation. This look is flawless!!! Love how the hair, make up and jewels compliment this look perfectly!
Karolina Kurkova sure did Charles Jame's proud in a Spring 2011 Marchesa gown. This is definitely my best dressed lady for the night. I love everything about this gown. The dramatically structured piece with hand made white and blue floral details is all that and so much more. A diamond neckpiece was the only accessory needed.
Model Liu Wen was a vision in her tremendously structured Zac Posen gown. The jade colored dress was a voluminous stunner and a perfect interpretation of the night’s Charles James theme.
Never thought this day would come but it sure did, Kanye played by the rules!!! Nori's parents worked the red carpet as conformists. Kim's look this year was a welcome improvement from last year's "couch look". The reality star looked gorgeous in a strapless navy blue Lavin dress and Lorraine Schwartz jewels.
John Legend and Chrissy Teigen both made an appearance in Ralph Lauren pieces. John looked every bit a gentleman in his tail coat and white bow tie, no faults here. Can't say the same for Chrissy though.
Blake Lively gave us a fair dose of old Hollywood glamour in this beautiful champagne spangled Gucci number. To think she doesn't have a stylist Gorge!
Tom Ford looked dapper in a tailored tux of his own design.
Olivia Munn donned a citrusy tone custom Diane von Furstenberg gown and a Fall 2014 Flirty Minaudiere in Champagne Foil Metallic Leather
Selena Gomez took a trip to the dark side for the occassion. The singer looked adorable in Diane von Furstenberg.
Selena Gomez took a trip to the dark side for the occassion. The singer looked adorable in Diane von Furstenberg.
Dita von Teese was perfection personified in yet another Zac Posen creation. The nude and red mermaid gown cinched her waist and accentuated her frame flawlessly. Hair and makeup were beautiful as always.
DIVERGENTS
Cara Delevigne stayed as far away from the dress code and theme as possible. The model went the casual route in Stella McCartney. Although she looks good her ensemble is way too casual for the Met.
Rihanna flaunted her toned mid riff in optic white Stella McCartney
separates. Love the structured shoulders on the cropped top and all the draping on the skirt. The messy high ponytail added
some edge to her look. Rih added bling to her outfit courtesy of jewelry by Jacob & Co, Dionea Orcini and Cartier.
Flawless!!!!
Rosie Huntington-Whitely looked fierce in Balmain Pre-Fall 2014. Nice dress but definitely not MET worthy.
Janelle Monae was true to her menswear inspired style in Tadashi Shoji separates for the evening.
Emma Stone was pretty in pink Thakoon separates. Another hit for miss Stone!
WORST DRESSED
I have nothing nice to say so i won't say a thing about Kristen Stewart in this Chanel dress.
Still won't say a thing about Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's outfit except well what were they thinking???
Nicole Richie had so much fun with last year's punk theme she decided to go with it again this year in a Donna Karan gown.
I'm sure the question you are asking right now is "what's going on with Rita?" I'm as shocked as you are. Why oh why??? There's too much going on the tulle gown, the gladiator boots with ribbon that goes on and on and what's that on her arm?. The antique matte gold sequined silk tulle asymmetrical Donna Karan gown is gorgeous, the added extras distracts you from just how beautiful the gown is.
- How cute is this selfie? Taylor Swift and Karlie Kloss took a close up glam picture for the big night.
