The Costume Institute Gala (or Costume Institute Ball), known as the Met Ball or Met Gala, is an annual ball that celebrates the annual opening of the Metropolitan Museum’s (The Met) fashion exhibit at the Costume Institute. The evening’s Co-Chairs will be Academy Award nominated actress Rooney Mara; Lauren Santo Domingo; Riccardo Tisci, Creative Director of Givenchy; and Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue. This fundraising event is The Costume Institute’s main source of annual funding for exhibitions, acquisitions, and capital improvements.
As much as I’m afraid to say anything about Anna Wintour, in fear of her tracking me down and verbally tearing me to shreds until I bow down to her, I have to say that I think it’s slightly rude she didn’t stick to the theme of the gala that she was hosting. Even worse, I am 100% positive I wore a very similar dress for my first grade school picture day- same haircut to boot. At least Anna wasn’t the only one who looked like a couch cover, except Kim Kardashians ensemble included the couch. Her floral floor-length dress stretched up into a turtle neck and her sleeves outward to gloves. It’s upsetting to think that Givenchy was not only responsible for this, but many other epic fails of the night. Every look he put together was over the top, and not in an avant garde way, more of “I’m not sure how to do punk so I’m trying way too hard to be different” way. Beyonce’s not-so-magical gown looked like Alladins carpet was wrapped around her body and belted, skinned and not used sparingly to create the boots, and all together unflattering. The only person that could pull off Madonna’s look with no problem, was Madonna, but someone who has always been so rebellious and somewhat rocker-ish shouldn’t have looked so purposefully punk. Another Givenchy look which made me cringe was Florence Welch who looked more like goth met nun met cowgirl. The dress might have been able to work if her hair and makeup was a little more finished. Givenchy does get credited for one of the best dressed though, Rooney Mara, whom he accompanied to the ball. Oh my gawd, she looked incredible in a flowing, zip-up, all white, plunging lace dress. Absolutely elegant with her hair slicked back and a dark, bold lip- probably my favorite of the night.
Sarah’s Jessica Parker was the epitome of couture punk and exactly what I envisioned the night to consist of. SJP so gracefully rocked a gold and black mohawked headpiece and a flowing gown opened in the front to show off thigh high velvet black boots. Cara Delevingne and Sienne Miller both wore Burberry who I was shocked did the theme justice. Cara wore a long black dress with a plunging neckline and studded sleeves. Sienna wore a very tight white dress and a chunky black leather jacket completely covered in spikes with a little spiked head piece in her messy hair. Obviously Miley Cyrus was dressed perfectly for this occasion with an all black mesh dress and spiked hair. Taylor Swift was stunning and I couldn’t believe how bad@$$ she looked. She had pale pink streaks in her hair, a smoky eye, black nail polish, and a black dress with crocheted cut outs- I was not expecting this from our little country angel. Katy Perry looked more like an Egyptian, but still at least put forth an effort which I can appreciate. Other honorable mentions were Gwen Stefani and Rose Huntington-Whitely who both looked drop dead gorgeous on two different ends of the spectrum. Nicole Richie and Anne Hathaway used their hair as a statement piece, both going MUCH lighter than their usual more natural colors.
By Brittiany Cunningham
