Tonight in New York city was one of the fashion industry’s biggest nights. Stars came out to full glitz and glamour to celebrate the opening of the Costume Institute‘s fashion exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art: “China: Through The Looking Glass.”
In its honor, celebrities are asked to come dressed to the event euphemistically known as the Met Gala (or Met Ball) outfitted in custom designer originals that reflect the theme of the exhibit.
It was a virtual reunion of sorts for us to eye the various celebrity women we’ve featured in Bellyitch in the past walk the red carpet in what is supposed to be the boldest fashion event for the year.
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Controversial and much-watched and talked about Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer co-chaired this year’s Met Gala. |
The proceeds from the event which long time Vogue editor Anna Wintour produces benefit the Costume Institute. This year the co- chairs were Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer and Wendi Murdoch.
As for the fashion, unfortunately, many played it safe and though looking amazing, were underwhelming in their interpretation of the exhibit. I saw a lot embroidered overlays on dresses and noticed that a lot of ladies selected Chinese designers. Nice.
There were some wow-worthy moments and I noticed a theme with all the mega divas rocking the sheer panel trend.
Beyonce Knowles Carter entered last on the red carpet like the queen of the ball. She stunned in a jewel and beaded embellished ultra sheer form fitting Givenchy dress which was excellently executed and pulled off because she has a much thinner frame now. She’s lost some of her signature curves for a minute I see. The high pony tail is interesting and bold risk. The winged eye liner is a nod to the theme. Jay Z was nice arm candy in his dapper tux.
Not to be outdone, Jennifer Lopez too showed off her fabulous body in a sheer nude Atelier Versace dress with red sequins overlay, paired with a crimson clutch covered in Swarvoski crystals. It was signature J.Lo.
Kim Kardashian went sheer too in this fabulous well-designed custom Roberto Cavalli dress that hugged her curves with strategically placed beaded and jeweled embroider overlay and an elaborate feathered train. It was very eye-catching and drool worthy indeed. Hubby Kanye West looked nice too.
Sarah Jessica Parker did weave in the theme by topping her black Asian-inspired kimono dress she designed for H&M with a Philip Treacy head piece. Of course she wore her SJP Collection on her feet while toting a cute Fendi clutch (not seen in photo). Her jewels were by Jennifer Fisher, Cindy Chao, and Fred Leighton.
New mom Olivia Wilde also portrayed the theme in Prada with a muted silver Prada clutch, gloves and head band and Solange Azagury-Partridge earrings.
Sienna Miller was giving me Asian page boy in this Thakoon fringed tuxedo pants set. I love how that jacket opens in the front and the tassel earrings and belt really set off this look. She carried a matching red Rauwolf clutch in hand.
Emily Blunt channeled her inner geisha in Prada‘s take on the kimono. She went with Anna Hu earnings and a midnight blue Prada clutch.
Kate Hudson‘s interpretation of Chinese design was exquisitely done by Michael Kors in this custom gown that featured intricate gold leafing layered over the bodice of the dress. The top bun completes this look for me. Gorg! Slay!
I didn’t really see Chinese aesthetic in this Zac Posen gown that Katie Holmes wore but I was convinced by the dramatic bob hair with the bangs. Nice.
Kerry Washington brought in spring in this very full asymmetric Prada ball gown that she creatively paired with green satin pumps and clutch, while rocking fine Harry Winston jewels. I could see the artwork of a Chinese relief painting in the embroidered embellishments in the train.
Claire Danes too didn’t really do the theme thing but she did look nice in this forest green black leather belted Valentino dress that she wore with Fred Leighton jewels. She managed to bring in edgy with the dark lips.
I could appreciate designer Roland Mouret‘s silhouette and handiwork on this dress Maggie Gyllenhaal is outfitted in. It reminds me of a work of abstract art. She carried a gold Palais Royal clutch.
We had a baby on board tonight as Jaime King worked the red carpet in radiant orange. She accented the look in red custom Jason Wu clutch and heels and dripped in Forevermark diamonds.
Miranda Kerr pulled off the modern Chinese millennial businesswoman in this black and silver Louis Vuitton mini dress. I think the middle of the head parted slick back hair works great with this look.
Fellow model Adriana Lima looked like a porcelain China doll in this custom Marc Jacobs dress, accented with Chopard jewelry, and a Judith Leiber clutch.
Another top model Lily Aldridge‘s Carolina Herrera dress looked like water flowing to me and I absolutely loved it. One of my favorites of the night. The quirky fish clutch was a nice eclectic added touch. See the visual effect comes through totally.
More embroidered overlay in this gorgeous custom Louis Vuitton dress that actress Jennifer Connelly wore, paired with Jessica McCormack jewelry.
Wow! Uma Thurman is statuesque and striking in this white Versace dress that gives off a Grecian feel to me. Wrong country but still a beautiful look Oscar worthy not Met ball edgy enough.
As usual, Solange Knowles pushed the envelope and wasn’t afraid of going bold and over the top in this Giles Deacon creation that resembles a Chinese fan. Well played.
As she always does, Ivanka Trump looked stunning in Oscar de la Renta and Cindy Chao jewels. It’s classic Ivanka and the extra long train with the white block in the train is the “extra” for the Met Gala.
I really liked Alicia Keys in this playful Jean Paul Gaultier ensemble. It’s a mix of structured on top with that sharp fitted jacket and bustier juxtaposed with feminine daintiness on the bottom with the ballerina tulle but it works.
Reese Witherspoon was sophisticated bombshell in ruby red Jason Wu. A beautiful yet safe and non-newsworthy choice.
photos: Getty