Can you believe that it’s almost been a year since the last Met Gala? Following on from 2018’s ‘Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination’, this year’s theme for celebrities to take inspiration from is ‘Camp: Notes on Fashion’. We’re predicting over exaggerated styles and over-the-top accessories.
Celebrities and their designers take a lot of time ahead of the event to come up with the perfect concept for an outfit that matches the theme. Before we sit back and enjoy the costumes of this year’s event, read on as we review some of the most iconic Met Gala outfits and explore the designers and creation of the dresses.
Rihanna in 2015
Designer Guo Pei who had designed Ri-Ri’s jaw-dropping yellow gown had been designing for three decades. In fact, this exact masterpiece had been designed for a 2012 show in China and it had been at in Guo’s studio until it was snapped up by Rihanna for the big event.
This gown reportedly weighed 25kg and was 16ft in length, we’re sure you’re imaging all the memes that came off the back of it right now! With the gowns weight In fact, when it was first presented in China, the model made it only halfway down the catwalk before the show had to be paused so she could remove the garment and head backstage!
Reports have suggested that the look took two years to create, and too many hours of hand embroidery! Describing her inspiration behind the design, Pei said, “When I had this design in mind, I [was thinking of] a woman that can carry weight on her arms. It’s a dress she has to lift, like she can lift the whole world. I always have a woman like that in mind.”
Interestingly, Guo Pei made her debut at Paris Couture Week in 2017 to show off her talents. The colour yellow plays a big part in Pei’s designs, she recalls a time when the colour was banned in her culture and how far fashion has come since that time.
Blake Lively in 2018
Believe it or not, Blake Lively was required to take a party bus last year because her dress was too long. Inspired by royalty and renaissance to match the “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” theme, Lively and her gown captivated audiences. Her long train was carefully embroidered, and her jewelled corset reportedly took 600 hours to create! The look was complete with sheer panels on either side of her legs and a custom halo that featured 100 carats of champagne diamonds.
Every designer wants to dress Blake Lively, and a one-off custom dress was guaranteed to be created. Designed by Atelier Versace, this piece was guaranteed to impress. Talk about finishing touches, Lively wore $2 million of Lorraine Schwartz jewellery to complement her look — this included the custom headpiece, bangles, earrings and her Lorraine Schwartz engagement ring.
You probably recognise Lorraine Schwartz’s name, because she drapes everyone with the finest jewels. Her bespoke jewellery pieces never fail to impress and it’s no surprise that she’s a go-to when celebrities are looking for new bling!
Kim Kardashian in 2016
Kim Kardashian West is someone who always impresses at the Met Gala, and her look in 2016 is one to be remembered. She co-ordinated with her beau as they both stepped onto the red carpet dressed in Balmain — Kim in a futuristic silver dress and Kanye sporting a silver jacket and icy blue contact lenses.
Becoming Creative Director of Balmain at the age of 24, Olivier Rousteing designed the piece. Since his takeover, he has been credited with bringing an Asian influence to the brand, something that has been widely welcomed by its buyers.
Speaking about the evening before the Gala, Kim said, “When I landed in New York at midnight, I immediately went to see Olivier for a 1 am fitting, and we literally cut skirts in half, created tops from dresses, and stayed up until 4 am to get the perfect option that we felt fit the theme.” Other potential looks included a gown with jewelled shoulders and sleeves and another was embellished with pearls and a giant gem in the centre of the bodice. In total, Kim received four custom-made dresses from Rousteing before the event!
Rihanna in 2017
Rihanna has made our list yet again, but who can complain when she’s the most anticipated arrival at every Met Gala? The theme of this year’s event was “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons” — a tribute to Kawakubo and her innovative designs that have challenged fashion aesthetics.
All eyes were on the Barbadian badass when she stepped onto the carpet. She wore a textured garment that was cut from jacquard florals which made her dress three-dimensional. The piece was designed with an asymmetric hemline, many cut-outs and was first featured in the Comme des Garcons Fall 2016 collection.
Don’t question how she managed to get t hose tied up heels on, because it’s thought to have taken an entire hour! Her hair was styled into a top bun and her makeup complemented the pink shades of the dress with rosy eyeshadow and blush.
This time round though, it was a tribute to Rei Kawakubo. She established Commes des Garcons in Tokyo in 1973 and has developed the brand into what it is today — an inventive and stand-out establishment that has had a great influence on fashion as a whole.
Are you ready to see what occasion dresses the stars pull out for the “Camp: Notes On Fashion” theme?
Sources
https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2017/oct/18/guo-pei-chinese-designer-who-made-rihanna-omelette-dress
https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/fashion/blake-lively-met-gala-2018-dress-versace-a3832906.html
http://money.com/money/5269261/blake-lively-met-gala-2018-dress/
https://www.bustle.com/p/ariana-grandes-2018-met-gala-outfit-was-inspired-by-this-artwork-according-to-instagram-9014053