Met Gala 2018

I always think of the annual Met Gala as a fantastical no-limits costume party that celebrates bold fashion. It is the one night of the year that society is expected to embrace avant-garde fashion and make a statement. This year the theme was “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” - which coincides with the Costume Institute’s latest exhibition. The Vatican even gave their seal of approval on the theme this year - which could have showcased anything from Medieval robes to stigmata-stained gowns to angelic creations. Jean Paul Gauthier has been inspired by graphic religious images for decades. Givenchy & Dior have reinvented nun-like garbs for both men and women. Galliano had a Cardinal, Nun, and priest in his 2000 show. Versace drew inspiration from Byzantine churches and has had crosses prominent in almost every collection. The theme is extremely broad and should be easy to embrace. So I beg your forgiveness as I go on a few rants at some celebs who completely missed the point of the evening. Luckily, the true fashionistas shined bright and slayed the red carpet.

Up to Heaven:

Katy Perry in Versace

I love that Katy Perry takes risks and this event is right up her alley. She took ‘angelic’ to a new level. I look at this outfit and it just makes me smile - she radiates from top to bottom. Although her look might be a bit literal, I don’t care. I love it. Her blond pixie cut adds to the gilded look. Perfection.

Rihanna in Maison Margiela Artisanal

If you’re co-hosting a themed event, you need to hit the mark. And Rihanna certainly set the tone for the evening. Move over Pope Francis - Pope RiRi is here to lead mass (and the masses). Awesome look.

Cardi B in Moschino

Cardi B is a relative newcomer to the fashion scene and she is known for going “big” and tonight she fit in perfectly. The dramatic beading and jeweling of her dress matched with the headpiece was spot on. I also love the matching gloves. Well done.

Solange Knowles in Iris van Herpen

Oh this look was so interesting. I love the make-up and halo headpiece (although the halo might have been more fitting for her Halo-singer sister). The dress is crazy and makes me think of Ursula the Sea-Witch from the Little Mermaid. And everyone is talking about the netted bottle of ‘Florida Water’ that she was carrying - it’s technically a perfume but it's been used in voodoo and Wiccan religious ceremonies for centuries. So it was fitting for the evening. Overall, I think this was a highly polished look that had a lot of thought behind it. A+

Jennifer Lopez in Balmain

Jenny from the Block almost hit the chopping block. This dress is beautiful but too simple. No thought or concept when into this. “Oh look, a pretty dress with a cross on it! I’ll take it!” So she almost hit the purgatory pile but she just looks so damn good in it, she had to make the heavenly list.

Zendaya in Versace

I just can’t get enough of her and this look makes me love her more and more and more. Zendaya is channeling her inner Joan of Arc in this chainmail dress and short hair cut. Whoever thought of this approach is genius and she looks fierce.

Ariana Grande in Vera Wang

It doesn’t get much more heavenly than Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Another creative way to bring fashion and religion together in a tasteful way. I’m very pleasantly surprised by Ariana, Vera Wang, and the whole look.

Purgatory:

Kim Kardashian in Versace

I’m not a Kim fan however, she looks beautiful in this golden Versace dress. This is what she should wear to a movie premiere or fundraiser, not the Met Gala. Yes…there is an almost invisible cross on it. Not enough. Sorry Kim.

Madonna in Jean Paul Gauthier

I adore Madonna but we’ve seen this look on her too much before. She should have surprised us with something we haven’t seen from her - like if she had come in a floral patterned mini habit. That would have surprised me and been fitting. But the whole gothic queen thing - I’m certain she just pulled this out from her closet. And the thick skirt seems to swallow her tiny frame. But at least the thought was there and I do like the nude cross on the chest.

Selena Gomez in Coach

Selena looks so lovely. The dress (or nighty) is beautiful. And I see the ethereal goddess look she was going for, but she just fell a bit short. Maybe she needed a halo or gladiator sandals or something…it just felt incomplete.

Gigi Hadid in Versace

I think this is the best that Gigi has ever looked. This may also be my favourite dress of the night. But again…why to this event? Wouldn’t this make an incredible Oscars dress if she was presenting/attending? I love the construction of it as well as the pattern to it. It has a soft Asian feel to it which confuses me further with the theme.

Sarah Jessica Parker & Andy Cohen in Dolce & Gabbana

Both of them are usually very sharp dressers but this just seems overdone. The dress seems to swallow SJP and the headpiece doesn’t do her any favours. Andy isn’t a big guy and the oversized sleeves makes him look like he still shops at Gap Kids.

Straight to the Fiery Depths:

Amal Clooney in Richard Quinn

Amal was also a co-host who clearly should have used Rihanna’s stylist. What is with pant/dress/wannabe? I don’t know any event that this would impress me. And are the roses suppose to tie into the Catholic imagery? Mmm…the only thing more disappointing is that her husband was the most boring dressed person there. Boo George. Booooooooo.

Frances McDormand in Valentino

I love Frances. I love Valentino. I love the imagination. I don’t know what the heck it’s doing at a Catholic themed event. Are the birds meant to be heavenly bodies? Frances failed.

Kylie Jenner in Alexander Wang

It’s like she went and pulled something trampy out of her sister closet and thought it would work. I also hate the glasses and the massive zipper detail. ALL WRONG.

Nicki Minaj in Oscar de la Renta

This seems like an odd pairing since de la Renta is usually such a classic look and Nicki usually goes very modern. However, the dress is lovely and I really do like the tulle train/shrug. But as a cohesive look: no. As a successful look for this event: no.

Jaden Smith in Louis Vuitton

Ugh. The first thing I notice is that he brought his certified gold album with him. How douchey can you get? The outfit is a mess (even if he was going to pick up milk at 7-11) so I’m not surprised he looks out of place.

2018 Met Gala Fashion Critique

Met Gala 2018

Up to Heaven:

Purgatory:

Straight to the Fiery Depths: