We lowly peasants can only lust after the fashions at the Met Gala. You may be asking, "What even is the Met Gala?" I had heard about it for the longest time, but the lack of TV coverage meant I was clueless about what it really meant. The Met Gala is a benefit to raise money for the fashion department, aka Costume Institute, of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It's a chance for designers to show off, raise money for art, and for celebrities to attend a red carpet event. Each year there is a theme. The 2016 theme was entitled "Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology." The theme was certainly an intriguing one. Just how are the designers supposed to incorporate technology and couture? Lots and lots of silver. In my esteemed college opinion, I have deemed the following stars to be the best dressed...or maybe just the most interesting.
1. Solange Knowles
Girl. What is this? Solange really pulls off this color, I am truly loving the yellow. The style is reminiscent of a bearded dragon, however. It seems she is wearing latex thigh highs, which I applaud. Solange's hair is flawless, as well as her makeup. Overall, it's not too terrible of a look. Unconventional, but not disgusting.
2. Naomi Watts
This. Dress. Is. Flawless. Burberry really married the theme and elegance so well. Since the silver can be overwhelming, the simple cut of the dress keeps it looking classy. The entire dress could have been left with silver squares, but adding the flowers below the waist was the perfect touch.
3. Zoey Deutch
I'll be honest, I have no clue who Zoey is. That doesn't keep me from being in love with her dress, though. I'm not really seeing how it fits the theme...but I'll give it a pass. Perhaps it is something like still finding beauty in nature in the age of technology. Her hair is perfection, a perfect hippie goddess. I also adore how the skirt is entirely sheer, risqué, yet innocent.
4. Rachel McAdams
Yes, yes, yes. We got some gold. The top of this piece gives off both a techy vibe as well as armor. I like it. I'm not super sure about the sheerness of this skirt, but the swirling pattern helps. The dark lip was a great choice, it really set off the entire outfit.
5. Queen Rania of Jordan
So, first of all, this lady is a legitimate queen and she is simply stunning. This dress really evokes a sense of freedom and the night sky. Feathers can often look tacky, but keeping them white and laying flush with the dress kept the elegance.
6. Lily Collins
This gown really accentuates Lily's shape. It isn't revealing, but the plunging neckline gives her a figure. The contrasting fabrics compensate for a lack of cleavage and add a ton of visual appeal.
7. Julie Macklowe
Definitely embracing technology and the future with this one. Opting for a pantsuit gives off a space vibe, and the contrasting metallics keep it from looking drab. The piece in the center is similar to Iron Man, which I find fitting. Julie looks stunning, no easy feat in a jumpsuit.
8. Lupita Nyong'o
I was really surprised with this color choice, but it looks great on Nyong'o. The sheer train is what keeps it from looking too much like a prom dress. I can just imagine a future world where rooms are draped in this fabric.
9. Selena Gomez
Maybe Gomez should have sat this one out. The only thought process I can imagine for this look is some sort of 90s and the new tech age. It really looks like an ad for Forever 21, but it's Louis Vuitton. Only the leather vest overlay is somewhat fitting. She seems vastly underdressed, but sometimes that's the point.
10. Lauren Santo Domingo
Love the fringe on this. It seems she is wearing a black jumpsuit underneath and it really adds to the effect. Nude would not have had the same effect. The shift dress is perfect for her tall frame, but I would have liked to be able to see some black stilettos.
11. Kendall Jenner
The cut outs on this dress wouldn't have looked the same on anyone else. Cutouts can tend to make someone look top heavy, so it does the opposite in Jenner's case. I love the white and blue. It seems sterile but still fun. Like an extremely fashion forward robot. The gown also reminds me of architecture, like a binding of past and present.
I was really pleased with most of the fashions this year. The theme was definitely a tough one for designers, but it they pulled it off. They managed to incorporate a variety of styles and colors. There were a good deal of silver dresses, but a lot of them were extremely similar. I felt these designs were the most unique and flattering. All of the designers deserve recognition for their gorgeous designs. Until next year, friends.
