Popularly dubbed as the Oscars of fashion—the annual Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute—or perhaps, #METGala to all you netizens, transpired once again in a night that consumed and in some cases, confused viewers. Heralding a return to the Oriental aesthetic, the ball was aptly themed “China: Through the Looking Glass.” Celebrities and fashion natives clad in rich silks, intricate embroideries, and luxe embellishments glided down the carpets with a collective attempt to pay homage to Oriental exoticism without appearing sadly ornamental.
Trouser Trove
Diane Kruger’s delicate Chanel embroidered two-piece, for example, was soft and feminine paired with her Fred Leighton jewels and Judith Leiber bag. Maggie Q donned a simple silk tunic dress from Tory Burch and amped it up with a pair of pants and sandals from the same designer. Liya Kebede looked effortlessly beautiful in her embroidered Phillip Lim dress with matching trousers.
Pattern Play
Another noticeable trend was the affinity for patterns. With the theme being Chinese art, it’s not hard to believe that patterns weaved their ways into what everyone wore. Hailey Baldwin’s Topshop dress featured reeds and a flower on a blue and white-speckled background. Georgia Jagger definitely went more Oriental with a custom-made lilac and turquoise Gucci gown reminiscent of a Chinese hanfu all the more underscored with its vibrant flower and butterfly patterns. Emily Blunt was a little more understated with a blue floor-length Prada gown with white and navy flower accents, a long navy blue cape with similar accents, and a deep blue Prada clutch.
Texture Textbook
Texutres were also rampant on the red carpet—the flashier the better. Keri Russell’s shimmering emerald green Altuzarra gown did not go unnoticed with its feathery bodice and flared skirt. Kendall Jenner bared a little bit with her green Calvin Klein Collection crystal dress that opened up at the sides and crossed over in green string that fastened onto crystal pieces. Sienna Miller dared to be bold in a red chiffon fringe tuxedo covered in sequins from Thakoon as well as Jacob & Co earrings and a Rauwolf clutch.
Collaged by Dorothy Guya