I can see why André Leon Tally, the the former editor-at-large at Vogue (currently a contributing editor), refers to the annual Met Gala as the Super Bowl of fashion. Last Monday, the 2018 Met Gala was the place to be seen for famous faces from fashion, our favorite films, politics, business, and sports. Every year, guests are asked to dress according to the theme of the Met’s corresponding museum exhibit. This year’s theme was “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.”
Just the thought of the Catholic-inspired theme conjures up visions of papal vestments, cardinal robes, and bishops’ hats. On the red carpet, celebrities outdid themselves in wearing the theme. I saw so many flowing angelic gowns, long, opulent trains, golden halo-like headpieces, crucifixes, and even a few veils. I give most an A+ for their adherence to this year’s religious subject (a better interpretation than last year’s Comme des Garçon’s Rei Kawakubo).
Not everyone can attend Anna Wintour’s fundraiser gala. It costs $30,000 per person to enter the soirée (and $275,000 for a table!). Last year, the Met Gala raised over $12 million for the Costume Institute. Since taking the reins at the gala, Anna Wintour has raised $186 million for the Costume Institute.
The average person does not get the opportunity for an invite as it is strictly invite-only for the 550 guests.
Anna Wintour took over as chairman in 1999, and she approves every invite that goes out—every person on the 550 guest list each year.
This year, Donatella Versace, Amal Clooney, and Rihanna served as co-chairs with Wintour. Rihanna never disappoints. The Bajan babe continues to embrace the annual theme. This year, her blockbuster appearance in an opulent papal miter (ceremonial headdress) was by Maison Margiela.
You know the obligatory red carpet favorites get their just due, but I like to focus on the midlife style mavens, specifically the ones over the age of 50. Anna Wintour looked great, for sure, but this year, Lynda Carter, Diane Von Furstenberg, and momager Kris Jenner all looked graceful and elegant.
No press is allowed inside, but guests dined on baby lamb chops with fresh mint, almond pesto, and branzino with lemon brown butter. The dessert selection included gold-dusted truffles and chocolate-dipped cape gooseberries. But aside from what the attendees eat at the significant fundraiser, I always want to know about the night’s decor and tablescape. I love a perfectly-themed table, and this one doesn’t disappoint.
According to the above narration by Andrew Bolton, head curator of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, the Vatican loaned 50 rare items of religious significance to the Costume Institute for the annual fashion extravaganza. The exhibit includes a papal tiara featuring 18,000 diamonds and pieces Pope Benedict XIV wore.
As you may know, I frequently share my daughter Channing’s successes as a fashion writer for Refinery 29. My millennial covered the red carpet for this year’s Met Gala. She wore Sachin & Babi for the occasion, who even provided hair and makeup for the night!
The exhibit is another must-see for me (and the reason for a New York excursion). If you plan to attend, the spring exhibit runs until October 8, 2018. There’s also a Stuart Weitzman Archive of luxury shoes at the New York Historical Society until October 8.
As always, thank you for reading. Have a fabulous, healthy, and stylish week.
