The First Monday in May: The Met Gala 2019
The Met Gala: Fashion’s biggest night of the year. Gathering the elite of the A-listers for an evening of extravagance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, this year’s theme was quite literally set to take the celebration to the next level.
The evening was inspired by Susan Sontag’s essay from 1964 titled ‘Notes on Camp’, in which she described ‘Camp’ to be “a mode of an aesthetic experience, one that took pleasure in the surface of things, a sensibility enamoured of the artificial, the exaggerated, the theatrical that often turned bad taste into something to be enjoyed”, characterised by the now-familiar phrase, ‘It's so bad, it's good’. The running theme of Camp is most recognisable today on the catwalks of Moschino, Vetements and Gucci collections just to name a few. So with flamboyance, excess and sultry in mind, join me as I round up the top 10 best dressed of the Met Gala 2019…
1. Kim Kardashian in Custom Thierry Mugler
Designer Manfred Thierry Mugler stepped back into his design studio after 20 years to create a dress that was an art piece in itself. Inspired by Sophia Loren’s wet look in the 1950s film ‘Boy on a Dolphin’, Kim was a vision of fine detail, from her wet look hair, dewy sea-kissed complexion and most notably the beading on the dress that created the illusion of water drops. In true Camp style the silicone dress was fitted underneath with a corset that accentuated Kim’s already minute waist and exaggerated her curves.
Makeup by Mario Dedivanovic, Hair by Chris Appleton, First Met attendance: 2013.
2. Candice Swanepoel in Atelier Prabal Gurung
Candice is used to being in the spotlight and this show stopping creation was no exception. The sky blue gown was hand embroidered with over 220,000 Swarovski crystals with a silk taffeta train cascading behind like a waterfall. Assuming her hairstylist took reference from Guido Palau’s intricate gelled hair from the Burberry Fall 2019 show, her blonde tresses were slicked back into a dramatic ponytail and her makeup was kept feminine and pretty. Her overall appeal evoked a Camp Princess Cinderella.
Styled by Eric McNeal, Makeup by Patrick Ta, Hair by Danielle Priano, Jewellery by de Grisogono, First Met attendance: 2012.
3. Hailey Bieber in Custom Alexander Wang
In a subtle but sweet interpretation on the theme, Hailey’s baby pink sequinned gown offered duality with a demure covered front in contrast with an open back which revealed a crystal nameplate thong. Her blonde locks were swept back in a Retro Barbie inspired ponytail that complemented her glamorous makeup look. Suited to her glowing Malibu Barbie-like tan, her makeup included a bold winged eyeliner, blinding highlight and pillowy pink lips.
Styled by Maeve Reilly, Makeup by Dendoll, Hair by Jen Atkin, Jewellery by Bulgari, First Met attendance: 2015.
4. Kendall Jenner in Atelier Versace
Engulfed in flames of feathers, Kendall’s Phoenix inspired gown looked the epitome of Camp. True to her usual style, the dress was form fitting and had sheer tulle base that was embellished with crystal embroidery, adding to its dramatic appeal. Her beauty look was kept subtle with only fluttery lashes and a kiss curl in her hair to complement the feathered ensemble.
Styled by MarnixMarni, Makeup by Mary Phillips, Hair by Jen Atkin, Jewellery by Tiffany & Co, First Met attendance: 2014.
5. Kylie Jenner in Atelier Versace
It was only to be expected that the queen of colourful hair would go all out for such a playful theme. She showcased her curves in a mermaid silhouette that was hand encrusted with Swarovski crystals in a chainmail design, but the real fun of the ensemble was found in the feathered sleeves and trim of her dress. The makeup mogul kept her beauty look simple for the occasion and let her lavender hair hold the attention. She instead framed her face with earrings made of diamond and purple sapphire that were over a staggering 70 carats.
Styled by Jill Jacobs, Makeup by Ariel Tejada, Hair by Tokyo Stylez, Jewellery by Lorraine Swartz, First Met attendance: 2016.
6. Emily Ratajkowski in Custom Dundas
As certainly the most revealing look of the evening, Emily channelled the Camp icon herself, Cher. Taking notes from Bob Mackie’s vintage designs for the singer, Peter Dundas crafted a gown for Emily that featured a full bodice cut-out held up by a halter-neck tie. The focal point of the look was the elaborate headpiece of feathered wings, a diamond headband and strands of jewels that draped from ear-to-ear. Adding to her ethereal appeal, her makeup was kept simple with only a gleaming highlight in the inner corners of the eyes.
Styled by Emma Jade Morrison, Makeup by Linda Hay, Hair by Jennifer Yepez, Jewellery by Messika, First Met attendance: 2015.
7. Lily-Rose Depp in Chanel Haute Couture
Chanel’s modern muse donned an archival piece from their Spring/ Summer 1992 show worn by Christy Turlington. A subtle but nonetheless sultry take on the Camp notion, the dress was adorned with flower shape gold brooches and chains. At only 19 years old Lily-Rose oozed an air of glamour and sophistication well beyond her years that was reminiscent of an old Hollywood movie. Her hair was in loose tendrils and her delicate beauty look consisted of muted bronze and nude tones adding to her vintage appeal.
Styled by Andrew Mukamal, Makeup by Nina Park, Hair by Bryce Scarlett, First Met attendance: 2016.
8. Sara Sampaio in August Getty Atelier
For her first time gracing the Met Gala, Sara wore a creation that evoked a Swan Lake ballet costume but with a Camp couture twist. The bodice of the gown was a crystal embellished chainmail design that had voluminous white tulle falling from it. There was notable detailing throughout her hair and makeup look; with crystals in her hair parting and the inner corner of her eyes, dramatic feathered lashes and striking midnight blue smokey eyes to match her sapphire earrings.
Styled by Mimi Cuttrell, Makeup by Kelsey Deenihan, Hair by Marty Harper, Jewellery by Lorraine Schwartz, First Met attendance: 2019.
9. Lily Aldridge in Richard Quinn
Wet look Latex, vintage floral embellishment and a cascading tulle train are the kind of contrasts you could only expect to find at this year’s Met Gala, and Richard Quinn’s design for Lily executed the Camp theme exquisitely. Being completely covered in black Latex from her neck to her fingers didn't stop her from showcasing over 27 carats of Emerald and Diamond rings, which accented the rich green hues featured in the floral bodice. Her hair was swept back fiercely from her face and her makeup was subtle, with only a berry liner to compliment the tones of her dress.
Styled by Leslie Fremar, Makeup by Quinn Murphy, Hair by Bryce Scarlett, Jewellery by Bulgari, First Met attendance: 2010.
10. Naomi Campell in Valentino Haute Couture
Met Gala veteran, and reigning supermodel Naomi, wore a pink chiffon dress with a feathered cape. The extravagant gown boasted a plunging neckline and thigh high split which revealed matching orchid toned lace tights. Embodying the ensemble with bounds of sass, Naomi’s wrists were dripping in layers of diamond bracelets. Her chocolate toned hair was straight and sleek for the occasion and her makeup consisted of rosey hues to match the sugar pink gown.
Styled by Robert Behar, Makeup by Adam Wolfgang, Hair by Ro Morgan, Jewellery by Bulgari, First Met attendance: 1990.
This concludes my top 10 best dressed from the Met Gala 2019. In only a matter of weeks we can expect to see these and other familiar faces on the red carpets at The Cannes Film Festival 2019. Let the glamour commence…
