Thursday, May 6, 2010

Fashion's Oscars: The Met Gala Hits and Misses


The theme for this year's Costume Institute Gala was "American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity." So often in fashion, the emphasis is on our French, British, and Italian counterparts, so it was refreshing to see the Met take a different direction this year and focus the spotlight on influential American women in fashion. Perhaps Vogue's new Director of Special Events, Sylvana Soto-Ward, was responsible for this change. Regardless of what brought it about, the Met Gala was comprised of its usual hits and misses on the fashion front. Here's my take on who dazzled and who, well, fizzled.

Best Dressed

* Gisele- We usually hear Gisele described as beautiful, curvy, and athletic. Of course, all of those adjectives are true, but at the Met Gala, I would best describe her look as hot. Yes, the new mother looked absolutely fierce, reinforcing why she is the world's reigning supermodel and the woman Rolling Stone once called "the most beautiful girl in the world." Gisele was a knock-out in black Alexander Wang.

* Blake Lively- Fashion's newest darling did not disappoint at the Gala, dazzling in blue, asymmetrical Marchesa.

* Anne Hathaway- While Anne did not make Vogue's special edition of the Gala's best dressed, I thought she looked radiant in sparkling, floor-sweeping Valentino. Pure perfection.

* Charlotte Gainsbourg- The woman is my fashion idol. She can do no wrong, as far as I am concerned. Ghesquiere's muse looked highly original and unique in a Balenciaga frock and killer, sculptural heels. Maybe the heel isn't dead after all...

* Lauren Santo Domingo- Everyone was over-the-moon about LSD's nude, shimmering Proenza Schouler floor-length dress. I really liked the look (honing in on this season's nude/minimal trend), but I was more impressed that her husband, the elusive Andres, actually appeared in a red carpet photo alongside his It Girl wife. I thought LSD and Andres were heading the way of Tinsley and Topper there for a minute. But, I digress. The dress was dazzling and I think LSD was ahead of the curve again.

Worst Dressed

* Sienna Miller- Her black dress could be mistaken for a Flamenco costume before it could be called fashion-forward. You can't hit a home run every time, though.

* Alexa Chung- I know that Vogue, British Vogue, Mulberry, The Cut, and practically everyone else are completely smitten with Ms. Chung, but I really wasn't a fan of her 3.1 Philip Lim ensemble.

* January Jones- Don Draper's wife is stunningly naturally beautiful, but Betty just didn't impress in this bright pink and black lattice YSL number. I think it was the elbow-length dark gloves and odd eye makeup which made the look appear disjointed.


(** photo image of Gisele is courtesy of Vogue's website, www.vogue.com**)

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