glam squad: MET gala 2013 – punk: from chaos to couture

The internet is all a-flutter today with mini mohawks (or not-so-mini if you’re the one and only SJP), thick eyeliner, leather, spikes, and studs, and glamour glamour glamour. For fashion lovers everywhere, Vogue‘s annual MET Gala—founded in 1948 and held every spring to celebrate the opening of the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute exhibit in New York City—is one of the most highly-anticipated events of the year. Full of fashion elite and Hollywood’s finest, the MET Gala always promises show-stopping looks, iconic red carpet moments, and more lustworthy fashion than Grammys and Oscars combined.

This year’s MET Gala paid tribute to 80s glam in the best possible way with Punk: From Chaos to Couture. An over-the-top theme like this made it easy to either play it far too safe (a high fashion no-no) or take punk and run so far with it that you leave everyone scratching their heads the next day wondering what you (or your stylist) were thinking. But, as always, plenty of gala-goers brought their fashion A-game, striking a perfect balance between edge and elegance. Here are some of my favourite looks from the night:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is probably my favourite look from MET Gala 2013. Cara Delevingne was completely stunning in this Burberry Prorsum gown. The cut of the dress was simple and sophisticated, but the plunging neckline and spike detailing (brought out as well by the choice of accessories) paid homage to the night’s theme in the most glamorous way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nina Dobrev turned heads in this custom-made Monique Lhullier ensemble with a bustier top and tulle outskirt with leather strapping at the top. This was a stunning example of how to pull off both bold and feminine in a single look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A lot of people were thrown off by the hair, but I thought Nicole Richie looked outrageous (in the best possible way) in this white, floral-encrusted Topshop gown with matching coif. If you’re going to make a dramatic beauty statement, an 80s punk MET Gala is the place to do it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking of dramatic statements, Katy Perry was anything but understated in this Dolce & Gabbana look. But, I thought the detailing on this gown was completely couture and the look was accessorized perfectly for a night of punk glamour. She went for it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that little Dakota Fanning has quickly become a fashion knockout, but once again the budding style icon reminded us that she knows good clothes and knows how to wear them. This black Rodarte illusion dress was an incredible choice for the night. If you haven’t taken a closer look at the back of the dress yet, definitely check it out—stunning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Very few people pull of understated glamour like Rooney Mara. Her white Givenchy had such simple lines but the plunge, slit, shoulders, and metallic zipper detailing brought the look to a whole other level.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another Givenchy moment: new spokesperson Amanda Seyfried in vintage couture. Girlfriend knows good dresses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bringing a serious pop of color was Kate Bosworth in this Balmain look. Mini, hot pink, metallic, plenty of embellishment—what could be more punk than that?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another mini pulled off by another red carpet pro: Gisele Bundchen in Anthony Vacarello. The chainmail meshing on this otherwise simple LBD is pure high-fashion creativity, and the spikes on her sky-high heels closed off a great tribute to the gala’s theme.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carey Mulligan has such a great aesthetic and always knows exactly how to pull off the perfect look for the perfect occassion—whether it’s very high-risk or slightly more muted. This black Balenciaga dress seems understated at first glance, but the cut-outs, the uniquely structured bodice, and the metallic detailing make this a really well-executed look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stacy Keibler was a bolted beauty in this Rachel Roy number. And those shoes! Going short at the MET Gala isn’t always a popular choice, but I thought Keibler looked edgy and super glamorous. The only thing missing was her most coveted accessory, Mr. Clooney.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brooklyn Decker was a definite standout in this incredibly detailed Peter Pilotto dress—the structure of the gown, the colors, and the accessories were all on-point. So daring and so chic!

What were your favourite MET Gala looks?

j.