The Best and Worst of The Met Gala 2018
May 22, 2018
The Met Gala is an annual charity event that raises funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Even though the event is supposed to showcase the museum’s artifacts, the highlights of the gala focus on each celebrities’ outfit. There is a different theme for the Met Gala every year, and the guests are encouraged to express the theme through their clothing. The theme of this year’s Met Gala was “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.” Celebrities and designers had the chance to showcase their creativity with the theme, being that the Catholic faith has dominated so much of the world. The practice of Catholicism dates back to ancient times and has made strong influences in major fashion houses such as Dolce and Gabbana, Versace, and Gucci. Every highly renowned fashion event comes with ups and down, and there are some guests that dress for the occasion properly and others that just fail. Here are some of the best and worst dressed celebrities at this year’s Met Gala:
1. The “Pope” of the Party: Rihanna
Year after year, Rihanna has produced some of the best Met Gala outfits ever recorded. This year, she not only looked fierce and heavenly but embodied the true meaning of the theme. Her outfit was designed by the creative director of the famous fashion brand Maison Martin Margiela, John Galliano. Galliano wanted Rihanna’s outfit to replicate the dress worn by an archbishop. Her long robe, pointed hat, and embellished crosses exemplified the Catholic-themed event. Galliano and Rihanna went through hours of fittings and adjustments just to get the perfect Met Gala look. The intricate details of the garment were what made it one of the most unforgettable looks of the year. The beading featured on the entire outfit was hand stitched and custom-made for Rihanna’s red carpet debut. Rihanna, yet again, made the Met Ball her personal runway while showcasing the strong Catholic influence on fashion.
2. Michelangelo’s Maiden: Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande made sure to follow the theme with her first-ever Met Ball appearance. The Vera Wang creation featured a direct print of Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment covered by a light beige tulle and matching headpiece. The Last Judgment is a fresco that is featured on the wall of the Sistine Chapel. The painting depicts a number of characters awaiting their final judgment before God. Michelangelo’s piece is one of the most awe-inspiring paintings in the world and serves as a tribute to the Catholic faith during the Renaissance period. Wang designed the dress to show the long-lasting influence that Catholicism has had in the art world before being expressed in fashion. Grande’s appearance was tasteful and perfectly displayed the theme of “Heavenly Bodies.” It is an appearance that will be remembered in Met Gala history.
3. The Princess of Priesthood: Blake Lively
Blake Lively was the epitome of a Renaissance princess at this year’s Met Gala. Lively floated on the red carpet adorned in a custom Versace gown. The Versace creation was a piece of artwork in itself, taking 600 hours to complete all the stitching on the train and the beading on the bodice of the gown. The overall burgundy hue of the outfit represents the ideals of sacrifice and bloodshed, which are important characteristics in the story of Jesus Christ and Catholicism. The gown was accessorized with a golden, jeweled crown neatly tucking back her hair. The headpiece is symbolic of the haloes that are seen surrounding the heads of many angels depicted in Catholic artwork. The crown presents a holistic and religious tone to the outfit which exemplified the theme of the gala. Blake Lively not only stunned all the other guests at the Met Gala, but she incorporated the theme within the colors and accessories of her outfit.
4. A Jarring Joan of Arc: Shailene Woodley
Shailene Woodley looked as stiff as a log on the red carpet in her custom Ralph Lauren dress. The look was inspired by Joan of Arc, who was a soldier in the Hundred Years’ War and was later declared a Roman Catholic saint. The outfit does follow the theme but the design of the dress has a few flaws. The metallic fabric of the dress was supposed to create a metal look to resemble the armor that was worn by Joan of Arc. The fabric looked stiff and constricting on Woodley, and the white cuffs of the dress seemed distracting with the metallic shine. The real downside of the outfit was the boots. The latex boots resembled more of a Catwoman costume than something worn by Joan of Arc. The boots did not fit the metallic theme that was displayed in the dress and again seemed uncomfortable and constricting. Overall, the outfit lacked the accessories and details to bring the theme of the gala to life.
5. A Mediocre Monarch: Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling displayed a simple and downplayed look for one of the most extravagant fashion events of the year. The simplicity of Kaling’s Vassilis Zoulias gown was disappointing and unflattering. The silky fabric of the dress lacked design, detail, and effort. The only detail of the dress was a plain, white piece of fabric to define her waist. The neckline dress was basic and did nothing to accentuate her neck or collarbones. The navy elbow-length gloves added nothing to the look and made the outfit look tacky and juvenile. Another unnecessary accessory was the bejeweled crown atop of Kaling’s head. The crown looks like a piece of a princess playset from a toy store. The giant, teal stones within the crown were distracting and cliché. Though her dress was meant to resemble that of a Catholic monarch, it flatlines with her oversimplified look.
6. A Clashing Cardinal: Amal Clooney
Amal Clooney’s look was appalling at this year’s Met Gala. As the co-host of one of the biggest nights in fashion, Amal should have had an outfit that was both creative and in-line with the theme. In its entirety, Amal’s outfit, designed by Richard Quinn, was one of the most disappointing looks on the Met Gala red carpet. First, the navy trousers derailed the outfit from having any meaning or complexity. There is no message that can be seen in blue trousers except boring. Second, the metallic top clashed with the rose pattern of the train. The top had no purpose in the outfit, seemed out of place, and lacked any detail. The patterned train was the biggest faux pas of the outfit, resembling old kitchen curtains. The patterns of the outfit clashed horribly and the theme “Heavenly Bodies” was nowhere to be found in the look.