The theme of this year’s MET Gala is camp, and not camp in relation to tents and toasting marshmallows out on the moors. Rather, Camp, as in being exaggerated, extravagant and perhaps even tacky fashion. The MET Gala remains one of the highest and most exclusive events in the fashion industry, and this year the guests impressed. Not to mention the overwhelming effort to match the theme by designers and celebrities alike, it is debatable that this year has been one of the most successful MET Gala’s. All images can be found at: https://www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/met-gala-2019-dresses
10) Dua Lipa – Versace
Due Lipa was sporting a beautiful psychedelic pattered gown with an unusual peplum silhouette, featuring a practical trouser underneath for modesty. Perfectly fitting with the theme whilst linking the Arabian prints to Dua’s heritage. The open skirt acted perfectly whilst walking up the steps at the MET. Dua had a dress that perfectly fitted the theme and in combination the beehive hair produced volume that gave the look an extravagant appearance – this was the perfect opportunity for Dua to showcase her style at her first MET Gala. I am so excited to see what she brings to next years MET, as she did NOT disappoint on her first.
9) Cody Fern – Maison Margeila
The American Horror Story star turned heads at his first MET Gala in a two-piece from Margeila. It featured a sky-blue mask of some sort and matching boots, although they were not the iconic tabby boot, he still encapsulated the entire brand of Margeila with this set and truly impressed the audience. I expect the same amount of greatness next year from him.
8) Celine Dion – Oscar De La Renta
Celine wore a stunning fringed piece from Oscar De La Renta with an incredible headpiece. Although Celine stated that she wasn’t too sure about the theme, she dressed beautifully whilst sticking to the theme of the event. The headpiece represents everything that is extravagant, extra and glamourous. Her gown took 3,000 hours to complete with the contribution of 52 embroiders. Let’s not forget the fact it also weighed 22 pounds, which to put in perspective is about the weight of a 2-year-old toddler. However, she looked flawless and oozed perfection.
7) Lucy Boynton – Prada
Lucy Boynton opted for a floor-length embroidered gown, although this doesn’t completely fulfil the theme, it still is beautiful. Personally, I feel that the fact her hair perfectly matches the lower half of the dress, fulfils the camp aspect of the theme. Tulle is a material that we have seen a lot on the carpet this year, for good reasons, it is a fabric which has a lot of movement and photographs beautifully. This in addition to the sequins ensures a gown fit for the event and numerous photographs.
6) Janelle Monáe – Christian Siriano
Janelle Monae fully embodied the camp theme in this incredible gown, turning heads on the carpet and showing us something we haven’t seen before, with a unique silhouette and a cut out over the torso with a clever placement of the eye for modesty. The eye was motorised to blink, an incredible combination of craftmanship and art. The dress combines both traditionally feminine and masculine traits and fully embodies the camp theme. The gown was inspired by Picasso artwork and brought to life through Siriano’s eyes. As we know from previous red carpets, Janelle tends to toy with gender roles in fashion pieces and we love her for that. I cannot wait to see what other collaborations she brings in the future.
5) Lupita Nyong’o – custom Versace
I do not even know where to begin with this piece, it is colourful, energetic and most importantly camp. Lupita always impresses on the carpet, especially at the MET Gala. A common theme we saw on the carpet this year was tulle, feathers and shoulder pads. So, I think it is fair to say that these will all be quite a trend over the summer period. Lupita is also wearing Bulgari jewellery which just adds the perfect amount of “extra-ness” to this entire outfit. From the combs in her hair, down to the matching feather fan, the details were executed perfectly and planned down to a tee.
4) Lily Collins – Giambattista Valli Haute Couture
If I am being completely honest, I am sure that Lily Collins would look angelic even in a big bag. This gown is typically Giambattista Valli from the excessive tulle and ruffled sleeves. This look gives off similar vibes to that of Priscilla Presley’s wedding dress, from the hair to the overall silhouette. The addition of the flowers in the hair and the pastel purple eyeshadow is what evolves this look from being a typical red carpet glam, to glam at the MET Gala. In the few days since the MET, may artists have already recreated the ‘new classic’ look, which will go down in history as one of the most well executed looks of 2019.
3) Kylie Jenner – Versace
Never did I believe a Jenner, or a Kardashian would be top 10 best dressed of a carpet such as the MET – as Kylie typically shines in modern pieces and radiates with more individual style than sticking to the theme, however this year was much different. Kylie arrived head-to-toe in Versace with an encrusted cage bodice, alongside a lilac feather trim and sleeves. This is truly camp and extravagant, whilst simultaneously being Kylie’s style. The colour of the wig matching up to the feathers completes this look. Her makeup, as always, was flawlessly perfected by Samuel. She walked alongside her sister Kendall, whom also looked incredible and on theme, I still believe that Kylie went the extra mile with the hair and the matching sleeves.
2) Ezra Miller – Burberry
Debatably one of the most talked about looks on the carpet that night, for good reason. This trippy, eye-catching piece, literally embodied camp and extravagant fashion, much like Ezra himself, who is known to defy gender norms and stereotypes. The masculine suit is contrasted with a diamante encrusted, cage corset which added a ‘feminine’ shape to the suit. Alongside this, makeup artist Mimi Choi created the illusion makeup, which is very intricate and beautiful, at the same time. Ezra typically never plays safe, but he ensured that this look was to be remembered and his coming outfits for other events will be highly impressive. Not only was this a fashion piece, yet also a performance with the mask whilst walking in, for a reveal.
1 ) Billy Porter – The Blonds
Perhaps Billy was one of the most iconic entrances to a MET Gala ever, sitting on a throne of gold, being carried by six shirtless men also in gold. When approaching the steps, he revealed that his custom-made catsuit was not the only showstopper, his headpiece which had crystals and was made of 24k gold also stole the show. This in conjunction with the wings, gave us a vision of a sun god. His eyes were painted gold with crystals outlining his features. This is not Billy’s first time dressing to impress, he is always meticulously presented according to the dress code and is yet to disappoint. Ancient Egypt was the main inspiration for this look, more particularly the Egyptian scene from the Diana Ross’ mahogany montage video. The Blonds are the King pin of designers when it comes to camp, and Billy Porter is the Queen of Red Carpets.
