The 2015 Met Gala took place last night (May 4th) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, with a theme of ‘China: Through the Looking Glass’ set to celebrate an exhibition opening at the venue, which sees 150 dresses on display from 40 designers – the biggest exhibition in the Met’s history.
The event, organised by Vogue editor-in-cheif, Anna Wintour, boasts tickets costing an impressive $25,000, with Ms Wintour and her team reportedly taste-making the event’s list of attendees (certain celebs are allegedly banned from buying tickets), the seating plan and even what some guests will wear.
Evidently, the Met Gala crew do the job well, with some of the most important and stylish guests having arrived on the carpet yesterday, from 6pm sharp – including Queen Bey, JLo and Kim Kardashian’s behind-baring looks, standout sheer numbers from models Naomi Campbell, Jourdan Dunn and Joan Smalls, plus an unforgettable fur-clad look from Rihanna.
See all the best looks from the 2015 Met Gala here below in our Style Special, and let us know who wore your favourite look online @SPICETVAFRICA;
How can one even begin a list, without noting Beyonce’s latest ensemble? Jay Z’z wife and superstar Bey turned up in a show-stopping, sheer Met Gala gown, giving us a little flashback to 2012 when she did the same thing. Dressed in Givenchy Couture, Beyonce stunned in her latest see-through look, which covered her modesty via tiny gemstones – not to be upstaged by her minimal makeup, which was paired with a pink lip and high ponytail.
We can’t say we are 100% in love the gown or the styling, but we do love Bey’s body and the chance to “check up on it.”
In case you were going to miss her, Rihanna wore a pink body suit, Christian Louboutin “Toerless Muse”pumps and a bright yellow couture coat by Chinese designer Guo Pei, and pretty much took the party away from Anna Wintour to completely own it herself.
Working her jaw-dropping look, which included the star’s favourite: fur, and trailed the floor with a fabulous train, embroidered in silver silk and red gems, Rih topped her head (and everyone’s best-dressed list) with a golden crown and a dazzling necklace, and we suddenly care much less about the rest of the stars’ ensembles on our rundown.
Bow down, y’all – including you, Bey.
Edgy newcomer to the Met, British singer-songwriter FKA Twigs took to the carpet in a look from Christopher Kane’s Autumn/Winter’15 collection, and defiantly said “No” to the night’s theme.
The “lovers lace” dress depicts some sort of cool, cut-out orgy, and though the tiny stunner may have needed a few more inches to make the look as brilliant as it was on the catwalk, we’re still digging this outfit – especially as it was well-acessorised with a top knot, and the best accessory one could find – her fiancé, Robert Patterson.
Another duo – if not the duo – of the night, Kim Kardashian-West and Kanye West we seen together at the 2015 Met Gala, Kim wearing an all-white and sheer ensemble, while Kanye played Yin to her Yan in all black.
While Mr West looked sharp in his shirtless attire, it was Kim’s Roberto Cavalli gown that took our attention, with the reality star revealing the body of the century in a feathered and see-through number that trailed the floor.
We loved the intricacy of the gown’s detail and the way said detailed covered her shoulders, but we were missing the theme a little here – not that we suppose anyone else would be concentrating on that, looking at Kim.
But then, who’s looking at Kim when JLo’s on the carpet? Flaunting one of few figures to rival Ms Kardashian’s, Jennifer Lopez wore an Atelier Versace gown that did keep the theme in mind – in fact, it was twisted all around her curves by way of a red, fire-breathing dragon.
Posing on the carpet with Donnatella Versace, the singer’s sheer look flatters her body perfectly, and we just loved the slicked back her, too. JLo stays slaying…
Almost blocking out the bodies of Kim and Jlo combined though, is Beyonce’s little sis and SPICE favourite, Solange Knowles.
Wearing a completely unique, if not puzzling gown from Giles’ Autumn/Winter’15 collection, the star stepped up the originality of the night, with her eccentric side fully out to play. And, though we’re missing the theme – which was perhaps hiding in the silhouette of the dress, that looked a little like two fans (?) – the singer styled this out well, with her simple, swept-back hair and pointed court shoes, and left everyone feeling safe that if another elevator fight were to go down, she’d not be dressed for the flexible kung-foo she put Jay Z down with last time she was in the venue…
Kerry Washington is well-known for her flawless wardrobe, and for the 2015 Met Gala she did not disappoint.
In a powder pink satin gown by Prada, the actress played pretty with her outfit, studded with Harry Winston jewels – though the back shot will cement the look on your best-dressed list;
We love the bow detail behind the shoulders, but mostly it was the fun contrast of the green against the pink that Team SPICE loved, Kerry also being one to do a bit of quirk well.
Another name synonymous with style is Sarah Jessica Parker, who truly brought the drama with her Met Gala look.
Doing well to carry the theme of the night – and on a budget (sort of) – the actress wore a custom H&M dress accessorised with brooches by Cindy Chao and a standout, tasselled and pom-pom’ed head piece by King of millinery, Philip Treacy.
The overall effect was fierce and fiery, and for the costume-loving history of the Met, we wouldn’t change a thing.
Also in H&M, singer Janella Monae turned up in her staple monochrome palette, this time made up of a pencil skirt, top and cape by the hughstreet retailer.
Another one for the theme, Ms Monae looked amazing with her twisted bun and pillar box red pout topping the look nicely.
Fashion’s favourite young rebels, Zoe Kravitz and Miley Cyrus stepped out for the 2015 Met Gala, ready to completely ditch the Chinese-inspired theme, going with a punk rocker style that they made their own for the event.
Well, actually, both girls’ look was made Alexander Wang’s own, with the brand customising their Autumn/Winter’15 gowns especially for the night – Miley’s outfit made up of skin-flashing cut-outs and ear cuffs (we’ll ignore the blue hair for now), and Zoe’s consisting of a skin-tight, semi-sheer, grey and metallic gown with black trim.
We always appreciate Zoe’s signature braids, which came centre-parted and beautiful as usual, but we also liked her attempt to nod to the Met’s theme with her wide, obi-style belt – so on that note, between this duo, Ms Kravitz ran it.
Queen of kooky, Lady Gaga went full-on with the night’s theme, as predicted, rocking an oversized kimono look from Balenciaga.
The coat portion was made up of a woven layer that had feathers embedded in it, and we at SPICE love how Ms Gaga bore geisha-inspired makeup, topped with a black crown and jewellery by Fred Leighton.
Met Gala newbie and style’s bright young star, Zendaya Coleman came to the party ready to wow, with her Fausto Puglisi dress that couldn’t help but catch one’s eye.
Baring a bold sun motif that was repeated all over the gown and matched her gold headpiece, Ms Coleman embodied the gala’s theme of “China: Through the Looking Glass,” adding classy, pointed pumps to her feet to make the look chic overall.
We’re sure though that this would’ve looked way better without the arm cuffs and heavy rings, but hey.
Another woman known for her edgy style is actress Chloe Sevigny, who stepped out on-pint and on-theme for the 2015 Met Gala.
Wearing a custom embroidered J.W. Anderson look that included a front slit skirt, mirrored with her parted fringe, and a cluster of accessories that went far into the ‘careless-yet-considered’ mix of the star’s style, Ms Sevigny shook up the red carpet in a way we fear will be lost on most.
We at SPICE love it regardless.
In a look that everyone is sure to love, stunning model Liya Kebede took to the carpet in pure white, bedazzling us with heaps of rhinestones and a fully on-theme ensemble.
Made up of a high-necked tunic and trousers by 3.1 Phillip Lim, the beauty stunned onlookers and couldn’t look and more chic or perfect if she tried. That said, her trousers did look a touch long, though we’ll forgive her as they brought an on-trend ’70s flare to the party, too.
Spied with director Lee Daniels in tow (the guy that brought her to TV screens via The Empire), supermodel Naomi Campbell was seen rocking a highly embellished and daring number by Burberry at the 2015 Met Gala, and taking our breath away with it, too.
The form-fitting gown consisted of a green cut-out bodice and shaggy, feathered fishtail that skimmed her frame perfectly, and compliments her blunt, choppy fringe. #Fire!
Going for chic, Rita Ora always pulls off red well and looked amazing in her custom-made, silk gown by Tom Ford, with whom she was spied on the carpet.
The Brit singer wore her signature platinum locks, strong brow and red pout beauty look for an elegant impact, and truly shone with the details of the dress – the high neck with tie detail and cinched in waist cinching her place on our best-dressed list.
Puerto Rican beauty, Joan Smalls stepped out fiercely in a Peter Dundas-designed Roberto Cavalli gown that put petalled cut-out details to her long limbs for red carpet perfection.
We love the purple hue of this dress, plus the one shoulder cut and choker, which brought on-trend ’90s vibes to the Met, where Ms Smalls seems to be a regular face.
Joan’s model colleague, British ‘It’ girl, Jourdan Dunn also rocked worlds in her deep plum, crochet-style Burberry gown, accessorised with emerald-hued earrings and a black clutch.
There may not have been an obvious Chinese influence here either, but we did love to see the stunner flaunting corn-rows on the red carpet, and will wait with baited breath to find out if Giuliana Rancic has anything to say about them, too.
‘New’ face and Calvin Klein’s current ambassador, Kim K’s little sister Kendall was in attendance at the Met Gala, wearing none other than Calvin Klein, of course.
The hue complimented her complexion, and again, though the theme may have been lost on us, we do like the cut-out, lace-up detail down the sides of the dress and the funnel neck, too.
Singer Katy Perry took to the carpet alongside Jeremy Scott, wearing a gown straight from the designer’s Spring/Summer’15 Moschino runway.
Collaged with colour and fun, as in known from Mr Scott, Ms Perry stood out in her on-theme look that reminded us of a Chinese city nightscape – especially with the spray-painted gloves and trim, and spray can clutch.
Like, where else would one wear this if not to the Met?
Stepping out like they didn’t realise this was the Met Gala though, the usually on-point married couple, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen played it safe for the night, and almost dodged the theme – save for Ms Teigens drop earrings that combined a tassel with Jade stone and her fan-shaped clutch.
The duo wore St. John and Gucci, and though they looked elegant, we were hoping they’d bring their usual fire too. Next year, maybe.
Another duo spied on the carpet at the Met, Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade did the simple-chic thing, the actress wearing a deep burgundy Zac Posen number and Mr Wade wearing a Versace tux.
We love the touch of red to the Miami Heat star’s look, and Ms Union is always on fleek with her beauty look. Overall though, this is another set of safe ensembles…
It’s the return of the Taraji! Ms P Henson, who has been enjoying her success in the US series “Empire,” made her biggest red carpet appearance in a while at this year’s Met Gala, pictured here with top designer Alexander Wang.
The actress wore a monochrome column gown by Balenciaga and adorned herself in Fred Leighton jewels, ultimately looking great and the making this a brilliant comeback to the limelight.
Also on comeback vibes, pop legend Madonna stepped out to the 2015 Met Gala, rocking Moschino on the red carpet.
The monochrome look was paired with long leather gloves (the singer’s style staple these days, replacing her infamous cone bra), and bore a graphic print to the front for edgy effect.
And, daring to rock a cape in public again, Madonna’s gown also featured a draped version strategically placed to the shoulders – because we wouldn’t want to see another neck-cape-stage disaster, would we…
Hollywood actress, Jessica Alba looked gorgeous in her Chinese-inspired look from Kenzo – a black and red bandeau dress with pretty pleated detail to the bust.
Seen on the carpet with the brand’s designers, Carol Lim and Leon Humberto, the star wore a thigh-high slit and pretty oriental print, showing off her radiant complexion and trim limbs, but stole the show with her tiger claw Kenzo clutch (we at SPICE love a bit of considered detail).
Our only gripe is the hair – like, would an up ‘do not have worked better? Either way, Jess slayed.
Alicia Keys rocked the carpet with a contrasting ensemble from Jean Paul Gaultier (with whom she’s posing with above), made of a full tule skirt and a structure blazer with a cropped bra underneath.
Though the look, which came straight from the Spring/Summer’15 Couture collection runway was originally seen with bare legs underneath, Ms Keys wore dark leggings underneath (presumably to not do a Beyonce) but we’ll leave that to one side as we do admire her slick up ‘do and rocker jewels.
The super stylish actress known as Sienna Miller was seen on the carpet with designer Thakoon Panichgul, wearing Thakoon of course.
The matador-via-China-inspired look consisted of a bejewelled pair of separates and Obi-style belt in the culture’s signature black and red. And, complete with tasselled earrings, Ms Miller stole our hearts here.
Famed director, Spike Lee attended the event with his wife, Tonya Lewis Lee, with both guests doing some sort of gothic-fused glamour with their outfits.
Touches of gold were worked through Spike’s look via a hefty cross, handkerchief and the speckle in the frame of his signature spectacles, while Tonya’s lacey, wrapped gown was woven with gold and hugged her body just right.
Ending on a high though, lady of the night (for want of a better phrase), Anna Wintour wore couture Chanel on the red carpet of her event, complimenting her staple, sleek bob with a gown covered in flowers.
While we’re not sure whether the Vogue editor-in-cheif is joining us celebrating a month of ‘Flower Power’ or showing just how much of a style champion she is, the rosette-clad dress looked wonderful on her petite frame and proves that the style maven stays winning.
But what did you think to this and the other looks on our list? Tell us your thoughts on the 2015 Met Gala’s red carpet fashion in the comments or on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @SPICETVAFRICA.
Image source: Style.com, Redcarpet-fashionawards.com, Fashionbombdaily.com, Independent.co.uk