Last night saw Vogue and Anna Wintour’s annual event, the MET Gala 2014 take place, with stars out in their fashion finest.
With a strict dress code and a theme to adhere to – this year’s being about celebrating master couturier James Charles, who has been dubbed “the Einstein of fashion” as well as described by Cristóbal Balenciaga as “the world’s best and only dressmaker” – guests were sure to turn up looking trim, elegant and proper (for the most part), and below is our pick of the best – from Lupita Nyong’o and her fierce flapper theme, to Kim and Kanye in matching Lanvin. Enjoy;
First up, is Rihanna who was seen rocking head-to-toe white in a Stella McCartney dress, Jacob & Co. necklace, plus Cartier and Dionea Orcini rings. Never one to miss looking trendy – whether she’s expected to wear a ball gown or not – rebellious Riri has made our list for at least making midriff-baring look demure, even with hints of tattoos visible all over the place and her hair in a scruffy pony. Love you Ri!
Taking the theme literally and adding some costumery to all the night’s couture, Lupita Nyong’o stepped out to grab headlines, in an emerald green Prada dress, which she told Andre Leon Talley she initially had no intention of wearing. We’re so glad she did don the dress, with its flapper-era by way of Africa feel, fun details and unique look, which, compared to her colleagues’ more formal attire, stood out in all the best ways. And, accessorised with Cartier jewels, Lupita looked absolutely radiant – as usual. See her discuss the look with Talley in the video below;
As if we could ignore them, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West also made the guest list and both made Lanvin their go-to – Kim wearing hers with Lorraine Schwartz jewellery and Kanye West looking fly in his. We do love how the fit of Kim’s dress hugs and skims her body (though wonder what it all looked like from behind) but felt that Kanye kinda stole the show, showing other male guests how to do a suit the stylish way; the silhouette actually, is pretty swish, proving that his love of skinnies is *bound 2* show up wherever he goes.
Ms fly-thing herself, Erykah Badu stopped our hearts in this Givenchy (of course) ensemble. Never one to loose herself while thinking about styling, the neo-soul star brought cool vibes to the Gala in a matching hat and suit jacket, plus wide legged smart pants, a head scarf and door-knockerish embellished hoops. We are not disappointed at all.
Solange stepped out looking her usual quirky-self, styled up in a satin orange number that despite internet criticism, we at SPICE really like. Though perhaps some are right to say that the star’s hair sort of ‘ages’ her, we respect anyone who works wonders with a theme and this flapper girl nod didn’t go a miss with us. #GreatStuff.
Now, Beyonce’s look was one to question as while it was very elegant, it was also a tiny bit ageing. Sure, the star’s received a lot of flack for her post-baby body-flashing, but not quite covering it up (love the deep v and high leg slit) Beyonce acted her age (or older) through her face, which was covered by dark lipstick and a veil. The look has a Spanish widow sort of vibe to it and while overall there was something beautifully haunting about it, from Bey, we did expect better. Next year, yeh ‘Yonce?
British singer Lily Allen showed up in a fun Chanel Haute Couture look that may be getting slated elsewhere but is being saluted here at SPICE, since we definitely like a little quirk to our looks. Rocking sweet Spring pastel shades and cute bows on her shoulders, we love the fit of Lily’s dress – skimming her body beautifully and kissing the floor – as well as how the theme went right down to her clutch, which looked like a giant piece of candy. #Delicious.
British model Suki Waterhouse also went for pastel but really upped the ball gown ante in a multi-layered, blush-coloured Burberry dress. We really fell for the texture and enjoyed the old Hollywood vibe brought by the up ‘do, red lip and diamond stud combo she accessorised with. This had Grace Kelly written all over it.
The Beckhams didn’t decline the invitation to be stylish, either, showing up looking the stunning couple they are with David in a Ralph Lauren Black Label suit and Christian Louboutin shoes and Victoria wearing a design from her own label. While David typically turns heads for his good looks and charisma, it was Mrs Beckham that stole the show for us, with her dress fitted to perfection on her tiny frame, heaped to the floor and cut across her midriff with precision. Though we weren’t as sure about the hair and makeup, we have to say that overall, we like.
An absolute fan of wearing white gowns, supermodel Naomi Campbell wore a Givenchy creation with a halter neck and cut-outs around her chest, bringing a real ’70s sort of feeling. Accessorised with feathered arm muffs, the look was left decadent and daring, considering the strict dress code guests were given.
Young Kendall Jenner almost upstaged her sister Kim K in a low end budget dress from Topshop, which looked beautiful on her model body. We like that this look balanced sophistication and fun with its silk texture, fishtail finish and super sleek cut, coming from one of the high street’s most beloved brands, though the Chopard diamond chocker necklace Kendall wore reminded us that she is part of the Kardashian clan after all, with a budget that really cleans up.
A$AP Rocky’s girl, Chanel Iman also chose Topshop for the MET, taking a silk silver number with wrap detail to the Gala and turning heads. The model wore sleek finger waves in her hair and carried a dainty embellished clutch and drop earrings, and we are left impressed with the whole thing, head to toe.
But overall, Sarah Jessica Parker had the last word on style at the event, taking the white tie dress code and Charles James theme to the best place possible. Her good taste (or her stylist’s) manifested in this over-the-top black and ivory ensemble by Oscar de la Renta, complete with long Diamond embellished gloves and flower adornments in her hair, completely reminding us of Carrie Bradshaw – the character that made this star so famous in fashion. What a way to steal the spotlight and how better to end our list of unforgettable MET Gala looks. #Perfection.
That said, if there’s a star whose MET Gala style you love that didn’t make our list, do tell us below in the comments box or via @SPICETVAFRICA – else that’s it until next year and Anna Wintour’s next big ball gown event.
SJP!!!!! I love Rihanna but first it has to be Sarah for the MET 2014.