MET Gala 2012: Modern Style with a Retro Chic Edge

New York’s biggest and most elegant fashion party, the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Exhibit, went off with aplomb. The gala, one in which the worlds of fashion, art and finance intersect, was attended by an A-list gathering of celebrities and celebrated the launch of the museum’s spring exhibit, “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversation”. Chaired by Vogue Editor in Chief, Anna Wintour, actress Carey Milligan and designer Miuccia Prada, one of the subjects of the exhibit, the event raised money for the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America).

The co-chairs pulled out all the stops for this extravaganza. Anna Wintour declared Schiaparelli Pink the party’s signature color which extended even to the entrance making red carpet which seemed to have a pinkish cast.  From pale blush pink to mauve to pink-coral, the pop of the flattering hue brought panache and style to the entire proceedings and to the attire of many of the invitees, both male and female.

Modern fabrications, including decorative fabrics, a focus of the exhibit, were clearly in evidence in the attendees’ attire. Color, including pink, continued its entrance making statement while coral, gold, white and the ever present black followed suit.

In the Pink

Actress Paula Patton was striking in a pale pink structured Vera Wang strapless gown with openwork pink stone drop earrings and single stone ring. Designer Jason Wu escorted model Karlie Kloss who wore his pink and black lace gown with round diamond drop earrings with black diamond center. Even the men got caught up in the evening’s signature color with Vogue’s Hamish Bowles sporting a hot pink smoking jacket with black lapels and Zac Posen, a mauve tuxedo.

 

Coral Effect

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coral had fresh runway appeal. Actress Eva Mendez was stunning in a coral peplum Prada gown appliquéd with jet and white beads and delicate David Webb drop earring. It girl, Emma Stone, escorted by designer Alber Elbaz, wore a frothy coral pink full skirted Lanvin dress replete with hand worked flowers, while Emily Blunt wore cut out Calvin Klein Collection and Neil Lane jewelry.

Decorative Arts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In keeping with one of the exhibit’s theme, ‘Waist Up, Waist Down”, actress Carey Mulligan dazzled in a Prada gold metallic pailette halter dress with detailing at the waist. The uber chic Gwyneth Paltrow wore a killer ice satin Prada halter mini dress with shaped front, pailette detailing and oversized round hoop like earrings from Anna Hu. Edgy Kristin Stewart wore a graphic color block and sequin mini from Givenchy Haute Couture, while Indie actress Chloe Sevigny stood out in a decorative car reflector black Miu Miu mini and Repossi jewelry.

All That Jazz
The golden rule was in effect with glitter and glamour the order of the day, from slim metallic columns with long sleeves and bare backs to sexy halter styles. Jessica Alba was a standout in a Michael Kors lame goddess gown with Wilfredo Rosado gold drop earrings and bangle bracelet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avenger superhero, Scarlett Johansson, dazzled in an off the shoulder gold beaded and embroidered gown with net fishtail hem from Dolce & Gabanna and pearl drop earrings.

 

Garden Party

Iconic New Yorker, Sarah Jessica Parker was the picture of romance and femininity in a bow front floral Valentino Haute Couture gown worn with vintage gold and diamond drop earrings from Fred Leighton and cuff from VBH. Young television star Rashida Jones wore a Tory Burch one shoulder floral chiffon gown and drop earrings while a pony-tailed Shailene Woodley of The Descendants charmed in a psychedelic floral print Christopher Kane gown and Pomellato jewels.

 

Anything But Basic Black

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A strong contender in the leading looks category, the black evening gowns were both modern and alluring. Decoration – feathers, sheer fabrics, lace or appliqué were the order of the day. Case in point, Renee Zellwegger’s long sleeved black silk Emilio Pucci gown with chiffon overlay worn with diamond and platinum multi-drop earring. The ever fashionable Cate Blanchett took black to new heights in her simply shaped Alexander McQueen gown with elaborate feathered hem and Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry. Singer Rhianna raised the fashion bar in Tom Ford’s crocodile embossed backless column and Repossi diamond studs. Songstress extraordinare, Beyonce, the last guest to arrive, stole the show in her version of black in the entrance making sheer, beaded Givenchy Haute Couture gown with long train.

 

Drop Earrings Define the Look

Whether the look was color, metallics, black or decorative, drop earrings were the order of the evening for almost every style setter at the gala. From delicate drops with an almost retro feel, to bolder styles with a modern twist, drop earrings graced the looks of Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Alba and Scarlett Johansson, among others. Gold, platinum and diamond looks were the big hits with shots of colored stones: turquoise, coral and other precious stones in evidence. Cocktail rings decorated many a hand, but the buzz was about the emerald cut diamond engagement ring of actress Jessica Biel, recently bestowed by Justin Timberlake.

Spring’s Costume Exhibit runway attire was in keeping with the fashion icons that the exhibit celebrates – designers Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada. It married the modern, innovative style of Prada with the wit and style of Schaparelli for a gala and show that celebrates their unique creative genius.