Top 10 Met Ball Dresses

The annual Costume Institute fundraising gala at the MET is one of the most important events for the fashion industry, when celebrities wear the most amazing dresses on the red carpet. This year's theme was Punk: Chaos to Couture, a promising yet challenging endeavour for even the best stylists in the world.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Giles Deacon

The red carpet didn't live up to expectations but some stars managed to succeed and the most brilliant interpretation of the theme was undoubtedly by Sarah Jessica Parker. Philip Treacy's headpiece is definitely the cherry on top of the cake, bringing the whole look together in a magnificent way.

Taylor Swift in J. Mendel

There were a few literal interpretations of either punk or couture but few achieve the same subtle balance between these two contrasting styles. Taylor Swift is always interesting on the red carpet, revealing a strong aesthetic sense. Kirsten Dunst was also particularly chic in a beautiful Louis Vuitton gown with feathered detailing. 

Kirsten Dunst in Louis Vuitton

We regularly see 'the little black dress' on red carpet events, it's a safe option but it can also become predictable so it's important to have something that sets it apart from previously seen ideas. Miranda Kerr was stunning in Michael Kors, a sexy version which suits her joyful character.

Miranda Kerr in Michael Kors

But Jennifer Lawrence wore one of the most extraordinary black dresses at the Met Ball 2013 and Florence Welch was adventurous with a Givenchy Couture gown by Ricardo Tisci. This was also the designer chosen by Amanda Seyfried, who wore a silk printed dress from the spring/summer 2007 collection.

Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior and Florence Welch in Givenchy

Emma Watson, who stars in the latest Sofia Coppola film - The Bling Ring - chose an asymmetric Prabal Gurung dress for this year's Met Ball. This sought-after event is an opportunity to dress up and wear a long gown but there are no fixed rules. Is it possible to pull it off with a short dress?

Emma Watson in Prabal Gurung and Amanda Seyfried in Givenchy Couture

Gisele Bundchen and Karolina Kurkova were bold enough to wear short dresses and they both look stunning. Overall, this was a fabulous evening for the fashion industry but somehow disappointing as this theme was controversial enough to justify braver options. Punk is subversive while couture is all about beauty and craftsmanship.

Gisele Bundchen in Anthony Vaccarello and Karlolina Kurkova in Mary Katrantzou

When opposing forces manage to achieve a balance, then something incredible can emerge. For this suggestive theme, there's a particular dress that comes up in my mind, a Dior dress Gisele wore to Nick Knight's Masquerade Ball in 2006. Simply Fabulous! For further information about this year's Met Ball, watch the video on American Vogue.  

  

Gisele Bundchen in Christian Dior, 2006
(photo: vogue.co.uk)

Punk: Chaos to Couture
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York, ends August 14th 2013


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Couture Fit for Stars

Slow Fashion? Your Choice

As Diane Von Furstenberg said, there's nothing like wearing a dress to 'feel like a woman.' Despite fashion's diversity it can be challenging to find an innovative dress which sets itself apart from previously seen ideas. Fortunately more and more designers are creating unique patterns and graphic effects to appeal to the increasingly fashion savvy and sophisticated modern woman.

Bottega Veneta and Diane Von Furstenberg (photos edited from vogue.it)

This trend has been gaining momentum since last season's catwalk shows and it encapsulates our need for a long lasting and carefully tailored piece, which will make us feel great each time we decide to wear it. Rebecca Willis wrote about the 'slow fashion campaign' on Intelligent Life magazine, gathering relevant information about what women really want from fashion now.

Mary Katrantzou and Felipe Oliveira Baptista (photos edited from vogue.it)

Even thought this is a trend, it's important to understand we have the power, we may read information about trends or seek styling advice but ultimately it's our choice. If we buy something we love which suits our body shape and lifestyle while also reflecting our personality there's not much chance for regrets.

John Galliano and Lanvin (photos edited from vogue.it)

Brands and designers do a lot of research about their customers and particularly today, with social media and other powerful marketing tools characteristic of our digital age, this dialogue is becoming more and more dynamic.  We should never undermine the business side of fashion, it will inevitably respond to sales figures, so our responsibility as consumers is to buy only when we're happy with both the product and the brand. 

Andrew Gn and Tom Ford (photos edited from vogue.it)

If we wouldn't have demanded fast and cheap fashion it wouldn't exist. If we keep buying more and more brands produce more and more, it's the basic economic law of demand and supply. It's easy to put all the blame in the big bad wolf of fashion industry but we also have to be aware of our role as consumers. What and how we buy dictates the evolution of fashion as a whole.

Paul Smith and Etro (photos edited from vogue.it)

If we would refuse to buy from brands and designers without having more information about their ethical standards in relation to working conditions and impact on the environment, they would certainly respond to it. Unfortunately even when child labour is reported in the media sales show no signs of slowing down. But greater transparency is not only our right but our duty to demand. 

J. Mendel and Jean Paul Gaultier (photos edited from vogue.it)

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