Glamazons,
I have to admit it was pretty hard to get to 10 best-dressed celebrities this year. The 2013 Met Gala’s theme “Punk: From Chaos to Couture” seemed to throw everyone for a loop! Trying too hard, or not enough, landed most people in my personal worst-dressed category. As for the best of the best, some Glamazons nailed it (bows to you, in Rooney Mara), some interpreted it in the most refined way (in awe of Jessica Alba) and others eschewed it altogether (Solange Knowles was somewhat “punkadelic” but wonderful nonetheless).
Let’s talk about my faves!
10. Christina Ricci in Vivienne Westwood
I was utterly surprised by how many people did NOT wear Vivienne Westwood to yesterday’s gala! When it comes to the punk aesthetic, she is Queen. Did everyone miss the memo? Christina Ricci sure didn’t in a plaid gown with a corset bodice and voluminous high-low skirt that truly embodied punk meets couture. I would’ve nixed the shoes but the orange lippie was the perfect compliment.
9. Joan Smalls in Tom Ford
Making our list for the second time, Joan Smalls was just the picture of elegance! She’s the perfect muse for Tom Ford‘s brilliant and refined interpretation of punk. The designer took punk’s affinity with black and lace and turned it into the most sophisticated streamlined gown. Ombre hair and smoky eyes added to the edge of it all.
8. Miley Cyrus in Marc Jacobs
My heart fluttered when Miley Cyrus hit the red carpet. The singer’s penchant for wild antics really served her well here. And how brilliant for Marc Jacobs to look to punk’s fishnet stockings and gloves to inspire a stunning gown with a classic streamlined silhouette? Miley‘s MJ netted nude gown fit her long, lean frame like a glove and her spikey blonde hair, tough gold jewelry and red lip enhance her already stellar look.
7. Jennifer Lopez in Michael Kors
Jennifer Lopez has the kind of panache that she can command attention in almost any look. And when that look hugs her famous curves and boasts a sultry splattering of animal print spots, believe Jennifer will work it with aplomb on the red carpet. She did just that in Michael Kors‘ stunning print gown which just felt so sexy and sophisticated and ferocious at the same time. Though she didn’t quite nail the punk theme with the tousled updo and smoky eye, this is as edgy as red carpet JLo gets. And the open back was a stunner.
6. Jessica Alba in Tory Burch
Some may say Jessica Alba‘s look was too safe but I think the actress, who made our list for the second time, channeled a quintessential “punk princess” to great effect. Her ultra-feminine Tory Burch gown, with its double cut-out neckline and floral decal, was embossed in leather making it the ultimate grunge meets glam piece. Her braided updo, spiked leather clutch and funky ear jewelry added to the punk aesthetic. Love!
5. Nina Dobrev in Monique Lhuillier
Nina Dobrev was simply breathtaking in a Monique Lhuillier pantsuit. It had the kind of top that you would expect from a punk girl out on Saturday night, from its halter strap to its sexy corset bodice and fitted pants, but the black tulle skirt that flowed from her waist was all glamour. Her smoky eye truly nailed the look. This was majestic!
4. Kerry Washington in Vera Wang
Kerry Washington is such a fashion icon in her own right. She never gets it wrong, always delivering a knockout look that’s perfectly appropriate for the event at hand. The Met Gala called for punk re-imagined to embody red carpet glamour and Kerry‘s Vera Wang gown was it. The silk floral print was decidedly Vera: dreamy and feminine. It got revamped with black netting inside a plunging neckline, a soft peplum waist and flowing train with black overlay and black opera-length gloves. The look was very Upper East Side princess turns dark by punk street culture. Love!
And to further embrace the punk aesthetic, Kerry wore purple streaks in her hair and a purple smoky eye that gave me heart palpitations. She gets it. Bravo!
3. Solange Knowles in Kenzo
Making our list for the second year in a row, Solange Knowles is one of the few Glamazons who eschewed the punk theme and still made this list. Her look was rooted in 70s sensibilities, but still brilliant for its energy, vibrance and sassy sex appeal. The intricate neckline, cut-out bodice and high slit on her blue printed Kenzo gown added interest without seeming busy or labored. Her funky retro hoop earrings uplift the look, as does her breathtaking voluminous afro. Strappy sandals and a matching Edie Parker clutch help root the look. A stunner!
2. Rooney Mara in Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci
Rooney Mara established herself as a lover of the darker, more sinister side of fashion and the punk-themed Met Gala was the night for her to truly shine. And that she did in a Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci gown as ethereal as it is deliciously edgy. There was white lace throughout and ruffles cascading down the hem, which swept the floor, and on the shoulders. Metal detail, in the form of exposed zippers and detail on her white strappy shoes, added a toughness to the look. Finally, Rooney finished the look with jet-black hair slicked back into a bun and a harsh dark lip. Genius.
1. Sarah Jessica Parker in Giles Deacon and Philip Treacy
I say this every year, but the true measure of a great Met Gala look is the drama it brings. This is fashion’s Oscars and the look is about paying tribute to a theme in a way that’s mesmerizing, fascinating and makes a lasting impression. (Remember when Daphne Guinness topped our list in 2011?)
Making our list for the second time, Sarah Jessica Parker channeled her last night in a brilliant homage to “Punk: From Chaos to Couture.” She wore a pink Giles Deacon ball gown with a black and gold floral print, a front slit and a voluminous skirt. She paired it with knee-length velvet boots, a layered necklace and the most show-stopping Philip Treacy hat which seemed like a cross between a mohawk and a gold crown. Simply exquisite!
That’s it for our top picks, Glamazons!
Do you agree with this list? Who did we leave out? Who should get nixed? Give us your opinion in the comments. Can’t wait to hear what you think!
Kisses,
Glamazon Jessica
Great post!