MET GALA 2016 : THE RED CARPET

MET GALA 2016 : THE RED CARPET

The first Monday of May marks an important date for the fashion industry: the annual Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala. The fanciest red carpet of the year, where guests (all personally invited by Vogue’s editor Anna Wintour, and wealthy enough to pay $25,000 for an individual ticket) are expected to dress according to a theme, that  traditionally reflects the latest luxurious exhibit of the Costume Institute. 

This year theme/exhibit is called “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology”. An ambitious project aimed to explore the blurring line between handmade fashion and machine-made fashion: a tribute to the technological evolution of the fashion industry.

Therefore it is no surprise to see Apple as a sponsor of the event. 

Honorary chairs have been reserved to Karl Lagerfeld, Miuccia Prada and Nicolas Ghesquière; the host of the night was of course Anna Wintour, while this year’s co-hosts happened to be Apple's chief design officer Jonathan Ive, Taylor Swift and Idris Elba. 

All the biggest names in fashion and Hollywood gathered together in New York to strut on the red carpet, but who was the queen of the night? Which designer managed to stand out in the crowd? Any worst dressed?

Watch out stars & designers: if the dress is bad we would tell it!

Mark my words, because this is the most brutally honest review you will find on the internet: at #TEB we do not care about famous names or brands’ reputations, no one paid us to feature a specific opinion, so take a seat because it is going to be fun...

LITERAL HOMAGE TO THE THEME

Claire Danes in Zac Posen

To everyone thinking "so what, isn't this a typical Posen's design", well shut up. 

It glows in the dark!! 

Genius idea and amazing tailoring: Posen is definitely the go-to-designer when it comes to the MET.

Isn't this the look of the year?

BEST LOOKS OF THE NIGHT

Beyoncé in Givenchy

As you know I wasn't a fan of her naked "gown" last year, because to me it had nothing to do with the particular theme of the night. However I can't say the same about this year's latex number: I love it. It's daring, as her character, and might not feel comfortable, but the design is exquisite in my eyes. However let me state a fact: this is definitely one of those dresses that works only on specific people. Definitely not for everyone.

Zendaya in Michael Kors

This look oozes luxury from every angle: the design feels old school but the embellishment is a modern touch. The styling? A show-stopper.

Sienna Miller in Gucci

Given the night's theme, I was wondering how Gucci would have perfomed...Well, looking at this metallic gown on Sienna I would say: so good.

Katy Perry in Prada

Costumy, I agee. Especially the styling, but can we talk about the dress? It fits the theme to the bone.

Kate Hudson in Versace

As you will witness through this review, this will happen to be the only decent Versace gown of the entire event. Trust me.

Back to the dress, I like the construction and how it fits Kate, althought the styling could have been more dramatic.

Olivia Wilde in Michael Kors

Maternity style with an edge. Definitely old school in the design, but still a good choice for the gala.

Nicole Kidman in Alexander McQueen

Finally Ms Kidman wears something we can all agree on liking. Pure elegance.

OFF TOPIC, BUT STILL GOOD

Blake Lively in Burberry

It took me a while to appreciate this: the cape brings on all the drama, but was it enough? The handcraft was beautiful, indeed this blush pink silk-organza design counts hand-dyed and sewn perspex petals. However I didn't feel the futuristic vibe.

Nina Dobrev in Marchesa

A cute and elegant look. I am sure that at a closer look the embellishment would feel amazing, however with no 'wow effects' à la Zac Posen, this gown seems more appropriate for a 'Gone with the wind' revival.

Jessica Chastain in Prada

No sign of future, just classic yet exquisite details. Besides I still have to find a blue gown that doesn't do justice to Jessica's beauty.

Lea Seydoux in Louis Vuitton

The French actress made her official debut on the MET's red carpet wearing as expected a Louis Vuitton design, as she was recently announced as the new face of the historical brand.

However, I don't even know if we can consider this a gala-worthy look, though Lea oozes class and mistery. Besides, note that this is the only decent Louis Vuitton outfit of the night.

Emily Blunt in Michael Kors

How many times have we seen this design? Many. 

Luckily for Michael Kors, I am one of those who never gets tired to see it on a red red carpet.

Kate Bosworth in Dolce&Gabbana

A highly embellished look, no doubt, but I only like it from the waist-up.

Zoey Deutch in Dolce&Gabbana

A good living advertise for Dolce&Gabbana: out of theme, but it is impossible to call this not gala-worthy.

Zoe Saldana in Dolce&Gabbana

And the "Longest train award" goes to...Zoe!

Something tells me that with a shorter train, I wouldn't have paid attention to this look: not a fan, I know how to prise a drama-queen when I see one.

DID ANYONE PAY YOU TO WEAR THIS?

Taylor Swift in Louis Vuitton

So Anna Wintour spent Vogue's money to give Taylor Swift an extreme makeover, the May cover of the magazine, the title of co-host at the 2016 Met Gala...and a dress perfect for the VMA?

Not Impressed.

Kim Kardashian & Kanye West in Balmain

This Balmain/Kardashian/Jenner/West affair should come to an end. I am sure that MsD would have used more flattering words to describe this circus, I will try to emulate her.

Why forcing the styling that far? To keep the focus off the clothes?

Blue contacts, a questionable make up and denim on the MET gala's red carpet: reconsider your crush on Balmain, because ther is nothing appealing here.

Kylie Jenner in Balmain

A thousand times better than Kim Kardashian, but still plain.

Plus, the entire presentation aged this young girl of ten years.

Dakota Johnson in Gucci

Dakota Johnson and the new wave of Gucci designs are a match made in heaven...but not this time, and especially with futuristic theme.

Lupita Nyong'o in Calvin Klein

The dress is nothing special, even if I like the color on her skin. The hair represent a desperate move to make the dress feel relevant.

Emma Stone in Prada

This is a hard one, because everything looks beautiful, but I can't help myself from seeing this as a last minute design-idea. 

FKA Twigs in Versace

I would have never told that this was a Donatella Versace design...because basically there is no actual design, just ideas badly mixed together.

Saoirse Ronan in Christopher Kane

Ok those fluffy feathers are giving me nightmares...especially those on the hem. Christopher Kane would never be on my favourites list. 

Ciara in H&M

A questionable retro/goth styled wig and a nude tent. Nice catch CiCi.

Hailee Steinfeld in H&M

The styling is so cheap that it hurts, while the dress couldn't be less predictable.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Monse

As soon as I got a glimpse at SJP look I thought I was looking at a vintage red carpet photo. No way that this could be a recent red carpet look from the American actress. I was wrong. 

I have never thought that I would say this one day, but Sarah Jessica Parker totaly failed a Met Gala's theme.

Alicia Vikander in Louis Vuitton

I like Alicia Vikander for Louis Vuitton, but after seeing her awards season look, this one feels like a joke. 

It fits the theme, but not the gala.

NO

Selena Gomez in Louis Vuitton

Let's close the discussion on Louis Vuitton with the worst look ever presented at the gala. I am so sorry that Selena was the one choosen to wear it.

Kristen Stewart in Chanel

I would never understand Chanel's fascination for Kristen Stewart...

Kerry Washington in Marc Jacobs

I would love to copy and paste what I wrote about Sarah Jessica Parker here.

How could anyone style a beautiful pregnant woman like this?

Emma Watson in Calvin Klein

Emma Watson is known for her tastefull yet modern fashion sense. This time I feel like we are not ready to understand and appreciate this outfit.

It is just ugly.

Rachel McAdams in Valentino haute couture

I don't know how a Valentino design could be featured among the worst looks of the night. 

However there is nothing remotely appealing about this dress.

Rita Ora in Vera Wang

Among my few certainties in life comes Rita Ora featured in - as usual - the worst dressed list.

The girl has definitely a talent...

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen in The Row

Should I really comment this?

Nicki Minaj in custom Moschino

Custom made: when a designer manufactures a one of a kind look for the customer.

In the fashion industry this is a form of respect and esteem to the client by the designer.

The problem is when the designer is called Jeremy Scott...

Zayn Malik in Versace

The most ridiculous man suit I have ever seen.

He might be Gigi's boyfriend, but doesn't he look like an accessory to his plus-one?

Lady Gaga in Versace

Let me resume the Versace's styling crescendo: Kate Hudson, FKA Twigs, Zayn Malik and now Lady Gaga.

Wow.

Madonna in Givenchy

For those who "Madonna will be always ahead of Lady Gaga", you are right.

written by: Stella

Coming up on #TEB

THE MET GALA's RED CARPET CONTINUES: 

WHAT DID THE MODELS WEAR? 

7 Greatest Versace Moments in Hip-Hop History

7 Greatest Versace Moments in Hip-Hop History

So who else got to catch the infamous Versace FW16 runway show that was held in Milan last night ?

Wasn't it just unbelievably young and fresh looking for a brand that usually excels at exuding opulence and glamour ?! I completely fell in love with the cool blues hues opening the presentation, enhanced with athleisure meet city-girl chic influences. It is pretty safe to say that sexiness is back at Versace (Thank God!), but, keeping in mind the rather hard-core, female-empowerment mood Donatella set us up with last season, it’s a different, more various kind of sexy, embracing models of a different range of shapes and ages. Another great step towards putting the brand more out there for a wider audience to indulge in.

Truth is, the Italian Fashion house is most likely one of the most accessible (yet, not necessarily affordable!) high-end luxury brands on the market, catering to not only high society, celebrities and socialites, but also to a handful (or more like two!) of notorious influencers of this generation, coming from and belonging to various social and cultural backgrounds. Once again, Versace killed it. And to welcome yet, another hit, celebrity model-mad collection from the Great Italian, I wanted to share with you my take on the greatest Versace moment in Hip-Hop history…

1. The Notorious B.I.G. "One More Chance/Stay With Me Remix" (1995)

"I'm clockin ya, Versace shades watchin' ya"

Biggie was rarely seen without a pair of Medusa's on his temples, in fact, he had dozens of the same expensive pair ! He would lose some and give some away, so he had to keep purchasing them (laughs!). Publicly praised for his role in bringing the exclusivity of the Fashion house to the streets, Biggie took it upon himself to step right out of his natural environment to become one of the first hip-hop stars, along Pac' and Diddy to regularly attend Versace’s runway presentations; a trend that has since become the norm.

2. Tupac Models at Versace Fashion Show (1996)

Speaking of which (Tupac, that is), the East Harlem rapper has not only had an everlasting influence on the landscape of current day rap and hip-hop, but also led the way for all of the stylish rappers who have followed his lead, trend-wise. Keeping in mind, this was at a time when rappers were much more concerned about how to keep their sneakers looking fresh than sitting front-row(!), Versace was one of the first Fashion houses to embrace hip-hop and benefit from the popularity of the street culture by giving away custom-made clothes and invites to shows to a handful of big names in the industry. The alliance reached its peak when Tupac, dressed in an all-gold suit and accompanied by Kidada Jones, (his girlfriend at the time) plus two bodyguards, walked the runway during Versace's 1996 menswear show in Milan.

Well done, Donatella !

3. Lil Kim's Versace Wig (2001)

Fashion Week has always the opportunity for designers to give new concepts a try. Back in 2001, it was, for Donatella Versace, the perfect excuse to flaunt her hyper-sexy, celebrity-made vision of Fashion as Hollywood A-listers lined her front row: Salma Hayek dazzled in copper paillettes, Pamela Anderson, barely contained in a sequined tube top, and of course, Lil' Kim, gushing in a platinum, Greek Key logo-ed wig, which drove the paparazzi completely crazy.

4. Kanye West "All Falls Down" (2004)

"Rollies and Pashas done drove me crazy/I can't even pronounce nothing, pass that ver-say-see!"

A clear proof that Ye can also be funny at times; “Ver-say-see” is a mispronunciation of the opulent brand (pronounced vair-sah-chay). He is basically making fun of the people wanting to buy luxury items from brands they can’t correctly pronounce the names. We can also see the similaties between Kanye's verse and a line from Joe Eszterhas' movie Showgirls in which, main character Nomi says: “Thanks. It’s a Ver-say-see!”, after being complemented on her dress ;)

5. Pharrell on Clipse's "Mr. Me Too" (2006)

Lyric: "Up in Donatella crib, me and like ten hoes"

Not everyone can claim to be part of the cool kids and be allowed to sit at the table of the Versace clan but for some, (Ahem, Pharrell Williams!) these expensive, luxurious vacations are like a week to week thing. Despite having the body of a 12-year-old boy(!), he apparently drives Italian women, including Donatella herself, crazy with his cute sneakers and skateboarding skills ;)

6. Pusha T on Kanye West's "Runaway" (2010)

"You can't blame 'em, they ain't never seen Versace sofas"

It is pretty clear that Pusha feels for a certain type of women he refers to as gold diggers; when girls who grew up under lesser conditions have had a taste of luxury, they will never want to go back to their old life. Kanye most likely was the inspiration for this bar. During the Summer of 2009, when the creative process of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy took place, all G.O.O.D music artists were trapped with Ye in his studio (read here, mansion) in Hawaii for 2-3 months during which, Ye blogged and tweeted about Versace furnitures that were decorating the property. Let’s just say he got Pusha hyped up about it ;)

7. Don C, Drake & the Versace blue silk Barocco shirt

Classic case of who wore it best: Drake on his 25th birthday party in Vegas vs. Don C, pairing the look nicely with a gold Versace bracelet. You do you think wore the haute piece best, huh ?

I'm gonna be super unbiased here(!) and I'll put my money on Drake ;)

The post 7 Greatest Versace Moments in Hip-Hop History appeared first on PBTH **

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Royal Fashion Minute: Diamond Jubilee Dinner for Foreign Sovereigns-Kings and Queens Red Carpet!

Royal Fashion Minute: Diamond Jubilee Dinner for Foreign Sovereigns-Kings and Queens Red Carpet!

Royal Red Carpet

Hosts With The Most: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall host  a Dinner For Foreign Sovereigns to Commemorate The Diamond Jubilee, London, England

As you may be aware--if you've been keeping up on all things royal-- The Diamond Jubilee is taking place this year--right now as we speak in fact, marking 60
years of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's reign. The Queen came to the throne on 6th
February 1952 and her Coronation took place on June 2, 1953, so naturally this weekend is the Central Weekend of The Diamond Jubilee.

 Coronation Day, June 2nd, 1953--Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip

Lots of events, parties and fabulous horse races have been taking place with a highlight being tomorrow's Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant which will celebrate her 60 year reign with a flotilla of 1,000 boats on the River Thames which will be televised live on various networks such as CNN and BBC of course.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Official Diamond Jubilee Portrait

A couple of weeks ago, on May 18th, as part of the celebrations, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall hosted a very VIP dinner at Buckingham Palace for Foreign Sovereigns to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee. It was a Who's Who of Kings, Queens, Princes, Emperors and one especially FABULOUS wife of an African Monarch. They socialized, had cocktails, gossiped about the latest multi-palace intrigues and dined on cheese souffle and sea bass. They also gave COUTURE darlings...so...let's check out the Royal Red Carpet...

Monaco Meet England: Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco say "hello" to the Dinner's Hosts, Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall--The Duchess wore a duck's egg blue shimmery gown designed by one of her favorite designers (as well as the late Princess Diana) Bruce Oldfield. The dress featured a delicate lace with a deep v-neck and three-quarter sleeves; all over a matching satin inner gown. She looked like a very, very elegant Mother-of-the-Bride, and I mean that in a good way! I LOVE her! I also love Prince Charles black tie patent leather slippers. I want a pair!

Peach Princess: Monaco's reigning royals, Prince Albert and his wife, Princess Charlene looked fresh and modern in their "Royal Red Carpet" looks. The statuesque Charlene wore a peach-colored silk crepe gown with a silk chiffon cowl-draped capelet from Christian Dior. The Princess always knows how to highlight those incredible swimmer's shoulders of hers and always chooses clean, elegant non-fussy styles, and it goes without saying, she always looks radiant in them.



 Elie Saab Grand Duchess:

The Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, Maria Teresa attended the Dinner in Buckingham Palace with her husband of course, His Royal Highness Henri, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. Maria Teresa LOVES fashion and especially ordering from all the top Haute Couture fashion houses. She's not a six foot tall size 2 but that doesn't stop the Cuban-born monarch from GIVING Fashion with a Capital F! For this dinner a couple of weeks back, she wore Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2012:

The blue-green colored gown is a hand-beaded silk chiffon dress featuring a satin waist-defining belt, three-quarter sleeves and flared shape with train. It's the SAME gown that Katy Perry wore to the 2012 Grammy Awards earlier this year. The difference is the Grand Duchess payed for hers (It's Haute Couture kids and probably cost a cool $100,000)...and there was another difference: when the Grand Duchess custom ordered this gown she had the neckline dropped and scooped. I think for her, this was a wise choice since it opened up her neckline and balanced her upper torso. Perfect gown Maria Teresa. Bellisima!



 More Euro Royals On The Buckingham Palace Red Carpet:

King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden (top left): the Queen--who is of German and Brazilian descent--wore a silk taffeta navy blue high-necked ruffle Blouse/Jacket over an ivory gown skirt.  On the right are Queen Anne Marie and King Constantine II of Greece. They don't really have a country to rule since the monarchy was abolished in Greece in 1973 but they still retain their titles. They're also VERY related to the British monarchs and just about all the other Euro Royals so they get invited to just about everything! Queen Anne Marie of Greece (who's actually Danish) wore a very lady-like silk chiffon flower print gown with a rosette waist detail. I am not sure who the designer is but it's very Valentino. Old-school Valentino.

Queen Sonja of Norway (left) wore a deep red high necked gown with semi-mermaid skirt and a Royal-worthy matching wrap. This woman is exquisitely ROYAL from head to toe. No one in their right mind would confuse her for anything but being a QUEEN! Next to her is Queen Margrethe II of Denmark; I just LOVE her; she seems like a hoot--just look at that facial expression on her--complete opposite of Queen Sonja. Margarethe can't wait for her first cocktail at the dinner! In terms of fashion, Queen Margarethe usually favors the big ol' ball gowns--usually with oversized flower prints. It was a nice change to see her in a more modern and not too over-the-top fashion statement.



Middle East, North Africa and Asia...

Rome, Italy born Princess Lalla Meryem of Morocco (left) is the first daughter and eldest child of the late King Hassan II of Morocco. She's always very elegant and stood out with her Moroccan traditional gown at the Dinner Festivities. On the right photo is the always stylish Queen Rania of Jordan. A Royal Style Icon, Rania wore a color-blocked peplum gown with three-quarter sleeves, contrast waistband and "Mermaid-lite" shape. She is so ON TREND with everything in that gown, she's BEYOND Trend!

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan attended the dinner. The Empress look rather chic in a black and white column silk crepe gown with asymmetrical neckline and waist detail. But it is the Emperor who stands out for me: Simply, the Best Dressed Man of the Night! He looked impeccable in a double breasted tuxedo with peaked lapels.

One of the wealthiest men in the World, the Sultan of Brunei Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darusasalam attended with Pengiran Anak Saleha, wife and Queen Consort of the Sultan (left top photo). On the right is Princess Srirasm of Thailand, wife and Princess Consort to the Crown Prince of Thailand, who attended with her husband, the Crown Prince of Thailand, of course. I love how both of these ladies wore traditional ensembles and highlight the elegance and beauty of each culture.




Finally, It's The Royal Consort of the Night:

Take a look at this lovely lady above ---She is (wait for  it!) Inkhosikati LaMbikiza, one of the THIRTEEN WIVES of King Mswati III of Swaziland. First off, I just want to know how she got so lucky--out of the 12 other wives--to be the one to come to London. Does the King of Swaziland have a gold, diamond and ruby bowl that all of the wives put their names in and the first one picked was the Winner? Can you imagine! This above is what she wore to the Dinner for Foreign Sovereigns to Commemorate the Diamond Jubilee.
It was a gold iridescent confection of a gown featuring gold lamé and
poly organza ruffles tiered into a frothy pouf-cake of a gown, the top
section was beaded and then, if that wasn't enough, in case she would be
cold, a white mink stole. 

The only thing I can think of is "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding":

I swear to the Fashion Gods that she must be using this KRAZEE show as her Fashion Inspiration. I give her lots of points for just going there and wearing this monstrosity of a dress. It isn't just tacky. It's BEYOND Tacky. Maybe this is a culture thing and in the great nation of Swaziland, this is what passes off as Red Carpet Glamour so maybe I'm just being culturally insensitive...

Whatever it is, it's still TACKY-licious to me! One of my favorite pictures from the night's dinner is the one above where the Footguard is standing there, as she enters the Dinner Party, and you can tell that his insides are about to BURST out as he's trying to hold a professional look on his face while on the inside he is SCREAMING and saying "OOOOOH GURLLLL!!!"



I'm just going to say it: I want to see more of Inkhosikati LaMbikiza! I really, really hope she will be attending the Thames River Diamond Jubilee festivities tomorrow, hopefully on her own boat--with TWENTY half-naked hot boys around her dancing!



Happy Diamond Jubilee!!!