The Metropolitan Museum is offering homage to the 120-piece ‘China: Through the Looking Glass’ exhibit containing authentic Chinese clothing by Chinese designers such as Guo Pei as well as Western interpretations by Christian Dior and John Galliano. Last night New York’s Met Gala awoke the city with a flurry of Asian-inspired gowns, statement headwear and delicate embroidery to welcome in the highly anticipated exhibition.
By Jemma Walker
Stepping onto the red carpet (with a little help) Rihanna adorned a Chinese couture yellow embroided cape with a seemingly everlasting train by Guo Pei. Wrapped in rich fur and accessorising her look with a statement golden headdress, the ensemble was a welcome break from the more classic, demure designs showcased at the gala. As one of the only attendees to adorn a Chinese designer, Rihanna revealed she chose the regal look herself, which took a staggering two years to complete as Pei worked alone on the extravagant design – a signature of the designer’s dedication and passion.
As expected, Sarah Jessica Parker fully embraced the Chinese theme – never one to shy away with classic, demure deigns – with an incredible Philip Treacy headdress and a surprising H&M design, (obligatory sweeping train included). Abandoning bright colours and Grecian capes, Solange Knowles welcomed the flash of cameras in a statement Giles mini-dress built by layer upon layer of softly pleated fans.
Sheer and See-through: the trend to emerge victorious from the Met Ball may not be Asian-inspired, but it undeniably embodies the unique glamour and grace close to the theme. Many famous faces wore sheer designs offering a mirage of nudity, although some dared to bare more with only sparking detail hiding their modesty. Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez chose heavily embellished fishtail designs that left little to the imagination.
But who said the Met Gala was only about gowns? Diana Kruger looked flawless in a two-piece suit by Chanel comprised of a beaded strapless top and sheer embroided trousers. Sienna Miller also embraced 2015’s wearable trend, standing out from the array of similar silhouettes in a Thakoon red-sequin two-piece with plunge effect and tassel accessories at every turn.
