McQueens of the Night

Last night’s Met Gala, celebrating the opening of Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty was an occasion to rejoice and reflect on the designer’s contributions to the visual world. In a much-lauded exhibit curated by Andrew Bolton (some say his best project to date), and a night of fashion’s best invited to attend, I expected my jaw to drop over and over again.

I expected to revel in the creative splendour of other-worldly gowns, adorned with gothentic accessories. I expected my view to be altered. I expected to celebrate McQueen from a distance, through these lucky souls.

In a word, I was disheartened.

How could so few of those privileged enough to attend, wear the designer to whom they were paying tribute?

How could they not wrap themselves in endless McQueen dreams?

I didn’t see most of the dresses I expected to see – flipping furiously through my mind. It was, for the most part, a futile search.

Where were the wind-blown capes? Where was the FW08 feather dress? Where were the kimono sleeves? Where was the armour-candy?

At the very least, where was Plato’s Atlantis?

It was beyond my comprehension.

However, there were exceptions – there were a few McQueens of the night.

Saving Grace: Wendy Murdoch in a PF08 gown. Photo: Vogue.com.

She should have worn the hat and gloves. Photo: Vogue.com.

Tabitha Simmons' McQueen dream jacket - one of the few to showcase his tailoring that evening. Photo: Vogue.com.

The other example of tailoring - and more zardozi embroidery. Could have done without the egg. Photo: Racked NY.

Now here is a woman one doesn't expect to see in McQueen, but it fits her like one. Photo: StyleBistro.

Every (Mc)Queen deserves a train... Photo: Vogue.com.

Gisele and Naomi - also in McQueen - on the red carpet. Photo: @worldmcqueen.

Karen Elson in Alexander McQueen SS04. Photo: @worldmcqueen.

Dressed up and down at the same time. Photo: Vogue.com.

Salma, that whole PPR thing is agreeing with you. Photo: JustJared.com.

SJP goes Hitchcock. Photo: JustJared.com.

Loved the subtlety of the gown mixed with the sparkle. Photo: JustJared.com.

Miranda Brooks keeps it simple. Photo: Vogue.com.

Many of those in McQueen chose Sarah Burton’s designs for the label, including, of course, the designer herself.

This was one of my favourite looks of the night. Leelee Sobieski in Sarah Burton for McQueen. Photo: JustJared.com.

That leaf belt has me in its grip. Photo: JustJared.com.

Naomi Campbell in a custom piece by Sarah Burton. Photo: @metmuseum.

Florence Welch performs, wearing SB for McQueen SS11. She wore YSL on the red carpet with her escort for the evening, Stefano Pilati. Photo: Vogue.com.

Coco Rocha in Alexander McQueen FW11. Photo: Vogue.com.

Raquel Zimmermann, also in Alexander McQueen FW11. The models are moving forward. Photo: Vogue.com.

Of course, the reigning McQueens for me were already chosen – Hamish and Daphne.

Hamish Bowles, he in old McQueen. Daphne Guinness, she in new McQueen. Not sure who Nick Knight is wearing. Photo: Citizenchic.

Lee Hilfiger holds on to her McQueen Union Jack skull clutch - as she should. Photo: Vogue.com.

I am holding on to the fact that the exhibit will take my breath away.

Because Lee certainly did.

See all posts on the Met Ball 2011.

Compare it to last year’s red carpet:

I Knew It When We MET

METaphors and Similes

METa Data

Déjà Vu: Have we MET before?

METaphors and Similes

Red carpet fashion at the Met’s Costume Institute Gala last night included everything from the sleek to the oblique, the shine to the divine, the delightful to the frightful.

In addition to Diane Kruger’s reign of the red carpet, there was a woman who can be compared to no other. She rules her own kingdom.

Queen Anna, in Chanel Haute Couture

The silver was a perfect choice and the ruched gown and glitzy Chanel jacket just reminded us that we are not worthy. You just bow down to her choices. They are impeccable. Her daughter, Bee also looked lovely and age-appropriate in printed Balenciaga.

Mother and daughter mode - Anna with Bee Shaffer in Balenciaga Edition

Don’t you love it when people wear something suited to their personalities and their body type? These two were a dream.

Like the top of a delicious wedding cake - Diane K + Josh J

Francisco Costa and his lovely ladies of the night

Francisco Costa must have had a great night. He dressed two of the best dressed women at the soirée.

Zoe Saldana's sleek one-shoulder Calvin Klein Collection sparkler

I am liking the return to simplicity and curated accessories. Amber’s blonde locks and fair skin were well-matched with this chalk blue Mouret. The necklace complements the neckline so well and I like her choice of shoe – a strappy sandal would have been predictable and boring.

Amber Valletta in RM by Roland Mouret

And there’s this woman – who could arrive in burlap and we would all still be envious. That dress would have been so much less without that hair…and you know I am a sucker for burgundy lipstick!

Iman in Prada, looking divine.

The column was the way to go – Jessica Stam opted for an indigo Rachel Roy, accented by golden tresses and jewels.

Jessica Stam in Rachel Roy

Ms. Roy was a popular choix and she of course, wore her own design – preferring a dash of frou.

Rachel Roy and Fabiola Bercasa

Also loved this black, white and red ensemble on Dree Hemingway. Is anyone keeping a scorecard? Another tick for Mr. Costa.

Dree Hemingway in graphic Calvin Klein

It seems the classic labels are back with a vengeance. Look at Donna in this lust-worthy gown. I’m going to need this.

No one does drape like Donna - Ms. Karan in her own design (with Russell Simmons)

Grace, personified.

Karan is one of the best examples of women who dress age-appropriately. She works her curves and stays true to her organic style.

Tina Fey – one of our modern-day heroes is still trying to find her way when it comes to style. She tried to rock the jumpsuit trend last night, but her stylist should look for other work. It didn’t fit her well and she looked uncomfortable and awkward. It’s all wrong – the suit, the bag, the shoes. There are so many things I could have put her in that would have accentuated her brilliant personality and poise.

No way, Tina Fey. No way.

It’s all about being comfortable in your own skin – whatever the age. Look at Brooke Shields – solid style in Michael Kors.

Liquid assets on Brooke Shields, in and with Michael Kors.

I also liked the slightly different story told by the Chanel Haute Couture gown that Elisa Sednaoui wore. It also helps to have Uncle Karl as your date for the night – gives you a je ne sais quoi factor. Love that dress.

Elisa Sednaoui in Chanel Haute Couture with Uncle Karl

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. Why are the young Hollywood starlets dressing like old ladies?

Couture doesn't always work - Kristen Stewart also in Chanel HC

Why is Kristen Stewart letting couture wear her instead of looking like Emma Roberts?

Emma Roberts dons Marni

Why does Anne Hathaway insist on nude-coloured sparkly princess dresses?

Fairy princess Hathaway in Valentino

She would look so fantastic in a short, jewel-toned dress like the one Blake Lively rocked.

Blake Lively in Marchesa

Work what your mamma gave you, girls. You can’t dress like a 25-year old at 45 so why do it the other way around? Live a little!

Gisele Bundchen in Alexander Wang

Be yourselves. Look at Miuccia’s look. It’s elegance, elevated.

Ms. Miuccia

Look for my final thoughts on the Met’s red carpet soonish.

Photos courtesy of WWD, Style.com and JustJared.com. Fabiola and RR image courtesy of Rachel Roy.