For a Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala that focuses on Punk: Chaos to Couture, we have to wonder…where was the punk?! While some of the celebrities (and the non-celebrities) got it right, we have to wonder why there was so much classic elegance on the red carpet. It was a moment the celebs had been waiting for – a chance to rebel and be risky, while adding glamour when possible, with their fashion. Instead, we got too much dark eye makeup, a few crazy hairdos, and far too many studs. As Second City Style’s Lauren Dimet Waters remarked when she gave her opinion about the ball, “A spike belt doesn’t cut it.”
And so, we have to ask, were the celebrities rebelling against the punk movement? Because when the theme is so obviously dirty, why dress in flowers? (Ahem, Kim Kardashian.) Even more offensive was the fact that Anna Wintour, the queen of making fashion happen in New York City and throughout America, was not dressed punky in any way, and instead opted for Chanel floral. What does that say about reflecting on the movement?
The fact that there was so little punk it makes me wonder, could that be the fault of the designers or the celebs themselves? Once obvious winner in all of this is Riccardo Tisci from Givenchy. Big things were heard about the Givenchy label when this designer showcased his fall 2013 collection with Natalia Vodianova and Bianca Balti on the catwalk. But while not all of his looks at the Met Gala red carpet screamed “PUNK,” he did dress the likes of Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Rooney Mara, Amanda Seyfried, Beyonce, and Madonna.
Of course, there was crazy hair on the likes of Nicole Richie and Anne Hathaway. While the spray paint on Richie impressed us, it was Anne Hathaway’s blonde crop, a complete surprise because no one was expecting it, that got us to do a double take. And with all the fashion backlash of the Oscars 2013 red carpet for Anne Hathaway, it was refreshing to see her make a risky choice and come out winning.
Punk
Hmm… I guess some might beg to differ on this look. Is it punk? Really? Perhaps Gwen Stefani should have opted for something graphic from MMM. But it IS Gwen Stefani, and she’s the essence of punk glam so we’ll have to give it to her.
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On the other hand, Jessica Biel did quite well for a girl who isn’t punk at all. And she did it with an of-the-moment trend. I love this mullet silhouette with its long train and TEXTURE!
I would have expected something a little more punk from Sienna Miller, but I liked how she went for the tough leather jacket over delicate dress trend. And that leather jacket had studs!!
Looks like a lot of the girls went for gothic punk instead of just punk. Does it work?
Hippie punk?
Everyone was raving that Miley Cyrus was one of the most punk of the night. But if her hair was still long, not platinum blonde and cropped and if she wasn’t wearing see-through mesh, what would they be saying then?
Somehow these two looks scream punk to me!
And of course, the chatter about Madonna’s Givenchy look (and lack of pants) was the talk of the night. Even after 50, this icon is still setting trends.
Once again, Kristen Stewart is trying to be a rebel and not succeeding, even in a punk event.
Crazy Hair
There was the spray paint, the wild hair, and of course, the dyed locks that made more of an impact than some of the dresses!
Who else was shocked?! Was Anne Hathaway trying to make a statement after her Oscars 2013 Prada-Valentino debacle or was she trying to shed her good girl image? OR was she just having fun? What do you think?
Non-Punk Beauty
While its obvious that classic and experimental elegance is on its way back to the red carpet, was this the right place to showcase it?
I for sure thought that Rooney Mara and even Julianne Moore would do something a little more punk. Guess I was wrong.
Beautiful dress, J Law but no, a veil does not say punk.
Spider web punk?
Best Couples
No, Lena Durham and Erdem Moralioglu are not a couple, but they do look quite cute together! I guess I included this picture because Lena Durham surprised me. I really thought she was going to go a lot more punk, and she went conservative. Other dresses she’s worn have been more punk than this and I’m not sure I agree with her choices lately. But, they do look nice. As for Gavin Rossendale and Gwen Stefani, and Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson – they are not really punk but they sure look good! Tommy Hilfiger and his wife Dee looked great, but reminded me a bit of the late Alexander McQueen and Sarah Jessica Parker when they wore his and her tartan at a previous Met Gala. Kanye West and Kim Kardashian were surprises of the evening. He went for classy typical black and white tuxedo though his Givenchy skirt during his performance later in the evening was more what we’re used to for the rapper. She wore all over floral with matching attached gloves. It was pretty horrid. Nevertheless, she’s very VERY preggers and the fat jokes can stop because it’s obvious she’s pregnant and not fat.
Oh yea, and did we mention that Kim Kardashian wore floral just like ANOTHER fashionista – Ms Anna Wintour herself! Wondering if this was a move done on purpose now that Kim K is in Wintour’s good graces.
Worst Dressed
I like Cameron Diaz to be sexy, so this dress underwhelmed me, though it was an eye-popping color and it was backless. Jessica Pare showed off an eye popping color but that’s where my dress fondness ends. Ashley Olsen‘s orange vintage swallowed her, while Mary-Kate Olsen didn’t do it for her label The Row. Not a fan of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s Gucci fishnet top and Allison Williams’ dress looks like it was ripped to shreds. Marion Cotillard also underwhelmed, and Minka Kelly’s purple Carolina Herrera was not a favorite for me of the evening.
Hmm…remember when Mary-Kate was the queen of dumpster dressing? We’re not saying she’s going back to the good ol’ days but this outfit is definitely tacky and grandma chic to see the least.
And of course…the dress of the evening…
– Simona Kogan
Photos: Daily Mail, People.com, Just Jared
