Met Gala 2018

Each year, the first Monday of May marks the most important night of fashion. Planned by Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue Magazine, the event draws a hand-selected crowd of A-list celebrities and anyone able to purchase the $30,000 ticket to support the Costume Institute.

Guests come dressed in designer wares to reference the theme set for the night. This year, attendees wore looks inspired by the history of the Catholic Church, as the exhibition currently showcased in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, entitled "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination." 
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While the internet is a storm of Best-Dressed lists in the wake of the event, many do not consider the symbolism in the fashion and creativity in following the theme, rather focusing on the aesthetic qualities of the ensemble. However, the Met Gala is centered around the Costume Institute and some unusual elements may add to the value of the look. This list is based on the elegance of the complete look while accounting for success in referencing the Vatican-approved theme, however subtle or overt.

Keep scrolling for a recap on Monday night's looks! 

​Talita Von Furstenberg
The legendary Diane Von Furstenberg’s granddaughter, Talita, stepped onto the red carpet wearing an angelic gown with tiers of light blue chiffon and speckled with glitter.

​SZA
SZA’s blush Versace gown, complete with a beaded top and flowing chiffon, grants her a spot on this list, especially considering the angelic references and golden halo that subtly correlate with the theme.

​Nicki Minaj
With a red ombre gown, Nicki Minaj references the wine and blood of Christ while wearing a head-covering similar to a mantilla, which more conservative Catholic women wear to masses.

​Priyanka Chopra
In contrast to her simple wine-colored velvet gown, Priyanka Chopra’s delicate veil steals the show. Crafted with lace and jewels, it credits the Byzantine era while honoring her Indian heritage, as the veil was hand-crafted in India.

​Chadwick Boseman
While most of the male attendees chose a simple black suit, Chadwick Boseman made a sartorial statement with a white suit and cape, resembling the robes of a Catholic priest, and adorned with jewel-encrusted crosses. 

​Zendaya
Rather than gathering inspiration from historic religious artwork or current Catholic practices, Zendaya chose to channel Joan of Arc, the heroine of the Hundred Years’ War and a canonized saint. While the chain-link armor is a direct reference to Joan, the silver beaded gown underneath lends glamour and sophistication to the overall piece.

Ariana Grande
Taking the saying “Fashion is Art” in a literal sense, Ariana Grande wears imagery from Michelangelo’s The Last Judgement with a beautiful gown created by Vera Wang.

​Gigi Hadid
Gigi Hadid’s Versace gown was inspired by stained glass and featured rose- and lavender-colored panels on a rich navy background. The detailed crystal embroidery juxtaposed with the one-shoulder cut and flowing train made this ensemble one to remember.

​Rihanna
Rihanna’s buzzed-about outfits always draw attention, but this year’s ensemble stands out. Designed by Margiela, the completely beaded holy-white dress was complemented by a robe and a papal mitre, also fully adorned with beads.

​Blake Lively
By far the best dressed of all, Blake Lively stunned in a deep garnet dress intricately embroidered in gold thread and embellished with stones, reminiscent of the ceremonial wine, traditional altar coverings, and the stained-glass windows that are so prevalent among Catholic architecture. To finish the look, a gold headpiece with thin bars radiating from her updo created the appearance of a halo worthy of a religious painting.

Hope you enjoyed these looks and our recap! 
 
- Anna Wood