The Met

You know, whenever I hear that New York is the greatest city on earth, I wonder if it’s just overrated. Nope, haven’t been there myself. However, I must admit, that what I see from movies, with all of its glittering lights and skyline, there is a certain electricity (not the one that’s keeping the neon lights burning) that runs through the city. Broadway, the Manhattan bridge, Central Park and the Statue of Liberty are all iconic of the city that got the likes of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys belting out: New York…New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of, these streets will make you feel brand new, its lights will inspire you…let’s hear it for New York!

The Met is really short for the The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Every year, a fashion gala event hosted by The Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute is held and the who’s who in the fashion and entertainment industry are all invited. The great thing about this event is that every guest gets to flash their most fashionable outfit and they make no apologies for it.

If money was no object in making your choice of a dress, jewellery, shoes, bags….what outfit would you choose? Gosh! That’s every girls’ dream come true! Well, I tell you, these multi-millionaires who get that coveted invitation to attend The Met Gala, have designers that just throw free dresses, jewellery, shoes and bags at them so that their pieces get the spotlight during the event. I know, I know, it’s unfair but don’t hate the players, just hate the game!

I’ve picked 5 of my favourite outfits worn at this year’s gala at The Met. This is actress Kerry Washington in Thakoon for the Gap. I love the bold red colour and Thakoon’s trademark draping. Also, notice that he had the bustier uncovered on one half of the dress and the other had a drape over the shoulders. Gorgeous!

Then you have actress Chloe Sevigney in Proenza Schouler standing here with the designers themselves. What I loved about this dress was the colour of the lace – a certain sea blue, and the way how the waist nips and tucks so neatly and with precision.

Model Chanel Iman had recently caught my attention with her great taste for what looks really good on her – outfits that keep her looking young and hip. This pantsuit is from Micheal Kors. So unexpected for an event like this, yet I feel is so refreshing and chic.

Actress Carrey Mulligan with her famous pixie haircut in my opinion stood out amongst the elaborate evening gowns that most of the guests were wearing. This short dress from Miu Miu is like a breath of fresh air and certainly puts the spotlight on her. Very clever choice.

And finally, what would any New York event be without the presence of the First-Lady-made-famous designer Jason Wu. He shows off his mastery in cutting a strapless evening gown that simply moulds around Camillia Belle’s petite figure. The actress doesn’t really have curves so to speak but in this dress, she is a picture of voluptuousness all thanks to the designer standing beside her.

So, there you have it, my list of the best in show at The Met Gala. Conclusion? It’s not always the long evening gowns that get to be at the centre of attention, in fact, evening gowns can be quite predictable. If you’ve got in your hands, an invitation to a big dinner event, try something short and chic. You might just stand out among the crowd ala Carrey Mulligan. Clever girl indeed!