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| Sarah Jessica Parker in Giles Deacon |
The red carpet didn't live up to expectations but some stars managed to succeed and the most brilliant interpretation of the theme was undoubtedly by Sarah Jessica Parker. Philip Treacy's headpiece is definitely the cherry on top of the cake, bringing the whole look together in a magnificent way.
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| Taylor Swift in J. Mendel |
There were a few literal interpretations of either punk or couture but few achieve the same subtle balance between these two contrasting styles. Taylor Swift is always interesting on the red carpet, revealing a strong aesthetic sense. Kirsten Dunst was also particularly chic in a beautiful Louis Vuitton gown with feathered detailing.
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| Kirsten Dunst in Louis Vuitton |
We regularly see 'the little black dress' on red carpet events, it's a safe option but it can also become predictable so it's important to have something that sets it apart from previously seen ideas. Miranda Kerr was stunning in Michael Kors, a sexy version which suits her joyful character.
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| Miranda Kerr in Michael Kors |
But Jennifer Lawrence wore one of the most extraordinary black dresses at the Met Ball 2013 and Florence Welch was adventurous with a Givenchy Couture gown by Ricardo Tisci. This was also the designer chosen by Amanda Seyfried, who wore a silk printed dress from the spring/summer 2007 collection.
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| Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior and Florence Welch in Givenchy |
Emma Watson, who stars in the latest Sofia Coppola film - The Bling Ring - chose an asymmetric Prabal Gurung dress for this year's Met Ball. This sought-after event is an opportunity to dress up and wear a long gown but there are no fixed rules. Is it possible to pull it off with a short dress?
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| Emma Watson in Prabal Gurung and Amanda Seyfried in Givenchy Couture |
Gisele Bundchen and Karolina Kurkova were bold enough to wear short dresses and they both look stunning. Overall, this was a fabulous evening for the fashion industry but somehow disappointing as this theme was controversial enough to justify braver options. Punk is subversive while couture is all about beauty and craftsmanship.
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| Gisele Bundchen in Anthony Vaccarello and Karlolina Kurkova in Mary Katrantzou |
When opposing forces manage to achieve a balance, then something incredible can emerge. For this suggestive theme, there's a particular dress that comes up in my mind, a Dior dress Gisele wore to Nick Knight's Masquerade Ball in 2006. Simply Fabulous! For further information about this year's Met Ball, watch the video on American Vogue.
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| Gisele Bundchen in Christian Dior, 2006 (photo: vogue.co.uk) |
Punk: Chaos to Couture
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York, ends August 14th 2013
Other related blog posts:
Schiaparelli and Prada at Met
Oscars Style 2013
Couture Fit for Stars