HAVING A BALL
Go Big Or Go Home
If I could secure myself an invitation to one thing (in the world of things that I have no hope of ever being invited to) – it would be the Met Gala. When I say invitation, a job offer to be toilet attendant for the night would be enough.
To simply get over the threshold and be in the presence of such out and out fashion debauchery is all I desire. This extravaganza is considered the Oscars of Fashion; once known as the Costume Institute Gala, it is held at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Each night is centred on the theme of the new exhibition, and it has been an annual event since 1948. Ostensibly a benefit ball, whether it’s a fundraiser, a profile raiser or just another night of being fabulous for the already fabulous, for those who like to push the fashion boundaries, this is the forum to do it on a public platform. I must confess that watching it is most definitely my annual guilty pleasure.
Option 1: Curate Skirting the Issue Skirt $249. Trelise Cooper Mesh And Easy Dress $599. Coop Great Lengths Dress $199. Coop Evening Standard Dress $189. Maud Dainty Do Not Disturb Dress $399.
This week saw me settle in to gape at the offerings of the 2018 Gala, themed on Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination. Historically there’s tough competition for outfit hits and misses; there’s no doubt that some of the attendees take the night very seriously –others not so much. Sartorial splendor is alive and well - I mean I can only hope Madonna’s shiny naked butt cheeks in 2013 was a humorous interpretation of the Punk theme. And this is the bottom line (excuse the pun) essentially fashion is centred on interpretation, impact and pure celebration. Which is why this event - that is so very, very far from anything most people will ever attend - is relevant to every black tie evening, ball or gala that we may get to go to. Rather than debating about whether we should wear full length or cocktail dress, gown or pantsuit, the message from the Met Gala is simply - wear to wow.
Option 2: Moss & Spy Valentine Dress $1,095. Moss & Spy Estelle Dress $779. Moss & Spy Isabelle Dress $629.
So what did the doyennes of the fashion world offer that can be applied to the life of a mere mortal? Well it’s easy to see how new trends will be born from this night; nevertheless, existing ones were reinforced. There was velvet, there was liquid gold in abundance, there were plenty of form fitting dresses, there were slits, there were scooped fronts and plunged backs. Tulle overlay was heavily featured. But essentially whether ethereal and feminine or bold and dramatic, it was a case of self-expression through dress. And this is what should be taken away from the night – that, and the fact that fashion is fun, and it’s fun for everyone.
Option 3: Trelise Cooper When we First Met Dress $749. Trelise Cooper A Pearl Like Me Dress $559. Trelise Cooper Stencil Me In Dress $699.
*Please note the prices are listed as when this blog was written and these prices may change after some time. All garments are linked in the text beneath the image.
Written by Nicky Adams
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