MET GALA 2018 : Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination

By the Fashion Editorial Team

“Fashion IS one of the most important art forms because it’s able to reflect the zeitgeist; it’s able to reflect it immediately. It expresses very complex ideas about gender, sexuality, identity and that’s part of its power.”
— Andrew Bolton - Head Curator of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York City

Anna Wintour ready to welcome everyone in a heavenly Chanel dress.

Be prepared for some divine inspiration! The first Monday of May is here and with it, the annual MET Gala. As always, hosted by Anna Wintour, this year the event was co-chaired by Amal Clooney, Donatella Versace, and Rhianna. 

Amal Clooney made a statement in a Richard Quinn look which included a pair of black smoke pants, a metallic corset, and a dramatic floral train.

Donatella Versace in a Versace ensemble complete with navy blue mini dress with gold accents, a beautiful blue train, and finished off with matching boots.

Rhianna arrived as Catholicism itself as she wore a white beaded Margiela Pope dress topped off with a matching beaded pope hat.

This year's gala played host to one of the most provocative of themes: "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" as religion and fashion have shared a long history of collaborations as can be seen through the various works of John Galliano, Christian LaCroix, and Yves Saint Laurent to name only a few.  Anna Wintour is certainly no stranger when it comes to recognizing the long intertwined history of fashion and religion as evidenced by her controversial (and first) Vogue cover as Editor-In-Chief published in November 1988 when Israeli model, Michaela Bercu, wore a $10,000 Christian LaCroix sweater with a beaded cross over a pair of Guess Jeans.

Tonight's gala took on especially more meaning as The Guardian had reported that the Vatican has loaned about 40 pieces for the exhibit which will be available for viewing at the MET's Costume Institute Exhibition from May 10th-October 8th. Amongst the collection will be a papal tiara constructed with 18,000 diamonds. 

There certainly was no shortage of celebrities this year and there were so many winners tonight.  We confess some of our red carpet favorites below and take notice of those who stood out! 

BEST ENTRANCE

Katy Perry rolled up to the MET Gala in a vintage Rolls Royce. Spreading her angel wings, she revealed a gold Versace dress.

LADY IN RED

Blake Lively feeling fine in a red wine embroidered dress from Versace sans Ryan Reynolds.

FLASHBACK MOMENT

Jennifer Lopez rocking an Olivier Rousteing design for Balmain gives us throwback vibes to Christian LaCroix's sweater with a beaded cross from the first Vogue American Cover published by Anna Wintour as Editor in Chief.

 

CINDERELLA OF THE NIGHT

Diane Kruger was doing the absolute most in an aqua blue Prabal Gurung dress, short in the front to show off those stunning legs and complete with a long train in the back. Cinderella has arrived at the ball!

VIRGIN VIBES

Ariana Grande all wrapped up in Vera Wang with a bow on top!

WONDER WOMAN

The original Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter, graced us on the red carpet with a jaw dropping blue gown from Zac Posen complete with a gold crown.

MAKING A STATEMENT

Lena Waithe made a statement in a suit and rainbow pride flag as a cape from Carolina Herrera. An ensemble that made sure to send a message of inclusivity.

HEAD TURNIN' HEAD PIECES

Mindy Kaling's huge golden crown with blue stones was enough to make any King jealous!

Halo, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley! We see you glowing over there!

Priyanka Chopra brought it on the red carpet draped in an intricate golden headpiece embellished with jewels and stones.

Cardi B brought some drama when she decided last minute to include a tri point hat to finish off her Moschino look designed by Jeremy Scott.

ETHEREAL

Gigi Hadid never disappoints! She was looking breathtaking in a dress by Versace that made you feel like the stained glass windows came to life!

MEN OF THE NIGHT

Daniel Kaluuya decided to brighten up the carpet in a sharp powder blue sharp suit from Prada

Michael B. Jordan doing the most with the very least in a suit from Off-White with a silver cross brooch accent that brings a clean focus to his look.

Chadwick Boseman rocking it in this regal Versace ensemble.

Jared Leto clearly found Jesus as he walked the red carpet decked out in Gucci.

SINFULLY RED

Leave it to Nicki Minaj to bring a new perspective and come in a beautifully sinful red gown by Oscar De La Renta.

COUPLE OF THE NIGHT

Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady looking golden together both in Versace.

EVENT OF THE NIGHT

2Chainz proposes to girlfriend, Kesha Ward, on the red carpet!

Shawn Mendes and Hailey Baldwin debut together as a couple on the red carpet.

VA VA VOOM

Zoe Kravitz decided to be daring in a Yves Saint Laurent black lace dress with a dangerously high slit.

KEEPING IT KARDASHIAN

The Kardashians are always known for stepping up the fashion standard but this year they seemed to have taken a more toned down route without losing any glamour!  

Kim Kardashian kept the glamour on point when she stepped onto the red carpet in a golden metallic Versace dress sans Kanye West.

Kris Jenner proved that the girls get it from their mom when she turned up like a boss in a black gown by Tommy Hilfiger

Kendall Jenner was heavenly chic in an off the shoulder white jumpsuit by Virgil Abloh

Kylie Jenner was all kinds of cool in her sleek black off the shoulder mermaid dress by Alexander Wang.

UNIQUE

Frances McDormand being EXTRA... stole the show in this blue Valentino design topped off with a Philip Treacy headpiece.

QUEEN OF THE NIGHT

This night wouldn't be complete without the presence of the one... the only... MADONNA!  Let the choir sing!  

Madonna who was heavily criticized for using religious iconography for fashion and burning crosses in her 1989 music video for "Like a prayer" is back on the red carpet to pay tribute to tonight's theme and is also the performer.  Who better? 

Madonna performed Like a Prayer and Hallelujah.

 

She has come together again with Jean-Paul Gaultier, who was the mastermind behind her cone bras.  This is turning out to be quite the reunion! 

Even though there were no bathroom selfies, this year's gala did not disappoint.  Until next year... 

Buh-Bai now.

 

 

 

Let us know what your favorite part of this year's Met Gala was in the comments section below!

 

 

 

 

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