Before we talk about the fashion at last night’s Met Gala, let’s first consider the theme: Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology. I’ll admit, I emitted a rather large groan when I heard “technology.”
I envisioned a parade of cliche gowns threaded with LED lights or harnessed with body cameras. I wondered if someone would have a live Snapchat feed beamed onto their skirt, or if Apple watches would replace the usual pear-shaped diamonds.
The results were slightly less costume-y than I anticipated — but there wee still plenty of weird and wacky interpretations. Let’s take a look.
Jennifer Hudson told People magazine that she chose H&M to feel more connected to everyday girls. While that’s a noble goal, I don’t totally buy it. There is no retailer more emblematic of machinery than a company that churns out a huge percentage of the world’s cheap clothing.
I really, REALLY hated Beyonce’s nearly naked look last year (see my rant here), so this is a huge improvement. I adore irony, and this outfit has it in spades — a matronly silhouette (mutton chop sleeves) in a dowdy color, but made from fetish rubber. I bow to the Bey.
Look, I know everyone is OBSESSED with Alessandro Michele’s Gucci. But I must confess that I am the outlier. While the fashion world has swooned for Michele’s use of whimsical embroidery (like bees, pussy bows and lace stars), I find it to be rather juvenile. (Here’s how I felt about Gucci at the Grammys.) The dress above reminds me of a negligee circus tent.
Look, Katy Perry is a rock star, so she can get away with weirder clothes than a mere mortal. But she looks as cluttered as a refrigerator door covered in souvenir magnets. She gets points for the witty addition of the Tamagotchi on her belt, but that detail got lost.
Does feminism not exist in the future? Kendall’s body is slamming, but this dress exists only to display a skinny physique. (And I saw her on Snapchat — homegirl can’t walk in this.)
Oh how bleak it is to be nothing but a plastic mannequin.
Madonna came in a nipple-baring ensemble that reminded us that the body is the ultimate feat of technology. Who can think of engineering more miraculous than a woman’s built-in lactation factory? However, while I appreciate Madonna’s creativity, I wish she’d get the memo that women don’t have to be hyper-sexualized in order to be edgy or interesting. It an’t the 90s anymore — I’m over it.
This dress has nothing to do with the theme, but it’s pretty, gold and the wearer isn’t half-naked. My standards have been lowered to half-mast, but I crown Rachel the best-dressed.
Do you agree with my picks? Sound off in the comments!