Fashion's biggest night out is almost here. Ahead of the Met Gala that falls on the first Monday in May, we look to the fashion archives and pick out all the ornate costumes that we are looking forward to
The theme of this year's Met Gala has been announced: "Gilded Glamour", which alludes to America's Gilded Age in the late 19th century. It was a prosperous period that saw industrialists and bankers accumulate massive wealth—and show it off in the clothes they wore. Think extravagant embellishments and golden gowns, the likes of which would have been flaunted at American socialite Alva Vanderbilt’s spectacular balls. Co-chaired by Regina King, Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds and Lin-Manuel, the Met Gala is set to take place on May 2. Ahead of the event, we look to the fashion archives and pick out all the ornate costumes that we’d love to see on the red carpet.
Vivienne Westwood Fall/Winter 1995
Vivienne Westwood's Vive la Cocotte collection saw models such as Naomi Campbell in the cinched-waist gowns of the 19th century. Instead of having them fitted in actual corsets, however, the designer created the illusion of a wasp waist by emphasising the breasts and the hips of her dresses. That would be a relief for modern A-listers who want to look the part of a Gilded Age socialite without feeling restricted.
