Headgear ruled the night on Monday, and thankfully not the kind I used to wear at night to correct an appallingly bad overbite. From Pope hats to veils to halos, interesting head pieces were the accessory of choice for stars to demonstrate their dedication to the theme.
Rihanna in custom Maison Margiela by John Galliano
Embed from Getty ImagesBow down, bitches, because Rihanna just won the Met Gala. Again. This is exquisite, hilarious, extravagant, clever, and downright holy. She is literally dressed as a sexy pope, but this isn’t a tacky Halloween costume. As much as I am iffy on Galliano (even though the ADL apparently has forgiven him…) you can’t deny his handiwork here. Now that we have Cool Pope, can we have Rihanna Pope next?
Ariana Grande in Vera Wang
Embed from Getty ImagesIt’s been a long time since I have been on board with a Vera Wang design, and I don’t think I have EVER been on board with something Ariana Grande has worn! This look is excellent though – the gown is patterned with scenes from Michelangelo’s ‘The Last Judgement’, which you may know from the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and the giant hair bow is a clever nod to her “sexy angel” brand while still resembling a nuns cornette.
Solange Knowles in Iris van Herpen
Embed from Getty ImagesIf Ariana and Rihanna went with the angelic and holy side of the Catholic Church for inspiration, Solange definitely took a darker, more unholy approach. It’s always exciting seeing an Iris van Herpen creation on the red carpet – her work is more wearable art than mere dresses. This creation feels decidedly sinister – I’m seeing devils horns in the curved skirt, but she’s also playing with the duality inherent in Catholicism with her angelic golden halo. Very well done.
Madonna in Jean-Paul Gaultier
Embed from Getty ImagesThis theme was made for Madonna – she even gave a surprise performance of “Like a Prayer” during the gala. But is it just me or did she kind of play it safe here? She has gone WAY more over the top in the past, sometimes to my distaste, but it feels like if there were ever a year for her to bring it, it would have been this year.
Mindy Kaling in Vassilis Zoulias
Embed from Getty ImagesSigh, this is simply lovely. I had never heard of this Greek designer before, but his work reminds me of Mindy’s frequent collaborator, Elizabeth Kennedy. This is incredibly regal and very Grace Kelly. Besides the crown, not sure where the theme comes in, but I love this look anyway.
Janelle Monae in Marc Jacobs
Embed from Getty ImagesJanelle brought some really neat synergy to the red carpet with her Stephen Jones Millinery hat. This whole things is well done – it falls within her (mostly) strict black and white aesthetic, it corresponds with the album she’s promoting, and it bring n the Catholic themes with the hat, chain-metal head shawl, and black and white nunnery inspirations.
Kate Bosworth in Oscar de la Renta
Embed from Getty ImagesOh my this is so very lovely. Kate is very clearly channeling a virginal Catholic bride and she looks completely stunning. I would be surprised if this wasn’t actually designed to be a bridal gown.
Nicki Minaj in Oscar de la Renta
Embed from Getty ImagesOscar de la Renta is amazing – that his successors, who’s work I have had issues with in the past, can go from the delicacy and sweetness of Kate Bosworth’s look, to the badass statement of Nicki’s ombre gown is simply awesome. The chain-metal inspired headgear and deep red ombre gown and coat look gorgeous on Nicki, but I can’t help being a little dissapointed that she didn’t go bigger. I mean, this is the woman who attended the Grammy’s with a fake Pope, for God’s sake!
Kate Upton in Zac Posen
Embed from Getty ImagesThis rainbow jeweled crown is lovely, and the shawled dress with the monk waist tie is on theme, but also fees a little safe for the Met Gala.
Lynda Carter in Zac Posen
Embed from Getty ImagesAll hail the original Wonder Woman! Lynda took a very interesting route – acknowledging the connections between Christianity and Judaism with a crown reading “Never Again” written in Hebrew, and a gilded Star of David, pinned to the back of her hair, along with a lovely structured blue Zac Posen. Obviously, I love this.
Amber Heard in Carolina Herrera
Embed from Getty ImagesSo, awkwardly Amber had to run into her ex, Elon Musk, with his new girlfriend, the singer Grimes. Luckily, Amber looked AMAZING, and Grimes looked…not amazing. I love this gorgeous red dress and fantastic headdress.
Lily Collins in Givenchy
Embed from Getty ImagesThis is awesome. A modern nuns habit, a darkly spiked halo, and a rosary as an accessory, she nailed the theme and looked awesome doing it. I remember seeing this Givenchy come down the runway and thinking that it would be perfect for the Met Gala.
Yara Shahidi in Chanel
Embed from Getty ImagesThis feels like a VERY chic confirmation dress. She looks adorable.
Juliette Binoche in Balmain
Embed from Getty ImagesLike Kate Upton’s look, but on crack. She looks every bit the medieval Catholic martyr.
Cara Delevingne in Dior
Embed from Getty ImagesHonestly, this look really creeps me out. There’s something so sinister about it. It also reminds me of a confessional booth, with the lattice work on the dress and the fact that her face is almost completely obscured.
Fashion Wonk 