Met Gala 2019 Best Dressed List
On May 6th, 2019—the first Monday in May—hundreds of people were camped out in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art to get a glimpse of stars who took part in the ultimate fashion carnival. This event was known as the 71st annual Met Gala, of course, which took on the theme of “camp,” chosen by Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour. The concept stems from a 1964 essay “Notes on Camp,” in which author Susan Sontag describes the word as “love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration...the spirit of extravagance.” The exhibition itself—named by curator Andrew Bolton “Camp: Notes on Fashion”—features 250 items of this nature, from Louis XIV’s royal court garments to contemporary runway staple pieces.
As Sontag has classified it, “camp is a woman walking around in a dress made of 3 million feathers.” Celebrities certainly broke out the feathers...and sequins...and LED lights...and more theatrics that paid homage to the theme last night. Below are Carrie’s Chronicles’ top ten looks of the evening (in no particular order) based on not just the beauty of the garments, but the celebrities’ creativity and dedication to the concept of camp.
Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell
Although Gaga’s four outfit changes (made live with the assistance of professional dancers as well as the outfit designer himself) each embodied the spirit of camp, her initial look—a hot pink poncho adorned with ruffled sleeves, a pink bow headband, a 25-foot train, and gold lashes—was a particular standout.
2. Kendall Jenner in Versace
Photographers flocked to the model upon her entrance in a bright orange, feathered gown complete with dozens of Tiffany and Co. jewels, inspired by the flamboyant wardrobe of pop icon Cher.
3. Billy Porter in The Blonds
The Broadway star’s entrance was more so a performance: donned in a golden catsuit with 10-foot wings attached, Porter was carried out on a black velvet couch by six shirtless men in matching gold pants.
4. Zendaya in Tommy Hilfifer
With the wave of a wand, stylist Law Roach triggered the actress’ fairytale-inspired, corseted gown to illuminate from head to toe; a pumpkin-carriage clutch, black choker, and glass slippers (which she intentionally “lost” on the pale pink staircase) perfectly captured the essence of Cinderella.
5. Cardi B in Thom Browne
The rapper brought the drama in a voluminous, burgundy gown with matching lace gloves, a feather-trimmed train and shoulders, and a headpiece decorated with red stones.
6. Elle Fanning in Miu Miu
Although the actress’ ode to Malibu Barbie with vibrant hues and bell-bottomed pants turned heads, her manicure was the true star of the show: created by celebrity manicurist Mar Y Sol, kitschy charms such as french fries, a telephone, and toothpaste dangled from her tips.
7. Michael Urie in Christian Siriano
The actor smashed gender stereotypes in a hybrid ensemble, one side featuring a pale pink gown with minimal makeup and the other a tuxedo with a glammed-up countenance.
8. Janelle Monáe in Christian Siriano
Monae turned heads in a Picasso-inspired ensemble complete with a topsy-turvy pile of top hats, asymmetrical sleeves, and a feathered eye on her left breast that periodically “blinked” as she posed for photographs.
9. Saoirse Ronan in Gucci
The Lady Bird actress dared to go bold in a form-fitting gown featuring dragon-embellished, three-dimensional shoulders that matched her gold jewelry accents.
10. Kylie Jenner in Versace
Just like her sister, Jenner channeled the essence of a showgirl in a mermaid-style dress with exaggerated feather sleeves and a complementary lilac wig.