At the Costume Institute’s Met Gala last night to celebrate the exhibition: “China: Through The Looking Glass,” A-List fashion dolls buddied up to the designers who made the frocks they were wearing.
Obviously the dress-and-escort combo was pre-arranged for a double whammy of brand promotion. Although this is not a new phenomenon it is unique to the MET Gala. If there is another event where fashion designers and celebrities walk arm-in-arm down the red carpet, it’s not an important one.
Although the event is meant to celebrate the opening of New York’s spectacular cultural exhibition at the venerable Metropolitan Museum of Art, it’s also is a mega event to promote fashion. Designers have become brand orchestrators as opposed to the behind the scenes, drapers of 20 year’s ago. Case in point: Marc Jacobs, who in past Vuitton seasons would hesitantly come out for his end of show bow; a little over his ideal weight, with messy hair and looking less put together than his polished models. His bows have taken on a longer stride as well as a trimmed down and worked out body and slick appearance. But I digress.
For 2015’s MET ball, Teraji P. Henson posed with Alexander Wang, Balenciaga’s designer and Roland Mouret cozied up with Maggie Gyllenhaal. Oscar winner Julianne Moore smiled for camera clicks with Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci and a cheerful Michael Kors was alined with his equal, Kate Hudson.
Perhaps the most dramatic couple was Madonna and Jeremy Scott, who designs for Moschino. Mr.Scott bowed as he kissed her highness’s black-gloved hand. Madonna seemed happy to play along. A little passion play is always good for business; she does have an album out. Donatella Versace and Jennifer Lopez were easy friends as demonstrated with lightly grasped hands revealing the fashion designer’s giant ruby ring, Hey when you are fashion friends a light touch is all that is needed.
