The most beautiful gowns at the 2019 Met Gala

For me, the most memorable gowns at the 2019 Met Gala were the most beautiful and stylish rather than the most outrageous. I find myself passing over Katy Perry’s avant garde, Jennifer Lopez’s flamboyance and the Kardashian’s desperation with a shrug of the shoulders and a “Yeah, whatever…”. Eccentricity doesn’t interest me. But beautiful clothes do; especially those that subtly nod to the Gala’s theme while looking red-carpet appropriate too.

I have always loved Carey Mulligan’s style. To my mind she was the best-dressed guest in Erdem at Harry and Meghan’s wedding a couple of years ago. Last night she shone in a ruby crystal and black satin gown by Prada. Oversized bows and head-to-toe sequins nodded to the Camp theme, but she could walk any colour carpet in this exquisite dress.

Actress Dakota Johnson arrived in an ethereal gown by Gucci with bleeding heart motif at the centre. The colour was exquisite against her skin tone and the silver headband elevated the look without veering into caricature. She oozed glamour.

As usual, Sienna Miller looked super-cool, this time wearing a Paco Rabanne chainmail dress. Apparently it was incredibly heavy and freezing to wear, but it was worth all the effort. It’s a stunning dress, and the contrast between the ultra-modern material and old-fashioned empire-line cut is genius. Her eye makeup finished the look perfectly, referencing Ziggy Stardust, and fulfilling the Camp brief brilliantly.

I adored this feathered and embellished Chanel creation worn by Anna Wintour. It softened the Vogue editor’s look dramatically, adding shape to her very thin frame, and the layer upon layer of texture contrasted wonderfully with the blunt cut of her signature bob. The gown came in the most perfect shade of powder puff pink; who knew this hue could look so good?

Wearing another candyfloss creation, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley looked every bit the Old Hollywood screen icon in this Oscar de la Renta halter-neck gown and feathered shawl complete with wedding dress-style train. The sleek hairstyle with centre parting gave the look a contemporary edge. Love.

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