Last night’s Met Gala, celebrating the opening of Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty was an occasion to rejoice and reflect on the designer’s contributions to the visual world. In a much-lauded exhibit curated by Andrew Bolton (some say his best project to date), and a night of fashion’s best invited to attend, I expected my jaw to drop over and over again.
I expected to revel in the creative splendour of other-worldly gowns, adorned with gothentic accessories. I expected my view to be altered. I expected to celebrate McQueen from a distance, through these lucky souls.
In a word, I was disheartened.
How could so few of those privileged enough to attend, wear the designer to whom they were paying tribute?
How could they not wrap themselves in endless McQueen dreams?
I didn’t see most of the dresses I expected to see – flipping furiously through my mind. It was, for the most part, a futile search.
Where were the wind-blown capes? Where was the FW08 feather dress? Where were the kimono sleeves? Where was the armour-candy?
At the very least, where was Plato’s Atlantis?
It was beyond my comprehension.
However, there were exceptions – there were a few McQueens of the night.
Saving Grace: Wendy Murdoch in a PF08 gown. Photo: Vogue.com.She should have worn the hat and gloves. Photo: Vogue.com.Tabitha Simmons' McQueen dream jacket - one of the few to showcase his tailoring that evening. Photo: Vogue.com. The other example of tailoring - and more zardozi embroidery. Could have done without the egg. Photo: Racked NY.Now here is a woman one doesn't expect to see in McQueen, but it fits her like one. Photo: StyleBistro.Every (Mc)Queen deserves a train... Photo: Vogue.com.Gisele and Naomi - also in McQueen - on the red carpet. Photo: @worldmcqueen.Karen Elson in Alexander McQueen SS04. Photo: @worldmcqueen.Dressed up and down at the same time. Photo: Vogue.com.Salma, that whole PPR thing is agreeing with you. Photo: JustJared.com.SJP goes Hitchcock. Photo: JustJared.com.Loved the subtlety of the gown mixed with the sparkle. Photo: JustJared.com.Miranda Brooks keeps it simple. Photo: Vogue.com.
Many of those in McQueen chose Sarah Burton’s designs for the label, including, of course, the designer herself.
This was one of my favourite looks of the night. Leelee Sobieski in Sarah Burton for McQueen. Photo: JustJared.com.That leaf belt has me in its grip. Photo: JustJared.com.Naomi Campbell in a custom piece by Sarah Burton. Photo: @metmuseum.Florence Welch performs, wearing SB for McQueen SS11. She wore YSL on the red carpet with her escort for the evening, Stefano Pilati. Photo: Vogue.com.Coco Rocha in Alexander McQueen FW11. Photo: Vogue.com.Raquel Zimmermann, also in Alexander McQueen FW11. The models are moving forward. Photo: Vogue.com.
Of course, the reigning McQueens for me were already chosen – Hamish and Daphne.
Hamish Bowles, he in old McQueen. Daphne Guinness, she in new McQueen. Not sure who Nick Knight is wearing. Photo: Citizenchic.Lee Hilfiger holds on to her McQueen Union Jack skull clutch - as she should. Photo: Vogue.com.
I am holding on to the fact that the exhibit will take my breath away.
