McQueens of the Night

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.

Many of those in McQueen chose Sarah Burton’s designs for the label, including, of course, the designer herself.

Of course, the reigning McQueens for me were already chosen – Hamish and Daphne.

I am holding on to the fact that the exhibit will take my breath away.

Because Lee certainly did.

See all posts on the Met Ball 2011.

Compare it to last year’s red carpet:

I Knew It When We MET

METaphors and Similes

METa Data

Déjà Vu: Have we MET before?