Met Ball: Wonders and Woes of the Red Carpet

The Costume Institute Ball, held at the Metropolitan Museum in NYC was held at the beginning of the week which meant that my Tuesday morning was occupied with sifting through the wonders and woes of the red carpet!

I have to say that there were a fair few beauts for me! I would even go as far as to say that they have outdone a large majority of the Oscar dresses.

So, I have compiled a short list of the ones I adored and the ones who…well, “didn’t work” for me!

First up, the beautiful  Camilla Belle wearing Ralph Lauren. I absolutely ADORE her classic metallic gown. It is a wonderful shade for her complexion and the plunging neckline really suits her small bust and slim frame. Her makeup and hair are also pretty flawless. Her amazing glow was offset by a deep burgundy lipstick that popped against her skin, adding drama in a classy way and paired with the Hollywood glam side-parted up 'do gown, this look was a winner!

Next up, is the stunning Jessica Alba wearing Michael Kors. I am a real fan of the luxe/gold/metallic trends that are in and have been eager to see it done well on the red carpet. Miss Alba has done just that, sporting this gorgeous Grecian goddess gown. I also love her effortless loose curls, she looks divine.

Gwyneth Paltrow always does SO well with the red carpet. Her Oscars dress choice of Tom Ford was my personal favourite so I was eager to see how she would step it up for the coveted Met Ball. I will say that it did not quite top the Tom Ford number BUT her legs are phenomenal in these gorgeous silver backless Prada number. The girl can do NO wrong!

The lovely Kate Bosworth wearing a lush Prada number was another one of my favourites. Feathers were the detailing of the night (see also Beyonce and Diane Kruger) but Kate’s two-tone flapper dress is just divine. Her effortless hair together with striking makeup make a great combination of classy, glamorous and natural- all the things we love about Kate…the girl can surf after all!

Now on to the not so successful…

I was really NOT enjoying SJP’s Valentino Haute Couture number. Her style is hit and miss for me. Occasioanlly she gets it bang on, other times I find it so random and mismatched. This slightly whimsical gown is pretty shapeless and unflattering for her and all in all, I just don’t think it lives up to someone who is meant to be the queen of city style. She still has a wonderful figure, so why not show it off? Instead, I think she has settled for the almost frumpy shape and curtain-like design- DISLIKE. 

Lily Collins’ wearing Valentino was a VERY interesting choice, opting for a fashionably romantic creation, Lily wore a sheer lace Valentino couture gown. I personally HATE the dress and think she must have just been given it as opposed to chosing it. She is young and beautiful, she should be wearing something daring and sexy, not look like something out of Little House on the Prairie. I will say that although I am not a fan, she makes it work and still looks lush, but a massive thumbs down to the dress itself.

Lastly, it’s my girl Kirsten Stewart wearing Balenciaga. Let’s face it, she isn’t necessarily the biggest fashionista, but she does have a distinct sense of style, which is very edgy yet chic. While most young stars play it safe in flouncy feminine frocks, K-Stew isn’t scared to go outside of the norm but I genuinely would have preferred her in jeans and converse. The dress is far too busy and unflattering. I applaud her for taking a chance, but for me, it didn’t work. That could be the jealously talking though. I am never going to like a girl who has been with Robert Pattinson….

Also, although I was bowled over by her dress choice, I want to mention my ultimate Girl Crush, Rosie H-W- she is just too beautiful. And alsoooo, Mary Kate Olsen, WHAT THE HELLLLLL?? She looks about 80!!!!! 

Anyways, those are my highs and lows, wonders and woes…enjoy!

Peace,

O x

Best of British Costume Exhibition Opening @ the London Film Museum

I was lucky enough to be invited as a blogger to attend the 'Best of British' Costume Exhibition opening at the London Film Museum- South Bank, which was celebrating the Blu-ray and DVD release of The Iron Lady.

Welsh star Alexandra Roach, 25, who plays the young Thatcher, was amongst the special guests at the County Hall exhibition which displayed a stunning range of Consolata Boyle's brilliant designs worn by Meryl Streep in her Oscar-winning portrayal of Margaret Thatcher, as well as Alexandra herself in Thatcher’s younger years.

The dazzling Iron Lady displays included a wealth of Consolata Boyle's stunning designs from The Iron Lady, including Thatcher’s iconic royal blue suit, the elegant Chiffon dress she famously wore to dance with Ronald Reagan in the White House, her maroon and navy pinstripe suit and an extensive collection of bags, jewellery and props from the film, everything intricately based on Margaret Thatcher’s own outfits and accessories.

There were some delightful biscuits and champers which went down a treat! 

The exhibition itself was very interesting as the costumes were paired with descriptions and video clips to swot up on your knowledge of Thatcherism! It was also rather quiet at the beginning so we really got to take our time at each piece and actually learn abit about the history of it all. 

It is a rather minimal display but I most definitely recommend taking a little tour of the exhibition if you are planning on a short day of cultural ambling. Plus, outside the museum is a fabulous little row of great cafes, so pop in for a bagel or some noodles!

The Iron Lady: Best of British Costume Exhibition will be open to the public from Wednesday 3 May. Tickets available on the doors daily. Pre-booking not required- http://www.londonfilmmuseum.com/

Peace,

O x