MET Gala 2013: Punk: Chaos to Couture (The Best, The Bad, Beyonce and KimYe)

When I saw the pictures via Twitter early this morning, all I kept thinking was, 'this is the best couture punk these celebs could conjure up?' We all know what a big deal the MET Gala is in the fashion world; it's the Oscars of the industry. The best of the best are invited (barring any Kardashian of course, but somehow she manages to merit a ticket) and dressed by the cream of the couture elite. This year celebrates the Punk Movement, and the sustained effect it has on climate of fashion today. The exhibit features pieces from prominent designers such as Riccardo Tisci, John Galliano, Christopher Bailey, Yohji Yamamoto among others, and focused dedications to the 'heroes' of punk like, for example- the Grand Dame of it all, Vivienne Westwood. 

source: Glamour.com

source: Glamour.com

Metal spikes, severe aesthetics (safety-pinned trash bag dresses anyone?), and a lot of bright shocking colours evoke an immediate image of the 60s punk- but, somehow, even the easiest stereotype didn't translate to the attendees. Blondie? Patti Smith? Granted, there were some who took the spirit of punk, that rebelliousness and angst and created wonderfully modern and inspiring ensembles, but some wore it on their sleeves and stayed a little too on-the-nose. There were the few who came to the wrong party. Then there was KimYe. And then there was Beyonce. For a celebration of democracy and sticking-it to the fashion man, there were a lot more sheep (GIVENCHY.) on that carpet last night than liberated individuals. I seem to hear Simon Doonan's rants on that episode of Top Model...

I've made my rankings, so take a look and see if you agree. There are a couple of great surprises and a couple of WTFs, but I'll leave you to make up your own mind. Hope you enjoy my list!

THE BEST 

(in no particular order!)

Sienna Miller, Coco Rocha in Ungaro, Sarah Jessica Parker in Giles Deacon and Philip Treacey

Anne Hathaway (a.k.a Bridgette Nielsen..) in Valentino, Florence Welch in Givenchy Haute Couture,  Christina Ricci in Vivienne Westwood (A+++)

LFW: Vivienne Westwood Red Label S/S12

The feel of the collection vibrated tones of ferociousness and earthy glamour, as Dame Westwood presents a collection fit for the queens of today's urban jungles. As with every other show, the grand Dame always builds her presentation around some sociological topic in order to create a collection with substance as well as style, and this Spring collection was no exception. With a rich colour swatch of earthy ochres and bright jewel hues, the tone was earthy and sauvage chic, perhaps even with a smidge of Italian Renaissance. The clothes were classic Westwood; the silhouette was deconstructed yet softened by her signature nonchalance with draping, working well with the feminine form. There were safari overtones as well as her trademark, tartan-clad androgynous power femme. Atop their heads were manes so and the make-up was bold and strong, with contoured and bronzed cheeks, while the eyes sported bright and vivid colours in turquoise, fuchsia, and emerald. Some models even had paint marks drawn on their faces, evoking a native and ethnic feel that totally complements this unrefined and organic mien. Indulge in the richness of this savage beauty. 

Fannypacks, Bondage Belts, and the Clutch: Leather Candy!

YUM! Who would have thought eh? Looks like somebody from Gucci and Versace watched an episode of Friends and had taken a cue from Joey's Man Bag. Enjoy some of these delightful accessories from Milan! I spy lots of queens rocking clutches this season! Plus, who doesn't love love S&M belts from Ver-says?! Mamma Mia Donatella! Bellissimo!.....Do I see fanny packs too!?

Gucci A/W 2011-12