photos by moda Operandi
New York’s annual Metropolitan Museum of Art fundraiser for its Costume Institute, better known as the Met Gala, is considered the party of the year in fashion/society/celebrity circles. For paparazzi and fashionistas alike, it’s considered the Super Bowl of people-watching, a red-carpet parade of A-listers in couture gowns and high-end jewels, all saluting the theme of the institute’s exhibit.
But this year’s theme, “Punk: From Chaos to Couture,” had most fashion and jewelry stylists and their clients stumped for a while: How would they interpret Punk – that period in the early ‘70s known for anarchy, rebellion, deconstruction and graffiti – at an elegant black-tie affair?
with mohawk-styled hair adorned in jewels
On Monday night, May 6, they rose to the occasion in outrageous, eclectic style.
Sarah Jessica Parker arrived on The Met’s red carpet in a fantastical bejeweled Mohawk-hairdo-inspired headdress by Philip Treacy. Katy Perry, on the other hand, wore a funky golden crown. Cameron Diaz dazzled in a purple Stella McCartney gown and cape with an exaggerated gold spiked belt. And queen-of-punk designer Vivienne Westwood made a statement with a political flyer safety-pinned to her vintage gown.
Edgy jewelry featuring studs, zippers, spikes, chains and found objects ruled the night. But that iconic punk image and enduring jewelry motif – the safety pin – was the most popular nod to the period, even among those too shy to release their inner Rooney Mara.
Versace’s “safety-pin dress,” made famous by Elizabeth Hurley in the ‘90s, is one of the highlights of the museum’s costume exhibit.
The Costume Institute of The Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibit, “Punk: Chaos to Couture,” will be on view from May 9 through August 14, 2013, in New York City. Don’t miss this fabulous clash of punk rock, art, fashion and culture.
Pile on all your wildest jewelry…and go!
