The 2012 Costume Institute Gala hosted by Anna Wintour, Nicolas Ghesquiere, creative designer of Balenciaga, and Cate Blanchet, was held in the heart ofNew York’s cultural center, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Metropolitan Costume Gala has always been the place to catch a glimpse of some of the most over-the-top, glamorous and beautiful couture worn by celebrities, socialites, and fashion icons alike. While one can always expect the Costume Institute Gala to be nothing less than extraordinary, the looks that graced the red carpet this year had a bit of twist.

Three designers seemed to have a palpable presence during this year’s Gala. Touches of Paul Poiret’s designs, one of the most significant designers of the 20th century, could be seen throughout the event.  Many of the attendees wore gowns reminiscent of his style of tiered dresses and meticulous draping. Also dominating the carpet was influences of designers Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada, subjects of the Costume Institute’s latest exhibition “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations,” with several guests wearing Prada in tribute to the legendary designer. Others took cues from Schiaparelli by dressing more on the fantastical side, including the fashion director of Berdorf Goodman who sported an Elvis like cape.

Amongst the range of opulent gowns, a select few stood out. Carey Mulligan, who in addition to attending also co-chaired the gala, dazzled in a Prada halter top large scale sequined gown, which is now for sale on eBay to raise money for Oxfam. Mulligan was able to effortlessly pull off a twist on the typical sequined gown, with the sequins overlapping one another to create a unique and understated scale like effect.  Like many of the other guests, actress Jessica Biel also sported a Prada gown in honor of the Metropolitan’s upcoming exhibition.Biel’s gown was one of the more reserved, an ivory mid length, drop neck dress featuring delicate green jewel detailing.Biel’s look was one of the more beautiful and understated on the carpet. The variation amongst the gowns worn to this year’s Gala is underscored by the contrast betweenBiel’s subdued look and one of the most talked about dresses, Beyonce’s Givenchy Haute Couture gown.  While Beyonce remained conservative in hair and makeup, her dress was anything but.  The gown featured a mixture of lace, mesh, and a show stopping hem comprised of black and purple feathers that flowed all the way down and around her feet.

While classic shapes, and favorite designers continued to grace the Gala’s red carpet, strong influences like the designs of Paul Poiret, as displayed by Camilla Belle in her 1920’s inspired tulle beaded Ralph Lauren gown, were prominent. Designs making use of “natural” details, such as Beyonce’s mixed feather hem, Kate Bosworth’s Red and black feathered cocktail dress custom made by Prada, and Rihanna’s floor length snake skin patterned gown by Tom Ford were also highly visible amongst the Gala’s guests. Regardless of which trend was worn by whom, this year’s Costume Institute Gala was unique, perhaps reflecting the marriage of ideals of Schiaparelli and Prada in their embrace of the evolution of fashion.

NY Times; http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/10/fashion/clothes-are-art-at-the-met-costume-institute-party.html

Style.com; http://www.style.com/peopleparties/parties/scoop/newyork-050812_2012_Met_Gala/