Costume Institute Gala 2011 Red Carpet: Alexander McQueen Tribute

Every Costume Institute Gala has a theme. This year, as a tribute to the late Lee McQueen, the event was entitled "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty." It is no surprise then that many of the guests wore Alexander McQueen to the shindig.
The lady of the hour was, of course, designer Sarah Burton. Fresh from being revealed as the triumphant Royal Wedding dress designer (YES, of COURSE I will be covering all that this week), she was also the recipient of the attention at the Met Gala. She wore, most appropriately, a long sleeve white frock and looked luminous. She demonstrated even more class by refusing to answer any more questions about The Dress, this being another occasion altogether. Props, lady.

As with every designer, there were some wins and some misses. I loved Iman in gold sequin jumpsuit. Loved. Fresh, cool and edgy - which combined with her natural elegance was a winner.
Daphne Guinness was totally herself in feathers and Giselle Bunchen was a hit in flaming red. I loved the story that went with model Karen Elson's look - this dress was a McQueen that she herself walked down the runway when he showed it. Perfect synergy.

I felt that Sarah Jessica Parker looked lovely but a little dull in comparison to all the others in the label. Naomi Campbell was a bit of a fright in classic McQueen - definitely more savage than beauty - and Chloe Sevingy looked like she was still on the set of Big Love. Way too tightly wrapped, don't you think?
But Hamish Bowles looked wonderful in custom McQueen tartan and that, for me, spoke of a real understanding of the man and his legacy. A winner, for sure. All in all it was an exceptional event and a fitting nod to a true fashion genius that is now sadly departed. His legacy lives on if the Met was anything to go by. Long live McQueen.
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