May 1st marked one of fashion’s biggest night of the year, the annual Met Gala. Corresponding with the exhibition, Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between, the 2017 edition of the ball honored 74-year-old designer Rei Kawakubo with a Comme des Garçons-themed night. The star-studded event marked the first time in decades that a living designer has been the main focus of the night. The last time there was a such an occurrence was 1983’s Yves Saint Laurent-themed ball.
It would seem that a night centering around a singular designer and brand would make dressing to theme extremely easy but in actuality, the opposite was true. Rei Kawakubo is the champion of the extreme avant-garde so achieving a Comme des Garçons vibe is quite a feat. A select few attendees actually wore designs from the label’s archives while others rose to the challenge with applaudably outlandish attempts at mimicking Kawakubo’s particular je ne sais quoi. However, most attendees opted for looks that came with safer adjectives (and complimentary seats at the tables of other fashion designers).
Rihanna, in Comme des Garçons AW16 was the hands-down fashion winner of the event and maybe even the whole night. Whether an outfit was demonstrative or demure, there was still plenty to be seen at the 2017 Met Gala. Check out The Untitled Magazine’s picks of the best looks of the night below.
The Hosts
Other than the elusive Rei Kawakubo herself, Pharrell (pictured with wife, Helen Lasicanh) was the only co-host of this year’s event that actually wore Comme des Garçons.
The Die-Hards
As one in only a handful of guests who actually wore the avant-garde label, Rihanna cemented her status as reigning queen of the Met Gala but a few other were also on point.
The Risk Takers
Many attendees attempted to channel Kawakubo’s flair in edgy looks by other designers. Jaden Smith channeled the theme in his own unique way, he brought his recently shorn dreadlocks as his accessory.
Seeing Red
Gorgeous scarlet gowns paid tribute to Kawakubo’s 2014 “Roses and Blood” collection.
Nearly Nude
For some, a fashion dare meant going almost bare.
Froth & Frills
Many stars played it safe in froth, florals, and feathers that were typical awards show fare but beautiful nonetheless.
After stunning stunning at the gala Rihanna lured the who’s who of the entertainment world to 1OAK for her much awaited after party. Stars including Pharrell Williams, Madonna, Katy Perry, Cara Delevingne , John Legend, Diddy, Lupita Nyongo’o, Janelle Monae, Kate Hudson, Priyanka Chopra, and Diplo all showed up to sip Perrier Jouet and groove the evening away.
Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between, will open on May 4th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and continue through September 4th.
-Jasmine Williams for The Untitled Magazine
