Where literature meets the met gala.
The theme was “Anglomania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion” which celebrated classic and rebellious fashion styles as part of Britain’s fashion history.
Here we have my top met gala looks of 2006.
Disclaimer: These are unbiased celebrities, the looks that are chosen are personally what I think is the best and has nothing to do with ‘celebrity’ wearing it. These may feature celebrities I love, don’t love, or don’t know, it is purely related to the fashion. All opinions are my own.
Emmy Rossum
- Inspo: [British fashion]
- Closet translation: Emmy’s attire features a militarist-like jacket that could reflect the punk anarchy embracing the military wear and subverting the uniforms. The gold accents add a touch of luxury, and the jacket’s style gives it an old-fashioned aesthetic. it’s serving Sergeant chic.
- Book: A History of Britain in Ten Enemies by Terry Deary
- Quote:
"That is how it is with humans: we are defined not by our friends but by our enemies."
Hugh Dancy
- Inspo: [British Fashion]
- Closet translation: I love a man that’s not afraid to experiment with colour. This rich purple velvet suit could have been a way to combine the rebellious spirit of punk with luxury. His look reminds me of Professor Plum, but in a very dapper way.
- Book: The MacKinnon’s Bride by Tanya Ann Crosby
- Quote:
"I dinna wish to hear another bluidy word come out o' her sassenach mouth."
Victoria Beckham
- Inspo: [British fashion]
- Closet translation: Victoria’s red tulle gown deviated from the full on punk theme, but the black under layer flirted with the punk idea, embracing a more classic and elegant silhouette. The vibe is giving of Bratz Rock Angelz.
- Book: Call Me Evie by J. P. Pomare
- Quote:
"Like I said, the skin remembers, the fingertips remember."
Eva Mendes
- Inspo: Sexy tribute to Jane Austen novels
- Closet translation: Eva certainly embraced the sexy homage to Jane Austen, much to my chagrin, but executes it a way only the Met Gala could. The dress had a regency foundation but given a sultry spin with an accentuating halter neck and nude hue.
- Book: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 6 by Beth Brower
- Quote:
"There is bedlam and there is delightful bedlam."
Gisele Bündchen
- Inspo: Bold, British fashion
- Closet translation: A romantic, bold pink gown with its ornate beading and unique draping reflected the tradition and transgression part of the theme, looking very much like a punk princess.
- Book: The Mourning Necklace by Kate Foster
- Quote:
"Whispers of the afterlife are sometimes the only hope we have."
Naomi Campbell
- Inspo: British heritage
- Closet translation: A simple and elegant dress that reflects Naomi’s British lineage and high-fashion background as a model. A dress worth of the British royalty.
- Book: A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Quote:
"You can't spell dysfunctional without fun, now can you?"
Jo Bryant
- Inspo: [British Fashion]
- Closet translation: A dreamy ensemble that plays with regency elements and lavender purple hue, giving it a contemporary silhouette, possibly representing the tradition and transgression of British culture and fashion. Lavender became a prominent colour during the Victorian era.
- Book: The Woman in the Wallpaper by Lora Jones
- Quote:
"And then I see the wallpaper. And the breath is snatched from my throat."
Amber Valletta
- Inspo: [British Fashion]
- Closet translation: The use of red and green has significant Celtic roots, whether this was intentional or not in Amber’s look, the design features include classic and rebellious aspects of British fashion.
- Book: The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes by Ruth Hogan
- Quote:
"Life is full of small joys if you know where to look for them."
Sarah Jessica Parker
- Inspo: Wear an Alexander McQueen dress
- Closet translation: Now this is a look! Sarah is channelling Highland couture. Incorporating tartan into the gown was clear nod towards British Fashion, designed by a significant British fashion designer who accompanied Sarah Jessica in a matching tartan attire.
- Book: Saving Grace by Julie Garwood
- Quote:
"I do believe that every woman has a responsibility to look out for the other."
Josh Hartnett
- Inspo: [British Fashion]
- Closet translation: Instead of a classic tuxedo, Josh chose to wear an understated but still classy suit, probably taking on the transgression of traditional fashion into his look.
- Book: White Fang by Jack London
- Quote:
"The wild still lingered in him and the wolf in him merely slept."
Olympia Scarry
- Inspo: [British Fashion]
- Closet translation: Donning royal blue is a quintessentially English colour and one of National pride. It also has historical ties to the royal family. You cannot get more British than that.
- Book: Homecoming by Kate Morton
- Quote:
"He had books, and there was no barrier to the places he could visit in his own mind."
Tinsley Mortimer
- Inspo: [British Fashion]
- Closet translation: A stunning ballgown combining turquoise and tartan, giving an aristocratic aesthetic with a touch a British flair. Tinsley’s attire gives off Highland Cinderella vibes.
- Book: Chasing Cassandra by Lisa Kleypas
- Quote:
"I hope your dream comes true, my lady. But if it doesn't, I could offer you some very satisfying substitutes."
Zac Posen
- Inspo: American and British style
- Closet translation: A combination of American and British styles, wearing a shirt featuring the famous ‘Mickey Mouse’ with lavish embellishments on a tuxedo silhouette. This look pays tribute to refined tailoring and rebellious spirit of fashion. It’s dapper Disney.
- Book: A Whole New World by Liz Braswell
- Quote:
"I cannot expect people to do for me what I cannot."
Ginnifer Goodwin
- Inspo: [British fashion]
- Closet translation: Ginnifer’s dress had a whimsically edgy vibe. The nude colour and gauzy materials combined with the dark makeup and edgy silhouette embody the duality of British fashion.
- Book: Seascraper by Benjamin Wood
- Quote:
"A song, though - well, a song belongs to someone."