Met Gala 2013: Punk Goes Society

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is an icon.  It is one of the most prominent museums in the world.  The Costume Institute of the Met has become in and of itself an icon.  Mostly due to the media-frenzied Met Gala that happens every May.  The Met Gala runs under the leadership of Anna Wintour, so it is no surprise that it has garnered such attention.  But the focus of the evening is on (or should be on) The Costume Institute which houses over 35,000 important pieces of fashion from all eras from the 15th Century to current day, thanks in large part from the support of the Friends of the Costume Institute. My fourth year attending, I was honored to go with French couturier, Alexis Mabille. 

Total Met look: Alexis Mabille couture dress, Amber Erin Jewelry vintage earrings, Perrin Paris stingray clutch,
Brian Atwood rare Crystal Pumps. Makeup and Hair by Kiss and Makeup by Meredith

Punk kids graced the stairs on the way up for cocktails

The "Punk: Chaos to Couture" exhibition, curated by the talented Andrew Bolton, inspires much conversation and debate.  I spoke with Andrew at the Gala and expressed my surprise at how tame the show was - considering the topic.  He mentioned that others had said the same thing.  The show begins with the Godmother of Punk Vivienne Westwood Tshirts, but then moves through the decades with various designers and their own take or inspiration from punk. I agree with others who think the show would have more impact had it been smaller, more intense.

First piece of exhibition, stunning

  

We walked through the exhibit as Alexis gave me his designer perspective.  I drank it in from a fashion lover's perspective.  An art lover's perspective.  As always, the people watching was fun, but it was most certainly not my favorite year.  It felt as if the celebs (and some donors) were trying too hard.  And the idea of Punk at a fundraiser seemed a little odd:  punk hates everything establishment, money, old people...

Alexis looking on

The Friends of the Met usually are bundled together, with various seating assignments.  All of the Friends prove to be extremely interesting, smart, Met enthusiasts.  I might say a direct contrast to the celebrity tables that surround.   Different this year, after the basically non-existent supper, we headed to the Egyptian room for performances by Blondie and Kanye West.  Oh! And dessert of cookies and cupcakes.

Punk cookies

Hamish Bowles and Alexis Mabille

The back of Hamish's trousers

Blondie on stage

Alexis and I made our way into the Boom Boom Room at the Standard Hotel in the Meat Packing District after the gala for the Givenchy sponsored after party.  A packed house as always, the after party was a zoo and fun. After riding in the elevator with a Alexis-gushing Katy Perry, we entered the madness.   Loved running into my fashion favorites, Brian Atwood, Mary Katrantzou and Monique Luhllier.  

Boom Boom

Brian, me and my BA glass slippers

Unfortunately, it feels as if this fundraiser has become more about Vogue Magazine than the Met Museum.  I'm hoping things will swing the other way eventually.  And I believe in the museum and what the Costume Institute does, and I urge everyone to see the exhibit - and maybe a few other things in the museum too.  As I said to a friend, the celeb of today is not necessarily the donor of tomorrow. I will proudly remain a believer in the cause and and donor to THE METROPOLITAN OF ART COSTUME INSTITUTE.  

Alexis Mabille: the whimsical prince of haute couture

Following a Dior Haute Couture show must be daunting, but Alexis Mabille stepped up with his incredibly elegant collection this 2013 season.

Alexis always does something a little funky with hair and make up, and this year it was all about the hair.  Models donned silver painted braids that were surprising but also chic and young (silver, young?) and cool.

Pants began the show - another surprise.  I'm definitely ordering the silver cigarette pants that came down the runway.  The severe skinnys were shown with delicate and girlie tops that were fun and sweet.

A 2 piece gown - thinking I'll pair this top with my silver  cigarette pants

The color palette started out with pale, calming colors that moved into silvers and grays, then black.

The black tuxedo gown is almost a must-have for every woman in the world.  This silhouette works on any figure and on any age.  This black dress stole the show.

And then some Alexis fantasy came through.  In color.  A column red dress was the signature Alexis for me.  Known for his bows, this dress was almost wrapped up top with a bow, but in such a sophisticated and stunning way.

Another Met option, modified, of course

Then came pinks and more bows.

The canary yellow pleated gown was the marriage of Hollywood glamour and Parisian chic.

Alexis has really proven himself as a first class couturier with this show.  Blending the simple line with the exotic dream is Alexis.  His clothes are as special and as endearing as he.

Allez Alexis!

Alexis Alexis Alexis.  Imp on earth.  I simply adore this guy and his designs.  His spirit and love of life are apparent in every garment he makes, and he brings a smile to my face every time I see a design.

Alexis at the Carlyle pre-Met Gala

My first Paris Fashion Week Pret A Porter SS 2013 show was Alexis Mabille last week, held at Cite de la mode et du design.  I attended with my fashionista friends, Adrienne Eischeid and Stacey Bailey.  With seats lined outside with views of the Sienne, the venue was industrial and cool.  There was a lot of buzz before the show, as there always is, but this one seemed a bit more excited.  Perhaps it was the cool fall air off the Seine.

Alexis described this collection as clothes for the spontaneous girl who loves the sun and is a city girl at heart.  Oh yes.  And he used a new take on gingham in a lot of the pieces, something he thought was a bit of a modern Brigitte Bardot.  I am in.

The show did open with a lot of the gingham, and I really liked how it was gingham but still modern - there was never a Daisy Duke moment.  All very pulled together and sweet.  But there was also a little punk mixed in with these sweet pieces - mostly due in part to dresses like a summery white lace dress paired with black motorcycle boots by Inga Shoes.  We met the shoe designer after the show, and we all wanted to grab the boots and run.  This is certainly going to be my look for spring.

The show moved from the sweet, sunny pieces to more sophisticated blues and blacks.  I adore the blue vinyl trench coat, and the black linen bomber jacket is beyond chic.  It commands attention and pulls together an entire look, whether worn with the long white and blue pleated skirt from the show, or with the white lace dress above.  This is a classic piece good for anyone's wardrobe.

The evening wear was true Alexis with lots of embellishments and small "Alexis" bows.  The gingham returned in a more abstract way, adorned with lace and organdy.  All three of us girls came away from the show wanting a few pieces - Stacey and I may have to fight over that bomber jacket.  And Adrienne may have found her perfect gown for the Met Gala.  

Of course just going to a show is part of the fun.  The people watching is always amazing, and the fashion watching cannot be beat in Paris.

Can't beat front row seats with a great friend

Stacey in a little post-papparazzi shoot

Alexis' new boutique is open in Paris at 11 rue de Grenelle now.  Though I missed the grand opening a few days later, I know that I will stop by on my next visit to Paris to check out his collection in person and all of his fun and quirky accessories.  Comment magnifique!