Ethereal glamour and serene creation was the theme this year for H&M’s showstopping looks that graced the red carpet at the 2018 Met Gala.
Designed by H&M’s in-house team, the looks were inspired by the exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”, exploring the relationship between fashion and masterworks of religious art.
Every year, the global retail brand pulls out all the stops to dress their guests in custom creations with the wearer and theme in mind. The design team worked with actresses Lilli Reinhart, Olivia Munn, Kiersey Clemons, models Alek Wek and Jasmine Sanders as well fashion It Boy Luka Sabbat this year, and used techniques such as draping, beading, embelishment and glistening metallic shades to keep in line with the grandeur and opulence of the theme.
“Designing these H&M looks for this year’s Met Gala has been an honour. Each look has been entirely custom-made, focusing on rich detail and a modern take on red carpet glamour. We wanted each of our guests to feel both serene and effortless,” says Ann-Sofie Johansson, Creative Advisor at H&M.
LILI REINHART
Actress Lili Reinhart wore a silver dress inspired by armour. A cloud-like drape of silver lamé organza was held by a silver corset, creating a dramatic contrast between control and flow. The corset was decorated with chunky metal chains in antique silver, while silver lame organza was draped first as amini-skirt, before billowing into a long train.
OLIVIA MUNN
Olivia Munn who’s also an actress/model wore a daring sleeveless chainmail dress that draped on the body like liquid. Golden chainmail was cut long and lean, with a plunging neckline and open sides, held by links of golden rings that reveal the skin beneath.
ALEK WEK
Model and activist Alek Wek wore a draped, flowing gown that took inspiration from mosaics. A long train of silver and jewel tones was created from a pattern of beading and sequins. The mosaic-like pattern also appeared at the off-the-shoulder bust, which was contrasted with a waist and skirt in deep red double silk, lined in gold and slit high at the front.
JASMINE SANDERS
Model and actress Jasmine Sanders wore a voluminous gown of gold metal lamé. The gown was softly draped off the shoulder, then held by an elegant slim waist. The dress then released into a dramatic full silhouette, a high slit revealing Jasmine’s legs to emphasise the modern lightness.
KIERSEY CLEMONS
Actress Kiersey Clemons wore a richly beaded dress like a netting of gold and pearl. This diamond- shaped embroidered net sat close against the body with a deep neckline, leading to a full yet straight skirt held by a soft crinoline, the embellished net sitting on sheer nude organza.
LUKA SABBAT
Model and influencer Luka Sabbat wore an extravagant robe entirely hand-embroidered with sequins. The intricate pattern was made from sequins in antique silver, deep red, burgundy, gold and royal blue, while the cuffs, shawl collar and lining were in black silk. Luka also wore tuxedo trousers made fromsustainable materials organic silk, tencel and wool.
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AUTHOR: IOL Supplied
