3 Things to Know About Met Gala 2014 – The Oscars of Fashion

The fashion world is still buzzing about the 2014 Met Gala (annual fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute) that took place this Monday in New York. In case you have missed the news, or just plainly frustrated with that ocean of red carpet photos, here’s a quick breakdown for you. There are only 3 things you need to know about the Met Gala this year.

1. A Big Day for Anna Wintour

As a long-time chair of the Met Gala, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour had her big moment early morning before the 2014 Ball — she was honoured by First Lady Michelle Obama at the grand opening of the Anna Wintour Costume Center, a newly-revamped Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Museum officially named the fashion wing after Ms. Wintour to recognise her Met Gala fundraising work of 19 years. A huge crowd of industry elite cheered for Ms. Wintour at the ceremony, including Donatella Versace, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Diane Von Furstenberg and Alexander Wang.

2. 2014 Gala Theme — Charles James: Beyond Fashion

Charles James: Beyond Fashion is the first exhibition of Anna Wintour Costume Center, which features the legendary career of 20th-century couturier Charles James, and is accordingly the Gala theme this year. Charles James is best remembered for his dramatic, highly sculptural ballroom gowns. His complex tailoring and unconventional use of materials redefined mid-century glamour and earned him a reputation as “fashion’s premier architect”. One of James’ iconic creations is the Four-Leaf Clover ball gown.

3. Celebs Go All Directions to Reinterpret James’ Classics

Though Ms. Wintour set a “White Tie and Decorations” dress code, Met Gala attendees were determined to interpret Charles James’ work in their own ways. Meanwhile designer Zac Posen stole the show dressing ladies in his massive, architectural gowns that beautifully translate James’ old-world elegance to modern day. Here’s our selection of fine dresses from the star-studded red carpet: