
Keystone Press

Startraks Photo

Keystone Press
Last night in New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute held their annual ball, this year entitled American Women: Fashioning a National Identity. We were delighted to see women who chose to step away from the typical red carpet ball gown and mermaid-style mold. Here are our top 3 looks that captured the energy of the evening. The criteria was simple: fashion forward, thoroughly modern and with a touch of plucky charm.
Who: Charlotte Gainsbourg
What: Balenciaga
Why: Gainsbourg always sports Balenciaga with enviable throw-on effortlessness. This sequin-patterned minirobe is no exception. Loose hair and statement shoes always balance out her outré ensembles, enhancing her quirky, jolie laide beauty.
Who: Chanel Iman
What: Michael Kors
Why: It takes major chutzpah to wear a jumpsuit to a formal affair. Iman pulls off this tricky number with aplomb–in pewter lamé, no less. Her glitzy look is tamed with a brown wrap belt and snakeskin clutch, making the statement more safari chic-success, less Studio 54-stumble.
Who: Chloë Sevigny
What: Proenza Schouler
Why: Sevigny always sports subversive styles on the red carpet that resist old notions of glamour. This custom-made aquaria and indigo teacup dress is no different. In tune with Proenza’s nu-wave spring collection, the fabric, cutout and colour are splashy choices, while the teacup silhouette lends a demure appeal. Lucky Chloë– must be handy to count designers Jack and Lazaro as pals.