Met Gala 2022 - “Gilded Glamour”
The annual fund raising evening for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York, Part Two “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” was held on 2nd May, 2022.
The theme was inspired by America’s late 19th-century industrial economic boom, a glamorous period of style and culture which became known as the Gilded Age in New York. And so for jewellery sartorial consideration, the theme of “Gilded Glamour” put a modern spin on opulence and excess and the stars paraded their sparkling jewels in ostentatious self expression.
Jewellery played a huge role in every day dress in the decadence of the mid-nineteenth century and symbolised a woman’s position in society however the Met Gala of 2022 saw the rise of many scene stealing men’s jewellery “Gilded Glamour” accessories on display.
A modern interpretation of the “Gilded Glamour” fashion showed no boundaries and included statement tiaras, woven sparkly sheer corsets, jewelled face veils, gem encrusted gloves, ankle embracing pearls, gemstone watch chains, diamond lace bowties, metal finger gloves and golden petal hair brooches.
Blake Lively
The metamorphosis of Blake Lively’s Versace gown with it’s peachy copper tones pays homage to the Statue of Liberty when transformed into a patina of blue-grey, the colour of copper as it ages. Lorraine Schwartz tiara, symbolising the Statue of Liberty’s crown, featuring copper, paraiba tourmaline and nude diamonds accompanied by her large Colombian emerald earrings perfectly complement her gorgeous gown.
Hamish Bowles
Resplendent in Ralph Lauren sporting a gold leaf laurel tiara and a figurine brooch comprising of a baroque pearl, two pyramid sapphires, nine cabochon rubies and diamonds by Fulco di Verdura.
Michelle Yeoh
Michelle Yeoh showcased the stunning Tasaki Forest Valley necklace set with Akoya pearls, black South Sea pearls, diamonds, sapphires, tourmaline, beryl and aquamarine in platinum to accessorise her mint green recycled silk dress by Atelier Prabal Gurung.
Stromae
Singer - Songwriter Stromae wearing a plaid suit with cape accompanied his outfit with a re-invited dickie bow. The incredible “Broche noeud dentelle” (Bow Lace Brooch) by Cartier Paris 1906 features marquise-cut cushion shape diamonds, old-cut and rose-cut round diamonds, platinum and gold in a milgrain setting.
Jasmine Tookes
Jasmine Tookes wore a perfectly jewel toned dress to highlight the opulent statement emerald and diamond drop necklace by Chopard.
Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny embraced an androgynous style wearing a cream coloured boiler suit by Burberry and his hair styled in a mini bouffant bejewelled with Poppy Petite combs by Lelet NY in antique gold and pearls.
Carey Mulligan
Wearing a beautiful Schiaparelli black crepe column gown embroidered in gold sequins and crystals and perfectly matched with orbital gold Schiaparelli earrings.
Melissa King
Melissa Kemp showcased some epic gold nail art. A futuristic bracelet extended to finger guards covered in ruby and pearl looking appliqués by Chris Habana for Thom Browne, a finger cuff by designer Lillian Shalom and stacking rings by Dena Kemp.
Emily Ratajkowski
Model Emily Ratajkowski dipped into the Versace archives for this heavily embellished and beaded vintage outfit where the embellishment of the dress becomes the matching jewellery decoration.
Ben Platt
Ben Platt wearing a corseted tuxedo and unisex custom gradient freshwater pearl necklace, rings, cuff links, and earrings, all in 24k gold from Presley Oldham.
The Met Gala 2022 - "Gilded Glamour" is a night to remember for jewellery, not only because of the variety and ingenuity of the pieces on display, but also the audacity with which they were worn, evocative of the era of excess it was inspired by.
Images via WM, Vogue, Town and Country magazines.