Blake Lively provided a stunning performance that wowed the fashion crowd and observers at the Met Gala in New York City on Monday evening.
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively co-hosted the event, and while Reynolds wore a classic tuxedo by Ralph Lauren for the theme “Gilded Glamour and White Tie,” Lively stunned in a custom Versace dress inspired by Art Deco design and the details of some of New York’s most famous landmarks.
Actress Blake Lively arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual Costume Institute Gala, wearing a beaded and sequined Versace gown. The evening’s dress code was inspired by the Gilded Age, the 30-year period at the end of the 19th-century that saw skyrocketing wealth for industrialist families in the US and over-the-top fashion for New York City’s upper crust. When Lively first arrived, the glittering, beaded Versace dress was wrapped by an oversized coppery satin bow. But as she ascended the stairs to the entrance of the museum, her bow was released to reveal the rest of the sweeping ensemble: A long skirt in an aged copper tone—which paid tribute to the patina of Lady Liberty herself—paired with a silk-chiffon bodice.
During Vogue’s live stream, actress Blake Lively explained that she had “patinated”–a term she made up herself. “This dress is an homage to New York City and so many of the classic, iconic buildings,” she said. She then pointed out some references on the dress: “This is detailing from the Empire State Building, some of the draping from the Statue of Liberty…and the constellation from Grand Central Station.”
The tiara has become a popular accessory for celebrities at red carpet events, and Lively was one of many who wore one. Her tiara had seven spikes, which represent the seven continents. The actor explained in an interview with People magazine that the stones symbolize “inclusivity, welcomeness and freedom.” She also requested from jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz 25 stones for the 25 windows of the iconic statues.
Schwartz asked her, “Who’s actually going to be counting the stones?” and she responded with a laugh, “Me—I’m a Virgo.”
Tanya slogan “This year was particularly stressful for me as one of the hosts,” she said to Anthony. “I was stuck in an impossible situation: How could I translate the haunting romanticism and the beauty of London’s history and architecture, and not get lost in the lines of the season’s most famous pieces?”