Knowing when to leave is key to perfect timing. Elizabeth was a mean, grasping, manipulative – it is the hallmark of slave souls – vindictive operator. It is good that she has finally taken leave. Elizabeth acted as though the crown was hers to wear for at least a millennium.
Just look at HRH Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester incredulously peer across at HM King Charles III with his beefy equerry sat directly behind him in the royal box; of course, there was no room for the Earl and Countess of Wessex as a result. There was sat the Duke of Gloucester who with a look telegraphed, “Well, will you look at that! He’s got his lover right here in the royal box for the world to see. What must cousin Lilibet, looking down from above, be thinking? Major Jonathan Thompson is not even in uniform but crossdressing in civilian suit. Just look at him, a mere senior footman standing in the royal box and clapping away as though he were a royal spouse… Also, pay keen attention to the Duchess of Gloucester as she keenly eyes Catherine, HRH Princess of Wales. That look betrays the tectonic state of the Waleses’ marriage. One would think that the Duchess of Gloucester is eyeing up Catherine as she cannot believe the woman would have the nerve to sit there after openly flirting with Sir Ben Ainslie and telegraphing to all the world that they are fucking their brains out.
Indeed! Though the Fleet Street abattoirs are ill-inclined to betray the ugly truths of House of Windsor, rest assured that the American media, especially American tabloid media, could not care less. Of course, they have a vested interested in the Windsor dynasty as a second American woman has recently wedded and been met with undiluted hatred and rejection. Although, that rejection is decidedly racist, nonetheless, all Americans are Americans and will defend another over any foreigner, especially so when America fought and won a war to depose that very dynasty.
Darlings I’ve simply got to start ordering teas by the hamper… The Second Carolean era just keeps on giving…
Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret in tour de force confrontation with Imelda Staunton’s Queen Elizabeth
This actor did a phenomenal job of bringing forth the true fire that was HRH Princess Margaret, Countess Snowdon’s. God, it was delicious theatre, watching her rip into her mean-spirited sister and giving it to her good when she called her on the fact that Elizabeth deliberately interfered in her life and caused her pain and ruin whilst never having done any such thing to her slutty daughter, Anne. As the Crown depicted and passingly implied, Princess Anne could have fucked Tim Lawrence in the open on a farm and no one would have noticed or reported it in the media. Her performance brings to mind that every actor who ever portrays HRH Princess Margaret must study Elizabeth Taylor in the Mike Nichols classic, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” This is why in the earlier season of the Crown, the actor Helena Bonham Carter’s casting was wrong. She was stiff and hadn’t the passion or fire to convincingly project Margaret’s rage
The actor who played Queen Mary was perfectly placed. The scene was brief and a flashback that was of major import. Look at her, there she is dripping in pearls and finery as the Romanovs did. She gave the order for their murder and all because she waned the Romanov jewellery, coming to her. A truly vile character. Her inclusion beautifully sets up next season, which deals with Diana’s murder and this scene of Mary giving the order to have the Romanov’s murder, so she could get their jewels, establishes that no one should think otherwise when it comes to next season, Season 6, and Diana’s murder.
Romanovs Executed
The producers and creative geniuses of The Crown Season 5 did their homework and boy did they execute masterfully, beautifully. This entire episode sets up what’s to come in Season 6, Diana, Princess of Wales’s death. By laying the groundwork and showing that because HM Queen Mary’s callous avariciousness, the Romanovs would be slaughtered just so that Queen Mary, who considered the Tsarina a rival, could get her hands on the Russian royals’ jewels. Queen Mary was a vile, ruthless Victorian misogynist who, of course, was Queen Elizabeth’s chief mentor. There can be no doubt that the late Queen Elizabeth viewed Diana, Princess of Wales as much a rival as Queen Mary viewed the Tsarina. For that, like Alexandra, the Tsarina, Diana had to be murdered for proving herself a damn threat. She ruined the fairy story by not playing along; most of all, she threatened the institution by preparing to start a rival dynasty with Mohamed Al-Fayed’s son, Dodi, a non-White Muslim.
Tampax Moments Last Forever
Goodness me, whatever shall the little people think? Who damn well cares what they think? The royals do as they have always done!
Here, again, the casting of Netflix’s The Crown, season 5, is flawless. Nuanced and perfectly measured, both actors bring forth the appropriate amount of repugnant arrogance and conceited lack of awareness. Perfectly timed, as though murdered Diana’s revenge, Season 5 lays bare the adulterers’ vulgarity just as they accede the throne. King Charles III, the Tampax King with his two teddies – one inanimate from childhood, the other a virile, kilted, furry teddy that throbs and makes nights at Highgrove especially pleasurable whilst the failed future King Mother and Courtesan Queen languishes away at Ray Mill; one thing is plainly obvious, the Courtesan Queen does not crochet doilies at Ray Mill.
Having nicely set up the case for Diana, Princess of Wales having been murdered in the upcoming season 6 of the Crown, one other thing ought to be taken into account. In 1918, when Queen Elizabeth’s mentor, Queen Mary gave the order to have the Romanovs murdered, that would be signified by the planet Uranus – one dynasty overthrows or eliminates another. Uranus rules violent upheaval, revolutionary action and usually from one institution against another. As Diana, Princess of Wales was a most disruptive rebel, the only course of action left Queen Mary’s devout mentor, Queen Elizabeth II, was to eliminate the threat of Diana. Diana was about to marry a non-White Muslim and start a rival dynasty, which would have utterly eclipsed the Windsors not just at the Fleet Street abattoirs but world media.
Diana and Dodi died at Diana’s natal Pluto’s transit forming a square; that coupled with her fourth numerological signature of 7, meant very public and totally unexpected assassination. A Uranus return takes roughly 84 years, Queen Elizabeth reacted 79 years later as Queen Mary had to the threat of a rival dynasty, the Romanovs relocating to the United Kingdom – there is a five year window on either side for that Uranus return’s effect to be initialised. Closer to the exacting 84 years and Diana and Dodi would have had a wedding and begun a family that would simply have eclipsed Charles and Diana’s wedding as clearly Diana would finally have found true love. There is positively no way that the well-groomed Victorian misogynist, Queen Elizabeth II, would have tolerated any such affront to her dynasty, especially when Diana would have avenged herself by bearing step-siblings of the future supreme governor of the Church of England to a Muslim. The Windsor dynasty was violently preventing the eventualisation of a rival dynasty begun by Diana, Princess of Wales and one of an opposing faith.
Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II was sublime casting. She is pitch perfect and gets every nuanced idiosyncrasy right. As Elizabeth II is a mature slave soul, a sage soul in passion mode with emotional centring would be disastrous. Imelda may well be a slave soul herself.
Though a departure from season 5, I do feel that there needs be some commentary on the actors who played the major roles across the five seasons. Claire Foy was a major reason for the Crown’s initial success and gave The Crown the legs to become the seminal British royal family drama that it has become. She is diffident, economical and sublime. The complete opposite can be said for Olivia Colman, who is Olivia in every role she plays. She is crass, common and as conspicuously frightful and self-conscious as a damn ostrich.
As Princess Margaret’s casting is concerned, Vanessa Kirby was ravishing to look at; she had depth, emotional rawness when required and was utterly captivating to watch. Hers was a brilliant performance. Helena Bonham Carter was simply a toft playing a toft and Princess Margaret was never a toft; she was royal to the core. Clearly, Lesley Manville captures the essence of Margaret’s inner rage. Helena was supposed to have captured Margaret’s passion, debauchery and her creative brilliance and that never materialised.
As there is only one Diana, there is only one actor who has singularly, successfully captured the essence of Diana, Princess of Wales and not until Elizabeth Debicki in Season 5 of The Crown has this been achieved. Spot on, this actor’s portrayal is note perfect and as close to channelling Diana, as it were, as you can possibly hope for. Singularly focussed, she gives an award-worthy performance of rare brilliance.
Just look at this artist step aside and allow the very essence of discarnate Diana, Princess of Wales to move in and prosecute her case. This is a most brilliant performance, in a season teeming with stellar performances. There has never been a more successfully cast group of actors for any one season of this fantastic series.
I’ve a little Diana, Princess of Wales anecdote. The night of the preceding photograph in October, 1991, I was across King Street West at Simcoe Street at Roy Thomson Hall for an Emmanuel Ax recital. As I had seasons tickets to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, I managed with plans for a hook up after the concert to attend. God only knows, I could never abide Emmanuel Ax’s too-short arms and legs as he bobs around the stool, trying to make keys and pedals. I have only ever had two favourite pianists whom I have seen live, Vladimir Horowitz and the scholarly high priest himself, Alfred Brendel (his Michael Overleaves will conclude this blog). Of course, for having met and loved Merlin, Glenn Gould has become a favourite, forming the perfect troika of inspiring classical pianists.
When the recital concluded, I made my way north along Simcoe Street to King Street West where I planned to go in search of some stimulating companionship. The placed was packed and I hadn’t a clue what was up. Finally, someone said that Princess Diana was at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, which was going to be letting out soon. Making my way west along the south side of King Street West, I stood opposite the theatre’s entrance and realised that it was no place to be. Gingerly, I made my way west along the street, made it across the intersection and began doubling back due east along the north side of King Street West. Charmingly, I bobbed and dodged my way until I was second row deep behind a diminutive Filipina, who stood behind he barricade in front of which was a conga line of persons in wheelchairs. Obviously, as this was the early 90s, cell phones were as yet ubiquitous and why I would have a camera for going to the symphony would be a gauche notion at the time. The sturdy-looking limousine pulled up and to my left, though I could not see, the doors to the theatre opened and impresario Ed Mirvish emerged with the world’s most photographed woman.
Never had I witnessed such a massive explosion of klieg fabulousness as that moment as Diana, Princess of Wales stepped away from her hosts and stepped into the marquee lights. She was tall, commanding and arrestingly beautiful. Eventually, when she made her way down the roster of wheelchair fans, she reached from time to time to the sheer pandemonium of squeals, cries, shrieks and outstretched trembling arms baring frantic trembling fingers. As nothing she said could be heard, I managed to clasp her hand, said “we love you more” as she worked the crowd like a pro. What struck me about her in that moment as the flashbulbs went off, like a million stars simultaneously going nova, was how steely, masculine, tall and warrior-like she was. In that moment, her striking blue eyes so focussed and direct, she with her statuesque singleness of devotion, was like a Maasai warrior aloft whilst dancing. Then my darlings, Diana, Princess of Wales, did the most phenomenal thing that left me teary eyed, she got to the limousine and as the passenger side rear door was opened, she got inside elongating her neck, whilst bracing her body on the car’s frame when swinging her knees together, feet together, pushing off from the metatarsals and swinging are rangy legs into the car in one of the most sublime port de bras witnessed. Well, you better believe that I was hooked to the core. Of course, to that point, she was merely the ultimate self-absorbed famous person whose motto seemed to be, “I’m a rich White girl, take my picture.”
Of course, four years later, Diana, Princess of Wales, now separated from the future, HM King Charles III, made it perfectly clear that she was in control and not the crazy wingnut that she and every artisan at some point or another will be dismissed as by the masses. Diana, Princess of Wales’s interview with Martin Bashir aired on the BBC on Guy Fawkes Night, November 5, 1995. That move will see her transcend history as someone who was infinitely more shrewd and astute than the mere mortals of her age were aware. Unlike Oliver Cromwell, Diana, Princess of Wales successfully prosecuted her case to the kingdom, the world and most importantly, history. Naturally, like Cromwell, her interview and the subsequent relationship with the Muslim Al-Fayed family would be deemed treasonous by the Victorian misogynist, Queen Elizabeth II, who just as ruthlessly and casually had her assassinated as her mentor Queen Mary had Tsarina Alexandra and her family a Uranus return earlier.
Mou Mou, the most gloriously well-written and acted episode of The Crown. At every turn, the actor who portrayed Mohamed Al-Fayed left me teary-eyed or smiling by his brilliant performance. He effortlessly captured every idiosyncrasy of the Mohamed we have come to know in the media. The actor deftly captured the essence of this endearing mensch with bravura and sublime impishness. It was the only episode that I immediately had to re-watch to both fall in love and get all the nuances that the teary fog of me had missed. Of course, there were many beautiful scenes but one which was rather telling is of The Queen sending her emissaries to have items of the Duke of Windsor’s removed from his French chateau. This shows the Victorian misogynist mentoring of Queen Elizabeth by Queen Mary – ever grasping and coveting all manner of material things. No care in the world for the Duke & Duchess of Windsor whilst he was living but the moment he passes, they are keen on the Duchess’s invitation to swoop in and claw at whatever they fancied… crass.
Indeed, in time, how could anyone possibly have expected HM The Queen, to have related to the Duke & Duchess of Sussex otherwise. She was groomed by the monstrous Victorian misogynist, HM Queen Mary to be shrewdly calculating, murderous if necessary, defender of the saturnal aspects of what being Sovereign entails. She and the rest of he senior royals could have behaved no differently to the Sussexes. Most of all, The Queen did not care to countenance any talk of racism being in any way associated with the House of Windsor. Just suck it up and get on with it, despite, the hideous open racial harassment from HRH Princess Michael of Kent, sporting the blackamoor brooch. Trust me, if she were to emboldened to go public with the racially predatory lynching of Meghan, you can bet that there was unrelenting, unfathomable racism within the royal family and the institution towards the Sussexes.
Could there have been a better cast member for this season, 5, of The Crown. This actor performed his role immaculately to the letter. The fluidity and communion of spirits between him and Mohamed Al-Fayed was successfully captured by both actors’ nuanced and elegant performances, even when Mohamed was being inelegant.
This actor, though similar in look, did not capture the essence of whom Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma is. Above all else, with a energy body of 7, the late Prince Philip’s lover at her very core is a courtesan and would not only damn well do as she pleases but not give a damn who noticed. With a first number of 7, Penelope is almost mannish in her domineering energy body and would prove vastly intimidating for the late Queen Elizabeth II, who already had a secondary chief feature of self-deprecation which means that she would have serious self-esteem issues. Energy body of 7 and born in the year of the snake, the late Queen Elizabeth II was no match for this woman.
The role would have been better served if the actor, Gillian Anderson, who capably showed her mettle were to have been cast as Penelope. Ms. Anderson ensouled the very essence of the persona of Baroness Thatcher. A snake female, Penelope, with an energy body of 7, is the kind of customer who would take a riding crop and beat to death a mere mortal and get away with it; she would also not ever once think about the incident thereafter. All snake women possessed of an energy body of 7 are true courtesans; they are supremely amoral. Gillian would have the right steely comportment to deftly portrait the real Penelope, which may have positively nothing to do with the persona the public sees; and isn’t this almost always the case for famous persons?
Well, hold on tightly duckies, there is lots more to come. Season 6 of the Crown promises Diana’s murder. More than that, it should have flashbacks to the marriage of the Duke & Duchess of York as in penultimate seasons 7 & 8, the fallout of paedophilia allegations for associating with Jeffrey Epstein will see his cancer-stricken mother come undone. Of course, HM The Queen died aged 96; more importantly, she died 25 years after Diana, Princess of Wales’s murder. It takes 24 years for a grand Solar cycle to unfold and all self-karma, created when a karmic debt is initiated as in Diana’s murder, leads to the debtor’s self-immolation. Philip and Elizabeth slowly immolated as the avenging of Diana’s murder took its toll, Philip at exactly 24 years and Elizabeth II a year later. There are no coincidences and Time reveals all truth.
There can be no mistaking the fact that the structural racism, the case for which was made by HRH Princess Michael of Kent’s blackamoor brooch incident and Prince Harry’s memoir SPARE, nicely serve as ample source material for seasons 7 & 8. By then, all the tea with regards Catherine and Ben Ainslie, William’s Tampax moment, which has left him #PrinceofPegging to say nothing of Charles and his teddies one 70 plus years old and other other a virile furry equerry. Let’s also not forget Rose and her come-back pussy, which resulted in the then Cambridges being banished to Adelaide Cottage from Anmer Hall. Also, Camilla’s obvious racism should be highlighted by her need for a parapluie when touring the amongst the ‘darkies’ so that she doesn’t have to shake their hands, which explains why she did not go to the night time declaration of statehood in Barbados and her recent touching a Black girl’s sleeve rather than hold her hand. Then, too, there is the banishment and exodus of the Sussexes to America to successfully escape the hideous spitefulness of the next generation Waleses.
Brendel, Alfred 5/1/1931 Czech Republic
Michael: This fragment is a first level old scholar – second life thereat. Alfred is in the perseverance mode with a goal of dominance. A pragmatist, he is in the moving part of intellectual centre.
Body type is Lunar/Mars /Mercury.
Alfred’s primary chief feature is self-deprecation and the secondary stubbornness.
The fragment Alfred is fourth-cast in first cadence, he is a member of greater cadence two. Alfred’s entity is two, cadre five, greater cadre 6, pod 208.
Alfred’s essence twin is a scholar and his warrior task companion is known to him.
Alfred’s three primary needs are: exchange, communion and security.
There are 6 past-life associations with Arvin and 4 with Merlin.
_____________________________________
Haiti, Josephine Baker – Cécile McLorin Salvant & Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
As ever, Life is like a flying dream; if you look down, you’re fucked. Enjoy the ride and fear no one!
Here we have an artisan soul, bringing the light and fabulousness. There is likely a good dash of priest soul energy somewhere in his casting. I was delighted to have discovered this rare beauteous soul. Definitely, he gets my vote for best-dressed male at Met Gala, 2022 – number one of ten.
Andres & Lauren Santo Domingo
The executive looks especially refined in a white halter, topped with clipped, ruffled floor-length skirt by Azzedine Alaia.
Bee Shaffer-Carrozzini & Francesco Carrozzini.
August, inordinately handsome couple of notable heritage.
Kaia Gerber
Kaia looks and seems like a warrior soul – mature soul cycle possibly.
Madam First Lady, Hillary Clinton
Understated and dignified. Madam First Lady’s jewel-toned gown is elegant and unfussy.
Precious Lee
Ms. Lee’s gown is perfect; her legs are revealed yet partially concealed and without a slit, there is no chance of her feet being photographed sickled in.
Rachel Brosnahan & Joseph Altuzarra
This is a very beautiful dress; very elegant and tastefully executed. The dress must make the most beautiful music as she glides along. Wonderful.
Camila Mendes
Camila’s matte gold sheath is a complex design. What is especially winning is the pair of flesh-toned gloves.
Chloe Bailey
Like Precious Lee, Chloe Bailey has thick thighs; however, Precious was styled to perfection. Nothing about her look aesthetically misses the mark.
Regé-Jean Page
From the highs of being Bridgerton’s heartthrob to disappearing into the oblivion of TV car commercials.
Amber Velletta
90s American model, looking effortlessly chic in golden vintage Azzaro.
Future
Smartly attired rapper; I love the lapel detailing. With legs on show, it would have been more appropriate to have worn a kilt or male skirt.
Kodi Smith-McPhee
No idea of this artist’s range. I do, though, know that his attire is by no stretch of the gilded age.
Mark Rober
Formerly of NASA, the dashing renaissance man also has impeccable tastes. Definitely one of the top 3 best-dressed men at the Met Gala, 2022. Without doubt, he has my vote as the third best-dressed.
Naomi Campbell remains the most dominant, dignified supermodel. The ingenuity of the Burberry logo incorporated into the gown works beautifully.
Bella Hadid
Bella’s bejewelled left ankle seems as though a foot still planted in the gilded age. The lace and leather bustier are a modern interpretation on the gilded age.
Nikki Minaj & Riccardo Tisci Creative Director Burberry
In her on-air interview with La La Anthony, who along with Vanessa Hudgens and Hamish Bowles hosted Vogue’s streaming red carpet arrivals, this performer proved embarrassingly unaware among other things.
Lila Moss
As with Naomi’s gown, Lila’s sheer gown is also bejewelled with Burberry’s horse logo.
Lila & Kate Moss
Supermodel mum, Kate with daughter Lila whose modelling has successfully launched.
Kate Moss
The other Queen to be dressed by Burberry, Wagon’s still got it as the song proclaims and as is plainly obvious. Stunning.
Irina Shayk
I don’t know about the gilded age but if you are going to be bound and stuffed into a gilded cage, your every fantasy would be realised on having leather-clad Irina Shayk predatorily stride in, famished and ready to have her way with you…
HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI
Bad Bunny
Looking like a bearded reanimation of Frida Kahlo, as my musical tastes do not stray beyond Jazz and classical, I have no idea the state of his music.
Jacob Elodi
Coming on strong is young Mr. Jacob Elodi; he is central casting’s bid to cash in on the millions of screaming little Beliebers as they grew away for the Canadian pop star. Tall, dark and handsome.
Stormzy
Conventionally, he is the best dressed; however, he comes in number two, as Frederik Robertsson visionary presentation/performance was unsurpassed. Everything about Stormzy and his debonair style has winner written all over. White on white on white complements his beautiful complexion.
Renée-Elise Coldsberry
The hair swept up, elongating the neck, the jewellery, the clutch, the appropriately placed roses and that lovely smile. Indeed, the lady graciously captures the gilded age.
Tessa Thompson
The lovely Tessa Thompson is a vision of soft cherry blossom pinks in a delightful ode to the gilded age. Incidentally, as pitting women against each other is one of the many insidious ways that sexism thrives within the culture, unlike the men, I will elect not to declare a best dressed female.
Ashton Sanders
The gold touches and opera glasses are winning odes to the gilded age… to be sure.
Lily Allen
Feathery wisps below the knees, though evocative of the Jazz age, we will nonetheless take it. Beautiful colour combination.
Lucy Boynton
Light, airy, delicate and a modern ode to the gilded age wonderfully executed.
Anna WintourDBE
Dame Anna Wintour, November 3, 1949, year of the Ox. 3.5.1 = 9. When you take into account Dame Wintour’s pedigree, an earl and duchess among them, here is someone who has used their numbers not only masterfully but in their most positive expression. 9 in the fourth position is that of the gatekeeper – her aristocratic heritage affords her a confidence that would escape a self-made individual. No one else, save Dame Wintour could have masterfully run Vogue, held it together and been in such an esteemed position of power and for so long save Dame Wintour. 3 in the first position; she thinks before opening her mouth and her word carries much weight; 3 governs the world of intellect, books, publishing and refinement of expression. She is of hybrid heritage as suggested by her mindset, 5, thereby allowing her to be more open to the ‘other’ than say someone who was not of multicultural heritage. Lifepath of 1 simply means that she was born to lead and has staying power of Wellingtonian scope much as the 1st Duke of Wellington. This is a human who is living a life in full and with the greatest mastery of their numbers rather than being ruled by those numbers and thereby expressing the negative manifestations of those numbers. Anyone else wearing a tiara to the Met Gala would be readily dismissed as pretentious, not so Dame Wintour. As ever, her ensemble is understated and elegant.
HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI
Giveon
Sleek, understated as a Chanel man of worth would be.
Amy Schumer
Always funny and always keeping it real and casually of the gilded age.
A quartet of cool ladies’ interpretation of the gilded age with the help of the house of Chloe.
Venus Williams
Like Caroline Trentini, Venus Williams is pitch perfect. Tall, long lean lines; she is perfectly elegant, understated, confident.
Adut Akech
Look at that statuesque lady. This Sudanese goddess is in a rarefied class all by herself. She does for that Christian Lacroix dress what no one else could. Stunning!
Alexa Chung
Ravishing, Alexa is at all times über raffinée. Those shoes are everything.
Normani
Normani ought to have worn lacquered, fire-engine red lipstick to set off the outfit; it would make her complexion pop against the monochromatic ensemble.
Caroline Wozniacki
It’s been a minute since we’ve seen Caroline but she has served up a winning point with this rich maya blue cape.
Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah’s look proved both historic and as such an homage to the trailblazing work and life of Elizabeth Hobbs Ketchley, whose life did straddle the gilded age. She was a slave who transitioned to working at the White House where she served as a dressmaker to Madam First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of President Abraham Lincoln.
Behind the Scenes Elizabeth Ketchley
Without doubt, I must acquire this book.
Tommy Dorfman
Perhaps, this is how the Harkonnens dressed during the latest gilded age on Giedi Prime in the year 10, 125.
Paloma Elsesser
As a large-bodied professional model, Paloma has thorough awareness of the aesthetics of looking good on camera. The bustier gives a flattering presentation of her form and she knows well, as does Precious Lee, that one does not expose thick thighs by way of a side or front slit. Her look is handsomely august.
Caroline Trentini
That neck, that waistline and the hoop skirt create the bustle-like look of the gilded age. Caroline and her performance truly capture the style of Martin Scorsese’s masterful film, Age of Innocence.
Jeremy Pope
Commanding. Handsome and theatrical which is welcome in the gilded age or any other for that matter.
Camille Cottin
Clean, simple, elegant, though, her hair ought to have been gathered. Clearly, her hair was worn down as a way of detracting from her cleavage.
Cara Delevingne
Look sweetheart, just because your grandmother was the official fart sniffer and second-hand smoke filter for HM The Queen’s notoriously uncouth sister, The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, does not give you the right to come pissing all over the Yanks and their perceived quaint culture. No American actor, if that’s what you’re comparably supposed to be, would ever dear show up at the annual Serpentine Summer Party thusly attired. We all know on that frightfully frigid, racist isle of yours, a damn Yank would be ejected from the gathering at once. Nobody wants to be acquainted with your lopsided quail egg boobs. You are fucking ridiculous. Go home. Stay gone and pluck that inbred-looking unibrow; you blasted desperate, no-talent attention whore.
Maye & Elon Musk
Beautiful feet, lovely smile, great dress and without doubt, unlike the racist Poundland aristo’s, the nacre her pearls are of the highest quality.
HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI
Kieran Culkin
Sneakers and a Dior smoking… the gilded age revisited.
Harris Dickinson
Soft, delicate and fluid with beautiful complement of colours and textures. I especially love the shoes; this young man’s is a very elegant, beautiful look.
Thomas Doherty
He would only be better dressed if carrying white gloves and a cane. Handsome in every way; got the memo and dialled it in. This earns Mr. Doherty the fifth spot on the best-dressed list.
Eva Chen
Ms. Chen could not look any more lovely or elegant. The lined gloves are ingenious and she’s got great feet.
Questlove
Can you feel the music that he radiates? Can you feel the love? I sure do. Beautiful human.
Ansel Elgort
A gentleman always wears his white gloves. Very elegantly handsome indeed. Tails, white shoes and tie but, of course, Mr. Elgort clocks in at the tenth position on the best-dressed list.
Leslie Odom Jr.
Classic Fendi highlighted by the hat, bracelet and the most smashing shoes. Handsome and an eclectic winner!
Fabiola Beracasa Beckham
White on white, beautiful. If only one had a good look at the double strand necklace. The mermaid and off-the-shoulder accents beautifully set off by the elegant gloves.
Chloe Kim
Red feathers delicately perched never looked so good. Beautiful creation.
Ramla Ali
There is a lot going on here but it all remarkably comes together beneath that beauteous high forehead.
Wendy Murdoch-Deng
As can be expected, everything is sheer perfection. Not a soft pink feather is out of place.
Karlie Kloss
Coming through, looking like a Na’vi goddess just returned from Pandora; I know truly fierce makeup when I see it.
Rosalia
Great gown and she has sure got moxie.
HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI
Jack Harlow
That is a very elegant brown suit; his vibe is wonderfully laidback.
Awkwafina
Beautiful. Stunning as is her personality.
Jessica Chastain
There is so much happening here that her dress seems as though a runaway vine that’s consuming her and everything close by.
Billie Eilish
Interesting.
Dakota Johnson
Lace catsuit with a dripping effect created beads partout. Very cool.
Jodie Turner-Smith
Sexy. Stylish. Beautiful. Stunning and the outfit only heightens her beauty.
Jodie Turner-Smith & Joshua Jackson
The beautiful, charismatic, palpably in love thespian couple.
HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI
Anderson .Paak
He’s definitely got a vibe and it is seriously infectious.
Finneas
His look is rather 19th century – the beard the defining signature. His style and the ensemble are rather fluid, elegant and decidedly musical.
Alessandro Michele & Jared Leto
Why they did not throughout hold hands and passionately French kiss, is a true mystery; to have not done so, made the whole getup flat-footed and insipid.
Laura Harrier
Silver, black, mauve, metallic and matte; there is a lot going on with this exquisitely elegant dress. The gloves really makes this outfit both a classic and winner. Lovely.
HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI
Victor Glemaud
Handsome. Refined. I love a man in a cape and all that monochromatic white on white on white is breathtakingly elegant.
HEAD OF STATE
Danai Gurira
Like true African royalty, she carries a blond fly whisk. Love the overall effect.
HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI
Evan Mock
Gilded age, catamite or castrato… take your pick.
Teyana Taylor
Though the colours work beautifully for not being a sculptural creation, this van Herpen comes off as merely conventional.
Winnie Harlow
Classic van Herpen design. Clean architectural lines.
Iris van Herpen & Dove Cameron
The creative genius in one of her angelic designs. Truly, her designs are uplifting works of art.
HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI
Frederik Robertsson
21st century human male – spiritually focussed and spreading love and the light fantastic. Top of the list it is, indeed. #bestdresedmale Met Gala 2022.
Phoebe Bridgers
This is a very beautifully complex design. Remarkably, Phoebe looks like a young Helen Mirren.
Kid Cudi
Positively love the riot of beautiful blooms on the marvellous cape’s interior. Beautiful hands handsomely framed by frilled sleeves.
Lily Aldridge
By far, this was one of the most beautiful, understated elegant designs at the Met Gala 2022. The gloves like the head scarf and train are touches that come together beautifully, creating one of the evening’s most memorable looks.
Claire Danes & Hugh Dancy
Gilded age or not, this is pure romanticism and glamour. The facial adornment is parfait. Lovely, elegant couple.
HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI
Patrick Schwarzenegger
Gilded age, Jazz age or Great Gatsby, take your pick. A very beautiful man, wonderfully dressed and love the tie. To all this fluidity and one can only raise a glass and say, ‘Bottoms up!’ Patrick is ninth on the best-dressed list.
La La Anthony
One of three hosts of Vogue’s live stream of the Met Gala, 2022 red carpet arrivals, La La’s outfit was strange. One does not wear a fascinator to an evening event. Ladies with thick thighs should always wear a column or mermaid gown, failing that extra wide pants would be wisest. Her exposed hips makes it look as though she is wearing a bath sheet as a wrap with train. I can appreciate her wanting to support a black designer but if I were her and this item showed up, I would have hightailed it to an appropriate boutique and rented a Balmain outfit.Even knee-high boots would have saved the outfit. No way to high heaven was Hamish Bowles going to co-host with Ms. Anthony looking as she was.
HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI
LaQuan Smith
Elegant and refined; he is a winner through and through.
Emma Stone
Simple and unpretentious. Great legs and lovely feet; her look is ever kaleidoscopic.
Cynthia Erivo
African royals’ take on the gilded age set in Zulu territory.
Chloe Grace Moretz
Chole Grace’s look, especially the eyes, bare so distinct a connection to Brooklyn Beckham’s that it would be surprising if they did not have a soul connection.
Emma Chamberlain
Lovely skirt, though, I rather suspect that so much midriff would not have been on display during the gilded age.
Phoebe Dynevor
A pearl choker would handsomely have anchored Phoebe’s look in the gilded age.
Renate Reinsve
Her top is interest, if modern; more than all that, those feet are everything and are nicely set off by the stretch leathery-looking pants.
Hoyeon Jung
Absolutely every detail of Ms. Jung’s outfit and élan is pitch perfect. Her stance… everything is utterly flawless.
Gemma Chan
Unless anticipating immient sea level rise, this hemline missed the gilded age timeline by inches. Truly unbecoming of Ms. Chan to have gotten it so wrong.
Emma Stone Nicolas Ghesquière & Hoyeon Jung
Mr. Ghesquière is creative director at Louis Vuitton under whose stewardship, the future looks uneclipsed.
Joe Jonas & Sophie Turner
Perhaps because she is expectant; however, little thought seemed to have factored into abiding by the gilded age theme.
HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI
Bradley Cooper
Mr. Cooper is way too big a star to be on the best-dressed list. I have always warmed towards this human vibrationally.
Joe Jonas
Even more details appear in Emma Stone’s chic Louis Vuitton dress as she walks the carpet to this utterly intriguing man’s rear.
Eryka Badu
And in exciting news, spring follows winter…
Eiza Gonzalez
Here’s to the many who truly own and enjoy being a woman. Go ahead Eiza!
Lori Harvey
Sweet, gorgeous, beautiful light and a lady to boot. A truly remarkable gown.
Anak Yai
And this is how you own the gilded age!
Addison Rae
Beautiful lady, beautiful dress.
Rianne van Rompaey
One would never expect a professional model to not own it. Stunning woman wearing a stunning outfit.
Ciara
This glamourous lady always gets it right each time she graces a red carpet.
Sara Sampaio
This may as well be gold leaf, it looks just as magically delicate.
Sigourney Weaver
Ever she will be the ageless, fearless, Ripley.
Michael Kors & Sigourney Weaver
He’s got the best showmanship energy. Wonderful.
MISS SOHEE
Chloe Finemann
Beautiful gold dress with contrasting black detailing. This precisely is what La La Anthony ought to have worn. Just imagine crawling to the top of those stairs then met by the sight of what the Vogue live streaming host was wearing.
Taylor Hill
Teal to pine-green either way, this is an outstanding costume. I especially love the matching lace up boots. I suspect that the designs on the train are more spectacular in person than they photograph.
Maude Apatow
Lace and beading on an elegant column dress; nicely dignified young lady; I especially favour the choker.
Emma Corrin
Got up like that, she may as well be six inches tall. Next!
Molly Simms
Mature, elegant and spot-on august. This is a truly ladylike human as she presents for the gilded age. Monochromatic sophistication from head to toe, gloves to clutch. Brilliant.
Rachel Smith
Soft. Delicate, though, I don’t know how well the flaccid-looking bell sleeves work.
Madelaine Petsch
Monochromatic mess. She should be wearing large costume rings on her gloves ruby, emerald, sapphire; further as the dress is one piece in the back, the separate bra serves no point.
Iris Law
Lovely dress but the raccoon eye makeup is too distracting. Lovely blue tonalities.
Vanessa Hudgens
One of the three Vogue red carpet live stream hosts, Vanessa’s dress is perfection; her legs are on display but discreetly as is appropriate. Hair up and lots of rings as is the current vogue. She is sensational.
Megan Thee Stallion
Don’t call her stallion for nothing. Here is one exception to the don’t wear a side slit dress if you’ve got thick thighs. Megan is next level sexy and she knows it. All that gold to match all that attitude and sex appeal. A hands down winner.
Khloé Kardashian
No complaints here… Madam is looking next-level perfect.
Simone Ashley
Simone’s style is much too casual for the occasion; definitely, not of the gilded age.
Anitta
Pearls, bustle, pearl choker and plenty of sex appeal for the gilded age or any other.
Ariana DeBose & Jeremy Scott
The newly minted best supporting Oscar winner is as charming as she is eloquent. A winner, to be sure, in any age, gilded or otherwise.
HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI
Manu Rios
Hands down, sixth best-dressed male. A man in lace leaves me utterly besotted.
Kylie Jenner
Tycoon Jenner decides to give two effs and do as she pleases. Honestly, a baseball cap turned back-to-front? The flouncing skirt is beautiful.
HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI
Paapa Essiedu
Beautifully stunning man, impeccably dressed; when is velvet not elegant? I do, though, think that the different leg styles do not work; perhaps, it were in a lighter colour. He’s still a winner either way.
Kris Jenner
Mama sure made some profitable lemonade out of the fin de siècle lemon that was O. J. Simpson… and a sex tape, of course. When is an Oscar de la Renta not exquisitely chic? Certainly, this dress brings back memories of the icon of Olympic proportions, Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis.
Miranda Kerr& Evan Spiegel
Clean, elegant and understated. Super cool and elegant. Beautiful.
Katy Perry
Like Miranda Kerr, Katy has a child with super cool Buddhist actor, Orlando Bloom. That aside, this is the most conventional costume she has worn to the Met Gala. Layered, it is elegant and marginally risqué.
Imaan Hammam
A true amazon in a very big beautiful gown. And what a gorgeous blue dress it is.
Huma Abedin
Boom! What a joyously vibrant dress. This, without doubt, is one of the most memorable dresses at the Met Gala 2022.
Sabrina Carpenter
Beautifully golden; however, I do think that this should have been a one-piece outfit.
Camilla Cabello
This woman is too short for all the chaos going on with this gown and that shoelace-looking effect at the bust does not work.
Ashley Park
The rather stylish Ashley is beautifully put together. The train works, the feathered skirt with front rather than side slit does work and she also knows how to present her feet – sickled/winged out rather than gauche/pigeon-toed. The bows work and the jewels are beautifully displayed. The white feathers add elegance and pull the eyes from being exclusively focussed on the upper body.
Quannah Chasinghorse
Beautiful sublime wonderfully adorned princess. This is a truly wonderful gown worn by a gorgeous lady.
Denée Benton
Denée’s jewellery are exquisite and the dress beautiful. From afar, the wraparound bustle (what is it really) seems not to work; however, up close you discover the blooms in varying degrees of bloom and then the wraparound bustle make sense. For this to have truly worked, the blooms out to have been white – carnations, peonies or roses. Red on red simply does not work.
Mindy Kaling
Everything about this is just wrong. The blooms placed as they are shrink her already short neck. Her thighs too thick for a side slit – the camera adds weight and volume where undesired. Hems too long and precludes walking comfortably. The split train at the shoulders further accentuates the fact that she’s neither tall nor lean – they should be at mid-back to waist; that way, it would elongate the line of the torso. Most of all, apart from the sickled in feet, the colour is too pale, making her appear darker and her eyes more recessed than not. Darker fabric would have had a desirably slimming effect.
Michelle Yeoh
The grand dame has arrived. Same designer as Camilla and Mindy but just look at the difference. Again, the shoulders are bare and the train begins at mid-back; it also allows for her jewellery to be best displayed. The colour is warm, enveloping and embraces more when she smiles. A heavy fabric, it also has enough flair at the feet, allowing to kick-step as one does in such gowns. Most of all, it covers up that most important feature, the feet; you can never tell if they are turned out or sickled in, which matters immensely. Just look at the elongation of the lines when Hoyeong Jung poses with her booted working leg extended and turned out. Straight away, the line is long, perfected…. aesthetic.
Kiki Layne
Now, we come to the statuesque Kiki doing her return turn in a beautiful rose gown, same designer of course. Like Mindy, hers is not an especially long neck but her afro creates a crown-like halo effect thereby creating no umbra to the neckline. Here too, as with Mindy’s, there are blooms; however, here are placed at the gloves and at or below the bosom. With the placement of the blooms on Mindy’s gown, it makes it appear as though her head is submerging into her shoulders. Kiki’s gown has a fluted, thereby allowing her to kick-step and confidently stride. Jewellery is kept to a minimum, allowing both Kiki and the design to shine. As with Mindy, we have no idea if her feet are large and sickle in. You get done up to look your best not to have your great grandkids wonder, ‘what were they thinking?’
Philip Lim Michelle Yeoh & Prabal Gurung
The designer, Prabal Gurung, with two smartly dressed clients, Philip Lim & Michelle Yeoh.
Kacey Musgraves
Gloved and she even had a large fan which she used to dramatic effect… Delightful to have watched her work the red carpet.
Kendall Jenner
I rather admire this family; here you have six strong powerful women who have made their mark. They could have chosen to be reborn male and been successful; instead, they used the spotlight of the O. J. Simpson trial to step centre stage and took off like greased lightning. They have served as admirable role models in the age of female empowerment. They are all anchored by Kim Kardashian who has master numbers of 11; never under estimate the power of persons with master numbers.
Olivia Dejonge
Beautiful beading and wonderful train. Lovely dress.
Priscilla Presley & Buz Luhrmann
Talk about survivor; this woman is phenomenally resourceful with incredible staying power. She is truly inspirational.
HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI
Alton Mason
Feel the love; look at this adorable creative soul weave his magic. The shoes, the cape, the beading and that very alluringly kiss-inducing sternocleidomastoid…
Riz Ahmed
There are conflicting reports which design house this man is wearing. Ether way, it is trop gauche to be stuffing non-straight leg trousers into books.
Austin Butler
I can’t see this man playing Elvis Presley; however, Baz Luhrmann certainly thinks so. Incidentally, Elvis is a young soul entity mate of mine and Merlin’s as for that matter are Robin Williams and James Baldwin – all three entity mates’ Michael overleaves will be shared at the end of this commentary. .
Kelvin Harrison Jr.
My, but he has the most beautiful eyes and is possessed of superior style. Kelvin places eighth on the best-dressed list. Kelvin also appears with Austin Butler in the forthcoming Baz Luhrmann Elvis Presley biopic.
Janelle Monae
The always elegant and sophisticated Janelle working the crowd, her priest soul-looking eyes doing a very good Gloria Swanson turn à la Sunset Boulevard.
Shalom Harlow
Don’t step on my trains! So very good to see Shalom. For me, she was the most exciting model arriving on the scene in the early 90s and she is a Canadian model too. She has that old Hollywood glamour aura about and looks not dissimilar to a young Barbara Amiel. Great red carpet drama.
Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz
How appropriate is that cape’s motif. Not since Frank Sinatra’s New York City anthem has a new anthem and by a native New Yorker the insanely creative, Alicia Keys. The music power couple look devastatingly handsome.
New York Alicia Keys
HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI
Hamish Bowles
Red carpet host and emcee, as ever Hamish Bowles reigns supreme, laurel and all.
Jimmy Fallon
A gentleman always wears a white tie and a smile.
J. Balvin
Guess who owns every square inch of sexy. Rings, cane, white tie, stache and yeah, that hair too.
Ryan Reynolds
His humour like his fame utterly escapes me. C’est la vie.
Jon Batiste
Suave, engaging and inordinately creative, he is the bringer of light and musical joy. And he has style in spades too; look at that suede jacket.
Hailey Bieber
Work those feet darling. It’s is a barely there dress that celebrates her youth and thriving sexuality in a world where her name is a global grand. She knows and understands her role in the pecking order at present.
Carey Mulligan
This dress work beautifully and the gold does not outdo nor overwhelm the rest of her look. Beautiful.
Jessie Buckley
Trans, drag-king, who knows… more to the point, who fucking cares.
Louisa Jacobson
Something about her look, I think that it is the hairstyle, reminds me of Coco Chanel. Black and gold always proves a winning combination. What I really like about this outfit is the gorgeous hemline to the tulle; certainly a dress like hers or Chloe Finemann’s is precisely what Mindy Kaling ought to have worn. The gold work here is masterful and I do love those shoes.
Janicza Bravo
Quirky hat, okay; however, those daft Balmain platforms are ridiculously out of place at the Met Gala… or anywhere else for that matter.
Isabelle Boemeke & Joe Gebbia
Nothing says gilded age accessory like hanging off a billionaire’s arm. Interesting fabric combinations but gold & black always magically work. It does seems as though her dress would be a noisy affair.
Marcus Mumford & Carey Mulligan
Not since the wedding of the Duke & Duchess of Sussex has the lovely couple been working a global red carpet event. He wears an outfit designed by Turkish-German, Umit Benan
Dave Roseberry Creative Director Schiaparelli
He’s got a lock on old Hollywood good looks and glamour and his designs are incredible.
Maisie Williams
The ensemble works and she definitely looks happy.
Melissa King
Jewellery should never resemble plucked chicken legs, as for the rest, nothing here resembles the gilded age.
Lizzo
Lizzo is here and makes no apologies for anything. Perception is all and all she sees is beautiful talent and a lot of love & light to give.
Kourtney Kardashian & Travis Barker
Must be strange to see a clown suit in the mirror when naked. Their outfits are trifling but what do they care when carnally consumed like semi-feral gibbons en chaleur.
HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI
Oscar Isaac
How cool and damn sexy is this man, who has no qualms about wearing a kanga. Awesome.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
Had he been wearing white gloves, he may have made the top ten on the best-dressed list. Then, again, how is he to compete with post-twink fare like Manu Rios and Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Jordan Roth
Child please…
Joan Smalls
Go on, Lady. Now that is how you do it and not a lick of jewellery.
Julianne Moore
Every film, every photoshoot. this extraordinary human makes my soul purr. Like all redheads, she is literally magical in dreams… I have encountered her in two or three dreams. I don’t do gushing fan nonsense in dreams. She like every redhead female encountered in dreams, is acutely telepathic. She understands and owns her magic and effortlessly pulls it off in her films. Elegant, she is in Jacqueline de Ribes, Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis territory in this white Tom Ford masterpiece.
Liv & Henry Golding
Super handsome couple, Henry places fourth on the best-dressed list. He has the most beautiful smiling eyes. Those eyes had me see Crazy Rich Asians a third time. By the way, her sheer dress works.
Hugh Jackman & Debra-Lee Furness
Always amazing to watch how a couples eyes morph over time, looking and feeling vibrationally similar. Perfect in every way, both; and he has got his white gloves.
Tom Ford Creative Genius
As ever, Mr. Ford looks marvellous. I certainly pray that he is having the most sublime dreams with his departed love.
Shawn Mendes
Don’t know his music and in no hurry to explore it.
Anthony Ramos
His style is admirable; love the jacket.
Tommy & Dee Hilfiger
Now that’s how a gold dress should look and, of course, he is elegantly attired.
Adwoa Aboah
Sadly, there were no good photographs of this exquisite-looking model to be had; the dress though was divine and its two black bows priceless.
Sydney Sweeny
A rich creamy white, it is hard to tell whether it is silk or not. In keeping with the gilded age theme, Sydney ought to have been wearing gloves, even long black gloves would have anchored all that white fabric.
Kerry Washington
Hello! Kerry has great feet and her legs are not thick. She beautifully works that side slit and look at her work those feet. The off-the-shoulder draping cape is an ingenious effect that beautifully keeps her body nicely silhouetted in all the right places.
Sydney Sweeny Tory Burch & Kerry Washington
All primary-coloured outfits in this photograph work handsomely to best display the individual.
Tory Burch
Lovely hoop earrings and that skirt attached to the scalloped-like bodice is simply goddess-like. It is an ingenious design.
Jenny Ortega
There is no red like the Valentino red; clearly, too, there is no pink like the Valentino pink. Coquettish, casual, breezy and pretty. She is a winner.
rooklyn & Nicola Peltz-Beckham
Billionaires. Internationally famous. Celebrities. To these groups some cross two possibly all circles. To them Nicola was no more than Honey Boo Boo’s third cousin who had won 500m on the Powerball lottery. Not enough to be Rich Kids of Insta; small time is just that. So fils Beckham is dowried, shall we say, as he is a ticket to getting to the big leagues. She has the cache of papa’s minor billions and he, the SNDP (serves no discernible purpose) kinder of the world famous. 1.5 kids later, if at all that much, and she should be on to social/class passport number 2 – minor Euro royal of obscure note or perhaps a Tech billionaire if her entrée to the social inner sanctum proved a dismal misfire. On attend… time, indeed, reveals all.
Glenn Close
Ah yes, and now we come to the real McCoy… the gold standard. One of cinema’s greatest actors – think Meeting Venus, Fatal Attraction & Dangerous Liaisons.
Virtuoso of Deceit Glenn Close & John Malkovich Dangerous Liaisons
Though not set in the Gilded Age, John Frears’ masterpiece costume drama, Dangerous Liaisons puts Ms. Close’s acting chops to excellent use.
Pierpaolo Piccioli & Glenn Close
And, of course, rightly so she is escorted Valentino’s creative director, Pierpaolo Piccioli whose show below was on the most sublime moments in fashion theatre.
HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI
Sebastian Stan
He really ought to have made an effort.
Conan Gray
Diaphanous and solipsism – youth is myopically silly like that.
Naomi returned to walk for Valentino SS 2019.
The most extraordinary Queen.
Gwen Stefani
If you are going to so drastically self-alter, at the very least also consider a name-change.
Cardi B
WAP WAP WAP. It is so deliciously real to watch this woman, use her dagger-like nails to stab at cucumber, slide the stabbed sliced vegetable around the plate to sop up sauce, devour it all whilst speaking with her sexy overbite seductively drawing you in with a smattering of profanities keeping it real. Get a bucket and a mop, the Lady is the most glorious tramp! Power to her, she has succeeded at working and owning the ultimate pole – fame/success/money and all that.
Lena Waithe
Auteur, genius, creative powerhouse and as can be expected she knows how to keep it real when suited.
Lily James
Seriously darling, it would not have been too much to have gotten a pedicure. Love the creative weave of mesh and beading, beautiful tone of grey; a marvellous Versace design.
Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds
That’s a whole lot of train and ingeniously it is reversible. Stunning!
Emily Ratajkowski
Late one evening after the playwright John Douglas had been by as they worked on a script, which eventually Merlin would have me proof and give feedback on, Merlin and I began discussing an upcoming dinner party that we would be hosting. Names were proffered and invariably Merlin would pause, scowl then dismissively scrawl next to someone’s name SNDP… there were always many such persons. Some mix of persons just made little sense. I have always thought this woman just that, SNDP (serves no discernible purpose). She perpetually foists her ill-proportioned body in varying degrees of undress whilst claiming to be a model. Kate, Naomi, Cindy, Linda, Christy these are models and they are professional not this SNDP; just look at the way she is dressed.
Gabrielle Union & Dwayne Wade
The shiny silver sheath, the smoky train afloat with puffy white blooms all centred by that giant red bloom. Of course Ms. Union came enrobed in the love of Dwayne Wade. Perfection.
Naomi Campbell, Kerry Washington & Gabrielle Union
Three queens shining uneclipsed.
Gigi Hadid
Look at darling Gigi, mother, model and the legs that aesthetically look good in a side or front slit dress. This is how you slay.
Donatella Versace
Just look at the details and tailoring of her gown. Basta! So much style and personality; it could only be larger-than-life Donatella!
HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI
Cole Sprouse
This may well be Dylan; no idea who they are but in some sources it was said to be Dylan. Definitely, this look would have been considered futuristic in the gilded age.
Dwayne Wade
All that swagger and some Courvoisier on the side. With good reason, Dwayne makes it to lucky seventh place on the best-dressed list. The cane, the gold pocket watch chain and that diamond necklace! Yes, indeed, metrosexy does the gilded age.
SZA
Hats at night indoors is a definite no! How it never dawned on anyone that this woman looks like Yosemite Sam in drag, is all you need to be mindful of. Clueless!
HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI
Nyjah Huston
Nyjah gets an honourable mention. Seriously, though, unless it is Japanese, I really don’t get the appeal of tattoos, especially on clearly unaware Blacks, who get inked and it proves barely perceptible against their rich expanse of melanin. The suit and boots are an exquisite combination.
Jasmine Tookes
She s a model and knows how to work it. I really love that emerald.
Nowhere did I find mention of exactly what design house these persons were wearing.
Honourable Mention Gentlemen
Andy Blankenbuehler, Ben Platt, Franklin Leonard, Gunna, Jeremy Strong, Odell Beckham Jr. Stromae, Mark Guiducci & Lenny Kravitz.
Lenny Kravitz certainly looked sexy and I loved his choice of jewellery.
Honourable Mention Couples I
Kim Kardashian-Thomas-Humphries-West & Pete Davidson, Agnes Chu & Tom Gilmore, Aurora James, Diana Taylor & Michael Bloomberg, Marc Jacobs & Charly Defrancesco, Vanessa Nadal & Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The persons who had Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress loaned out need to be sacked. It’s like some parvenu Parisian hostess having the Mona Lisa in her dining room for her next dinner party. Just no!
Honourable Mention Couples II
Edward Enninful & Alec Maxwell, Diane von Furstenberg & Barry Diller, James Corden & Julia Carey, Maya Haile & Marcus Sameulsson, Stephen Jones & Amy Fine Collins & Tracey Collins & Eric Adams.
All the stylish glitterati to be had were out in force; however, their designs origins were never mentioned anywhere.
André Leon Tally
With his recent passing, this exquisite cape of Mr. Talley’s has been acquired by the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute. Back in 1983, New York City milliner, Frederick Jones and I were walking along West 57th Street en route to Bergdorf Goodman’s. Frederick was going to shop; however, it also meant that he was going to be hustling. Frederick positively loved Merlin and was chiefly Merlin’s friend. That summer because Merlin was in Toronto, working on Fraggle Rock and a couple of theatre productions, he asked Frederick to keep an eye on me. By this point, Merlin and I had spent a very memorable weekend at the Hotel Chelsea in one of those rooms that faced the courtyard and that first night as we fucked all night, at one point, Merlin his limbs wrapped around my frenzied, sweaty body, let out a sigh and began convulsing. As it was early in our relationship, I thought that perhaps he was having an epileptic seizure. Pulling out, concerned, I watched as Merlin’s eyes rolled back and he climaxed without once having touched himself. The look of ecstasy on his face, I will never forget. He professed his love and told me that it had never happened before and that I was his for life… more importantly, Merlin said that he was mine for life. We remained inseparable thereafter.
Walking east along the wide boulevard, coming towards us was the tallest most striking man. I would learn afterwards that it was Andre Leon Talley with whom Frederick was upset. Just imagine, Andre had not said hello to him. Later that week, at an Upper West Side dinner party someone spoke of Andre and how well he was doing, Frederick chimed in and declared, ‘The day he arrives in heaven, all god’s coloured queens will bow down.’
Abyssinian Baptist Church, Harlem NYC
From there, it was on to more partying, which culminated in going to the Ab’sinyan Ba’tist Chuch, as Frederick would proclaim. Frederick always attended because it was all about the hustle; he was there to sell his hats and see who wore which of his hats. First met Frederick when he came to dinner in early December, 1982 to the Trocadero loft in Chelsea on Sixth Avenue below 23rd Street. The following February, whilst still staying at the Trocadero loft, Grace Jones appeared at the Grammy Awards, wearing what we all knew was a Frederick Jones creation but which was lauded as a Lagerfeld creation.
Grace Jones, Grammy Awards 1983
This, I can assure you, caused Frederick to drink to excess for weeks devastated as he was; he wailed at the betrayal as though his mama had died. Eventually, I would in the summer of 1983 spend most of my time blocking and shopping in the garment district for fabrics, returned to his West 43rd Street in mid-afternoon after dance classes and auditions; it was an exciting adventure working for Frederick and earning some under-the-table cash. His tall fiercely jealous Puerto Rican lover was cool towards me. Frederick and I, though, managed a hot sex life with all the feverish brevity of Bonobos at play. Both Leos born in early august our bond was filial rather than not. I drove him on to be more productive all the while, managing to serve him less gin, which Frederick, sadly, drank all day long.
Victoria Beckham who hands down wins best red carpet feet!
One day as Frederick pored through the latest photos of his clients wearing his hats, I explained the importance of standing sickled out when being photographed. Yes, indeed, not standing like a pigeon-toed oaf was truly elegant. Soon, Frederick became obsessed with feet. I was being made to show his clients how to properly stand when they were being photographed whilst wearing his creations, which were genuine masterpieces; these quick tutorials, I did whilst wearing a pair of black patent leather high heels, purchased just off Times Square. Pretty soon, Frederick was bragging to Merlin that thanks to me, his photographed creations looked more sophisticated. To this day, I often smile when seeing someone walking a red carpet and posing sickled in. Frederick would actually yell, ‘Lord Jesus’ as we were anywhere or watching TV and someone stood around pigeon-toed.
Memorial Service for Andre Leon Talley, May 2022
Looking at the arrivals for the recent memorial for Andre Leon Talley, I was reminded of Frederick when accompanying him to the Ab’sinyan to which Merlin when in town made it on a few occasions.
Anna Wintour & Charles Shaffer
Anna Wintour escorted by her son, Charles Shaffer attending the memorial for Andre Leon Talley at the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York City.
Veronica Webb
Veronica Webb is the most articulate, eloquent American model of the 1990s and I lived for Saturdays when Jeanne Becker hosted Fashion Television as she just might be featured saying something… anything.
Dario Calmese
Photographer Dario stylishly attired in kanga; I love the puffy-sleeved jacket.
Kate Moss
An elegantly demure Kate Moss departs Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist Church.
Kimora Lee Simmons
Coming through, none other than Baby Phat, Kimora Lee Simmons.
Bee Shaffer-Carrozzini
Dame Anna Wintour’s daughter, Bee Shaffer-Carrozzini whose handsome husband is the late editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, Franca Sozzani’s son.
Emil Wilbekin & Claire Sulmers
Journalist, writer critic Emil and über soignée fashion editor, Claire Sulmers elegantly representing.
Diane von Furstenberg
The grand dame of the wrap dress; I rather admire this human.
Aoki & Ming Lee Simmons
Gosh, they grow up fast.
Touré
Writer, journalist and one sexually magnetic human.
Derek Blasberg & Karlie Kloss
The socially ubiquitous Mr. Blasberg escorting Karlie Kloss.
Carolina Herrera
Ever stylish and still elegantly striding forth.
Antoine Phillips
Gucci executive arriving at the Abyssinian Baptist Church.
Gayle King
TV journalist and maverick arriving to memorial service in Harlem.
Marc Jacobs
Well, of course, he’s elegantly dressed.
Naomi Campbell & Steve Stoute
Yes, why wouldn’t the Queen be in attendance?
Near 40 years later, I smiled on the day that I heard of Andre Leon Talley’s passing. I was comforted in knowing that among all god’s coloured queens bowing down as Andre arrived in heaven, was Frederick Jones.
MICHAEL OVERLEAVES
James Baldwin
Baldwin, James 2/8/24 <0>30/11/87
This fragment, a priest, was a fourth level mature soul – second incarnation at this level. The mode was repression with a goal of growth – internally abrading overleaves. An idealist, he was in the intellectual centre moving part.
Body type was Mercury/Saturn.
James’ primary chief feature was Impatience and the secondary martyrdom. There was also some degree of self-destruction due to early childhood traumas.
Casting was fourth-cast in a fifth cadence in a sixth entity, cadre one, greater cadre 7, node 414, same entity as Arvin.
The essence twin is a priest, incarnate and the slave task companion is discarnate.
James’ three primary needs were: freedom, power and expression. ________________________________________________
Elvis Presley
Presley, Elvis 8/1/1935<O>16/8/1977
Michael: This fragment was a fifth-level young sage – third life thereat. Elvis was in the passion mode with a goal of growth. A spiritualist, Elvis was in the intellectual part of moving centre.
Elvis had a Venus/Mars body type.
Elvis’ primary chief feature was arrogance with a secondary of greed fixated on experience.
Elvis is seventh-cast in the second cadence of the first greater cadence. Elvis is a fragment of entity six, cadre one, greater cadre 7, pod/node 414 – an entity mate of both Arvin & Merlin.
Elvis has a sage essence twin and the task companion is an artisan to whom he was wed — Priscilla Presley.
Elvis’ three primary needs were: expression, power and freedom.
There are 12 past-life associations with Arvin and 8 with Merlin.
______________________________________________
Robin Williams
Williams, Robin 21/7/1951<O>11/8/2014
Michael: This fragment was a sixth level mature sage — second life thereat. Robin was in the passion mode with a goal of dominance. A sceptic, he was in the emotional part of moving centre.
Body type was Mars/Venus.
Robin’s primary chief feature was arrogance and the secondary was self-destruction.
The fragment Robin is second-cast in fifth cadence; he is a member of greater cadence six. Robin’s entity is six, cadre one, greater cadre 7, pod 414 — another entity mate of both Merlin and Arvin.
Robin’s essence twin is a sage and the artisan task companion was known to him.
Robin’s four primary needs were: expression, adventure, communion and security.
There are 18 past-life associations with Arvin and 12 with Merlin.
This past week, I made the most glorious discovery whilst enjoying the BBC’s coverage of the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey. As if the gospel choir were not enough or the Indian drummers rapturous, there in the middle of both performances was William Barton This extraordinary shaman with his didgeridoo weaved the most sublime magic; it was the music of cetaceans as experienced in the most elevated dreams. Truth be told, it was the music of a culture of the highest order.
Despite the horror which unfolded on the Ides of March elsewhere in the Commonwealth, this service served to remind and inspire us of what it is about our humanity that binds rather that separates us. Music is the language which moves, inspires, reflects and spiritually binds us as humankind. Shaman Barton’s music proved the most healing balm after the horrific events of the Ides of March.
Dream dear shamanic dreamers as never before you’ve dreamt, for I am you and you are me in this shared ocean called humanity. May William Barton’s magical whalesong inspire you to push off whilst lucidly awakened in the dream realms and start flying. I love you more… well, why not! No seriously, though, I sincerely do.
Dreams are the poetic expression of the soul. 