KARL LAGERFELD: A LINE OF BEAUTY. Met Gala 2023

May 14, 2023May 17, 2023 Arvin da BrghaLeave a comment

Karl Lagerfeld, one of the most eccentric, creative geniuses of the 20th/21st centuries. This is a tribute to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Benefit, 2023. Who can forget the 90s each Saturday evening, watching Toronto’s Jeanne Beker on CityTV’s FT: Fashion Television. I always looked forward to any segment that featured the gloved, fast-talking eccentric with this fan and clipped laughter. His fashions are, of course, legendary and the Chanel suit was reborn with understated elegance thanks to him. What’s more, always in Lagerfeld’s orbit were exciting personalities and eccentrics like André Leon-Talley, Anna Piaggi, Baroness Amanda Harlech, Inès de La Fressange & the archly eccentric Isabella Blow.

This year, the Costume Institute’s Ball was co-chaired by Roger Federer, Penelope Cruz, Michaela Coel, Dua Lipa & Anna Wintour. Later this month, KARL LAGERFELD A LINE OF BEAUTY celebrates Lagerfeld’s reign as creative genius at Balmain, Patou, Chloé, Fendi & Chanel.

Yung Miami, I loved the theatricality of this costume. She carried it off handsomely, has a great personality and was escorted by the ever debonair, Diddy!

More fashion brands by the season, it would appear. Chi Ossé is a New York City Council member and his numerology suggests a lifetime in politics. I love the cut and tailoring of his bespoke attire.

Eddie Redmayne and his wife, Hannah Bagshawe are beautifully dressed; his suit’s detailing is elegantly understated and there is a lot of lines and textures going on with her Alexander McQueen, none of which outdoor each other.

Ariana DeBose though having won an Oscar for her explosive star turn in Steven Spielberg’s remark of West Side Story, earned herself no end of scorn for turning up at the 2023 BAFTA Awards and turning her performance into some ‘woke, hip hop, American affair as the locals interpreted it. When are Americans going to dispense with Britons and their stinking sphinctered condescension. Beautiful gown. Love her style.

Vittoria Ceretti, is one of the next wave of catwalk goddesses strutting, vamping and leaving us all besotted. She is über chic and then some. Elegant.

Though previously ruled by the inimitable Karl Lagerfeld, Balmain is now the house of young creative genius, Olivier Rousteing. His creations are truly futuristic yet grounded in practicality, sensuality and function. Above all else, humour reigns.

New York City Ice Spice beautifully evokes Lagerfeld’s fluid style with the camera prop, which was definitely not in common use by the time of her reincarnation – whoever she last was. Love her curves and attitude. Elegant.

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Conan Gray’s existence was sheer mystery to me until he appeared, dripping of fluid style at the 2023 Met Gala. His fluidity and fan are marvellous odes to Lagerfeld, indeed.

This devastatingly handsome, phenomenally multifaceted performer, Jeremy Pope, is a joy to behold whether onscreen or onstage. Here’s to the next generation’s of sexy leading man. The Costume Institute’s ball is a theatrical event, who better to bring this year’s showstopper. Ingenious creativity on the part of Olivier Rousteing yet again.

Usher chose to highlight the designs of a young African-American designer. As ever, he looks suave, cool and as sophisticated as crooners before him: Teddy Pendergrass, Barry White and Marvin Gaye.

Emily Adams Bode, fashion designer and next generation industry superstar. She is ethereally elegant in this pale yellow design.

Toronto Born fashion designer and activist, Aurora James, is elegant, understated; she brought some Canadian content to the Costume Institute Ball, 2023.

Isabelle Boemeke aka Isotope, young nuclear clean energy activist also attended the ball.

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Dynamic American photographer, Tyler Mitchell was stylishly elegant in an eclectic design by Bode.

Los Angeles Clippers basketball star, Russell Westbrook arrived in a colourful but subdued suit, was part of the collection of athletes in attendance.

NFL championship quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany arrived outfitted in BOSS designs.

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Coming on strong, the devastatingly dashing Italian tennis player, Matteo Berrettini serves up nothing but aces in this superb Boss suit.

Columbian heartthrob, singer, entertainer, Maluma turned out looking elegantly fluid in this Boss ensemble. I still do not get the appeal of tattoos but there you have it.

British model, Liberty Ross and her American music producer husband, Jimmy Iovine showed up rockign Burberry.

What would a costume ball be without Queens turning up and boy does Mary J. Blige deliver show stopping theatrical style.

The riveting actor, Jodie Comer turned up kitted in Burberry and looking every bit the thespian.

British born, BAFTA award winning actor, Naomi Ackie seems to have been the only attendee whose Burberry outfit was not the current deep dark blue and black schemata.

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BAFTA Award winner for best supporting actor, 2023, Barry McKeoghan came through wearing the blue and black Burberry of the season.

Burna Boy, one of three African kings rolled up in Burberry.

Up next, Skepta full of style and swagger as ever.

Completing the troika, the most dynamically charismatic Stormzy, the third of the African kings.

A man of exceeding charm and cool, Dr. Dre rounds out the Burberry brigade.

Britney Griner & Cherelle Griner were delightful – so glad her adventure turned out handsomely – Both were rocking bespoke Calvin Klein.

African model, Adut Akech brings her warm beauty to the proceedings, owning her Carolina Herrera gown.

Anna Wintour & Bill Nighy walk the red carpet at the Costume Ball.

Andy Roddick & Brooklyn Decker; she is pitch perfect… lovely.

Angéle, Belgian singer, goes for an edgier more avant-garde approach; it works.

Film producer, Fabiola Beracasa Beckman’s approach was mature and elegant.

The Brazilian amazon, Gisele Bündchen, went for a gorgeous vintage Chanel affair that did not disappoint.

Eaddy Kiernan Bunzel’s, Vogue contributing editor, approach was sleek, elegant and it came together beautifully. Gotta love those shoes!

The One! The Icon! Queen. Naomi pulled out another vintage design; She was stunning…. but of course.

TV producer and philanthropist, Christine Chiu, handsomely pulled out all the stops! #BAM

Seemingly, a funny thing happened on the way to the ball for Marion Cotillard… The hair? Whatever.

Bollywood meets little red riding hood and who else but powerhouse, co-chair Penelope Cruz can winningly pull this look off. Fabulous!

I am reminded of Irina Shayk’s leather outfit at last year’s Met Gala by Lily James’s black leather ball gown. Wow!

Chameleon Nicole Kidman wore the dress that featured in her Chanel N°5 perfume ad back in the naughties directed by Bazz Luhrmann. As ever, stylish, cool and elegant.

Korean singer/rapper Jennie Kim went for a edgy girly/sex kitten look. Cool!

Everybody’s Queen, living her best life and proving an inimitable inspiration to us all. Lizzo rocks the glamour of Chanel pearls and comes up winning as always.

Another co-chair, Dua Lipa, opted for Chanel and it worked beautifully. One very stunning woman and look at that Tiffany & Co necklace.

Baroness Dambisa Moyo was elegant in a Chanel with colours that a reminiscent of African fabrics. Elegant.

90s catwalk Queen, Carolyn Murphy came out rocking that amazing yellow, layered tulle affair. Her presence brought back some sweet memories of the 90s.

Canadian actor, Whitney Peak, magically pulled off the bejewelled flapper decked in tulle/chiffon and diaphanous cloud of white. She was a dreamy vision of beauty.

Gossip Girl castmate of Whitney’s, Margaret Qualley, nicely pulled off the ballet ribbons and short cocktail dress, even at the Met Gala it worked beautifully.

The most exciting actor of her generation, Margot Robbie always seems on the cusp of explosive, infectious laughter. Elegant. Sophisticated.

Lauren Santo Domingo, maverick, editor and philanthropist was coolly elegant, especially so when being unintentionally photo-bombed by Lil Nas X’s painted arse.

Kristen Stewart’s turn as Diana, Princess of Wales was one of greatest revelations to say nothing of a truly commanding performance. Elegantly, this artist disappears into her roles and, more importantly, her private life is a non-negotiable.

Baroness Amanda Harlech turned up to pay respect to Karl Lagerfeld, wearing a Chanel haute couture gown which I am almost certain she modelled when his muse and later working for Lagerfeld after having been introduced by André Leon Talley as a result of a fallout with the astounding creative genius, John Galliano.

Who else but Cardi B. can stick her mile-long nails into cucumber and swirl it about a plate of gravy, sopping it up and then get that slice of cucumber into her mouth without disturbing her flawless lipstick? No one beats Cardi B. that’s who. Always, she is a welcome and refreshing sight.

Maude Apatow’s appearance was more elegant relative to last year. I do not know her work as an actor but she’s got a quiet dignity that is readily admirable.

Vanessa Kirby to date has turned in one of the two best acting turns on Netflix’s The Crown. Her turn as Princess Margaret was riveting and totally engrossing. What a thoroughly fascinating actor and she looks damn good here too.

Though this actor’s personal life seems to have taken up permanent residence in the tabloids over the past 1.5 years, I have no idea what her acting chops are like. Not because of lack of interest, as a lucid dreamer, the less I look at films and TV the less intrusion there is on my dreamlife’s integrity. This though is a rather beautiful Chloé dress chosen by Olivia Wilde.

Margaret Zhan, Editor-in-Chief Vogue China and other impressive accomplishments aside, this star turn at the Met ball was impressive. I love her dress and the hair colour rocks.

Choupette!

Jared Leto as Choupette & Karl Lagerfeld whom he will portray in upcoming biopic.

Karen Elson’s Christian Siriano dress seems slightly to have missed the mark; will she be invited back?

Ava Max’s cottony confection is a truly delicious indulgence worth pursuing.

Something tells me this woman doesn’t get out much. One does not wear a goddamn hat and certainly not one to rival Nicki Minaj’s Yosemite Sam’s affair from last year’s Met Gala to an evening event. Come on Alex Newell. Just no!

Darling, it’s called a tea cosy, it’s not meant to be worn to a ball. Grace Elizabeth on the tail end of her 15 minutes. Next!

Gabriella Karefa-Johnson clearly did not get the memo; white next to mounds of rolling fat is not slimming. Clearly, she does not have a stylist.

Actor Alexandra Daddario opted for a pale, layered Dior and it actually beautifully works.

The ever elegant Miranda Kerr swanned to the ball in an ethereal white Dior.

Vogue marketing editor, Alexandra Michler Kopelman shows off her baby bump and expectant glow, both shown off in a beautiful two-toned Dior.

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Costume Institute Ball co-chair, Roger Federer was exceptionally refined in Dior attire.

The man with the best ‘whatever’ attitude to life circumstances, Pete Davidson exudes his unmatched cool in masterfully cut Dior.

Hey you only live once in each lifetime. I’m loving the audacity but if it were me, I would have opted for some silver talons hauts; the nails are truly next-level glam. Bravo!

Like his ex, Kristen Stewart, there is so much that’s mysterious about Robert Pattinson. He is, though, a stunning actor and beautifully attired here in Dior.

English actor, Harris Dickinson is decidedly tall and unmistakable in his Dunhill gear. I am not in the least familiar with his acting chops.

Scotsman, James McAvoy who packs serious metal, came admirably attired with a fan in an homage to Karl Lagerfeld. A winner all around, of course and he is wearing Dunhill at that.

Glenn Close always goes big and this year’s Met Gala found her in her element. She was escorted by designer Erdem Moralıoğlu whose elegant design she wore.

Fendi creative director Kim Jones, is also joined by Fendi family director of Jewellery design (r) Silvia Venturini & Delfina Delettrez. They are on a work assignment; they are not there to look glam.

Suki Waterhouse attended with her lover, Robert Pattinson in a flowery Fendi that was both cool and breezy.

Uma Abedin returns this year in a glorious Fendi design which along with hair, makeup and earrings is pure flawless elegance.

Eva Chen’s silver and green with matching green opera gloves are Audrey Hepburn chic; this colour combination actually works and beautifully set off her glowing complexion.

Gwendoline Christie flesh-toned gown does her no favours. This colour next to her pale complexion renders her almost invisible. Stylist fail.

Yet, again, this Korean actress does not put a foot wrong in the style department. Song Hye-kyo is always elegant.

Precious Lee chose handsomely when opting for this Fendi design. It is flattering of her commanding presence and both elegant and restrained in all the right proportions. Stunning woman and the black leather opera gloves only add to her fierceness; she is gifted and a self-aware model.

Kate Moss and daughter, Lila Moss were demure in their pale pink Fendi outfits.

Christina Ricci is chameleon; she is a boss. Lovely Fendi design.

Sometimes, you only need one Hadid to bring it. Gigi definitely came through in this memorable Givenchy design.

What a difference a year makes, and some Disney funding, Halle Bailey this year has scored a style coup in Gucci design. Showtime!

I positively love every film this Oscar winning actor stars in. Jessica Chastain’s Gucci is flawless.

Though not familiar with the British actor’s work, Daisy Edgar-Jones’ Gucci here is daring without being risqué; she’s on point.

By far, one of my favourite couples: great actor, gorgeous model whose chemistry is sizzling. Dapper and ever debonair, he is handsome to her cool intoxicating beauty.

Three-time Emmy award winner, Julia Garner, is fittingly commanding in this caped Gucci ensemble.

Like Viola Davis and Angela Bassett, Salma Hayek has been cheated out of a deserved best actress Oscar for her star turn in Frida. That notwithstanding, she remains the most ravishing film actor of her generation and always a joy to behold on or offscreen.

Show the children how it’s done, Jordan Roth. Why it is so difficult to stand on the red carpet and not be pigeon-toed? Sienna Miller and others take note. Seriously!

Congratulations to the G.O.A.T Serena Williams on the good news of adding to her beautiful family with Alexis Ohanian. As ever, Serena looks marvellous.

Bad Bunny is the moment. Bad Bunny is hopping! Style and so much more!

Kylie Jenner brings the glam factor wherever she vamps. This is a beautiful Jean-Paul Gaultier design.

I’ve not really seen Yara Shahidi walk the red carpet before; I don’t know if it is just a matter of her being a face but this design and her body are not harmonised. Then again it could just be me and the fact that her right foot has triggered my number one pet peeve, it is sickled in.

Devon Aoki, that most exotic of oiseaux, walks the Met Gala 2023 carpet with designer Jeremy Scott whose design she clearly here favours.

Karl Lagerfeld

Carla Bruni had the gall to diss Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on her IG page then quickly pulled it down and featured Prince Harry’s SPARE shortly afterwards and offered a review that haemorrhaged obsequiousness partout. Of course, it did not go either unnoticed or unchallenged by yours truly. The blasted, vile, depilated macaque Couchon. You don’t like Blacks… Fuck You!

That’s right, keep doing your Icarian turn, Cara Delevingne; no one can ever resist a delicious slice of schadenfreude…

Caroline Lebar, team Karl Lagerfeld honcho, coming through owing the place and spreading her light.

Amber Valletta, another 90s catwalk champ; always good to see her.

Survivor. Legend. Boss. Diane von Fürstenberg. G.O.A.T that’s who!

Last year, in her Prabal Gurung pink outfit, Michelle Yeoh was not only a standout but she had winner written all over her aura. And just like that, she returns to Met Gala having become the first Asian to win best actress Oscar. Go Lady! Always, she is exceptionally elegant.

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Bryan Tree Henry got the memo. Go big or go home! Solid!

Alton Mason ain’t funning. This gorgeous star means business. This was one of the most beautiful costumes on the night. This is a Lagerfeld bride that gives Claudia Schiffer a run for her dimpled gorgeousness.

Oh my darlings, it’s the deliciously arousing Manu Rios back to keep our pulses racing. Gosh but he’s delightful.

African-American beauty queen turned actress, Rachel Smith, was a regal vision in a smoky silver strapless Lavin.

Then along came that delightful amazon, Karlie Kloss in a long black Loewe sheath. Her jewellery was spot-on and unlike Kim Kardashian’s, her pearls did work. The bowed shoes handsomely added to her allure.

Nichapat Suphap contributing editor for Vogue Thailand was smartly elegant in her black opera gloves to set off the black and white Louis Vuitton gown.

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Sino-Korean Hong Kong rapper, Jackson Wang, did not disappoint when it came to delivering his trademak style and swagger. Gorgeous.

Curvaceous model, Paloma Elsesser arrived on the arm of the designer Raul Lopez whose LUAR designed her très chic gown.

John Galliano, creative director Maison Margiela. Genius. Visionary. Shaman.

Great-granddaughter of John Paul Getty, Ivy Getty models and focusses on chiefly being an artist. For Met Gala 2023, Ivy chose this exquisitely elegant one-shouldered, tulle-covered Maison Margiela grown with multiple tassels of dripping sable-toned fringe. Details. Details. Details.

TKF Twigs, like Jennifer Lopez, one always get the feeling that at some point FKA Twigs will resume relations with Robert Pattinson. Time will tell. As with Ivy Getty’s design, there are a lot of details in this masterfully constructed design. These are the designs of a true master couturier and that John Galliano has always been and remains. So very good to see his creative genius having a home to flourish. John Galliano is as equally eccentric and just as ravishing a creative genius as was Karl Lagerfeld.

Marc Jacobs bringing flair, self-possession and pride like no one else… and those nails!

Fiery Brazilian singer, Anitta, came through in a sculptural Marc Jacob designs with contrasting white opera gloves and the most handsome Tiffany & Co. diamond necklace with sizeable ruby pendant. Yes!

At long last, Paris Hilton is a mum and looking just as ‘hot’ as ever. I could not believe that during her interview with La La Anthony, she declared that it was her first time at the Met Gala. She looked beyond elegant whilst being walked by Marc Jacobs in his eponymous designs.

Giving Kylie a run for her money, Kendall Jenner arrived taller than usual in a shimmering minimal design by Marc Jacobs. How she and Paris Hilton managed those heels is a true mystery.

Kim Petras’s Marc Jacobs design was a bit too busy and crunched at the bustier. Just as long as she wasn’t with that triffling they/them/it/other blob was just fine. Besides, the Met is not about the alarmingly drab.

Ew! You bred with that? Georgina Chapman in Marchesa. Moving right along.

Erykah Badu doing Erykah Badu; I should think that her shadow has grown bored by now. Thankfully, no shadow has had to hang around, moored to a put-through appendage for centuries… so there’s that.

David Byrne pulls up on a white bike and what’s not to love? He sports an eye-searing white bespoke suit from Martin Greenfield of Brooklyn as only he can carry off cool.

Michael Kors in Michael Kors; of course, the best dressed men always wear shades.

You can always count on Emily Blunt to bring on the old Hollywood glamour; the lace is everything. Elegant.

Artist (singer/actor) Kaitlyn Dever decided to set pulses racing in this dramatic red gown and work it did. What a truly stunning gown.

Vanessa Hudgens came through, laying on the glamour with a serious side order of sexy; that train and the eyes are fierce.

Lea Michele has survived much and still standing she does rather elegantly. Stunning; just look at that shower of shimmering metallic silver.

The very versatile actor, Ashley Park, evokes the old Hollywood glamour vibe and beautifully so.

Actor/producer, Kerry Washington’s look at last year’s Met Gala was more dramatic than her look this season. I rather favour her Tory Burch drama gown from last year to this fishtail gown. Either way, she is as ever stunning; her smoky eyes and that choker are everything.

Emma Chamberlain, internet phenom, wore a faux two-piece Miu Miu in powder blue.

Sydney Sweeney, young versatile American actor with the dreamiest eyes, wore not surprisingly a dreamy pastel Miu Miu affair.

Ashley Graham, another model, effectively used by designers to best ‘walk’ their designs at the Costume Institute Ball’s red carpet. Obviously, as arrangements go, it is a win win. I personally do not like the look of fishtail but this Nina Ricci design’s colour schemata against Graham’s tawny complexion works beautifully.

This Oscar de la Renta design chosen by Lily Aldrige is far superior than her Kaithe design worn at Met Gala 2022. The elegance of this strapless affair cannot be denied. The contrasting giant salmon bow and train may, though, be distracting.

Every time I see Doja Cat, I am readily disinclined to become focussed on either her or her music. Even her ode to Choupette is off; why not choose a design from one of the houses with which Karl Lagerfeld was associated. For me, she never draws you in and I have no idea what her music is like, old fossil that I am becoming. Her feline prosthetics and makeup are spot-on.

Though this is a very beautiful design worn by gifted actor, Amanda Seyfried, sorry, I just can’t get past the pigeon-toed pose. How does this daft, archly gauche pose ever look good to either photographer or subject? Beautiful colour, the cut is superb and her hair is gloriously styled.

Allison Williams, American actor/scream queen, is elegantly presented in this ode to couturier, Karl Lagerfeld in this timeless Patou design. I love the cut and colour.

Alia Bhatt, Indo-British actor, is beautifully turned out in this Met Gala favourite designer Prabal Gurung design. The shimmering princess ball gown of white tulle is ethereally chic.

Quinta Brunson has novaed onto the TV cosmos, bagging Emmy awards along the way. I do believe that this is her first Met Gala. Sheer black overtop creamy pink with matching two-toned train works handsomely.

After last year’s powder blue princess, tulled affair, also by Prabal Gurung, Quannah Chasinghorse has opted this year for an edgier look and this time in pink. I suppose that I am more partial to last year’s look, as here was more southwest jewellery on display then. Perhaps, it is the opera gloves but they lend an air of punk which may not have been the intention; nonetheless, love her energy.

Yellowstone actress, Kelsey Asbille Chow cuts a dramatic figure with her fire engine red Prabal Gurung with train. So who exactly doesn’t like a garter?

Rita Ora and her haute exoticism looked truly drop-dead gorgeous in this double-trained black number.

Gorgeous African model Anok Yai is all that and lots more. Loving the dark brown fishnet veil adding more drama to her fringe and gold bustier Prabal design.

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Taika Waititi is boldly debonair in this long flowing smoky gray coat with double stranded pearls and more confidence than a can of sardines. The man is damn fine.

Gabrielle Union has always been a favourite actor of mine; she is so readily engaging from role to role. She really earned a major supporter in me when she and her dashing husband, Dwayne Wade, spoke very passionately at the NAACP Awards this year in support of their MTF daughter, Trans and LGBTQ+ rights. These is nothing demure about an extra thick red leather coat atop red gown with tail. Bravo!

Maya Hawke, actor daughter of Uma Thurman & Ethan Hawke, in this pose looks not dissimilar to a young Shirley MacLaine. That aside, I love the white-on-white look and the feathery details plus train nicely carries it off.

British actor, Letitia Wright is one of these born somnambulant Blacks who are forever grateful for being over lorded by the god of what is clearly one’s enemy’s religion. Trust you me, if it were that important, you would not be afforded access to their religion, anymore than a Black is afforded a best actress Oscar. Her choice of Prada design merely betrays how self-restrained her perceptions. All alas is choice.

This woman swans through life, being feared/adored for being a moneyed Jew but she will never be nothing more than a vile anti-Black racist. One does not forget! All the moneyed men in the world and she will never rise above the repugnant conceit that had her sat for that pose.

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Coming on strong, it’s none other than Chinese singer/dancer/rapper, Kai Xu Kun. What’s not to love, we share the same birthday! Beautifully attired, love the jewellery, coat’s detailing and those Prada shoes are everything.

Rami Malek’s Freddie Mercury will standout in time as one of the best biopic performances in cinema. Clean, unfussy elegance.

Kodi Smit-McPhee’s appearance this year soars stratospherically above his Met Gala 2022 appearance. The shoes and the blue detailing are restrained… elegant.

Broadway actor, Jeremy Strong successfully transitioned to TV and in the process won himself Golden Globe & Emmy Awards for his turn on Succession. There’s flair but he is a man with a family to support and seemingly not the slightest focussed on celebrity. Admirable.

Dwayne wade continues to impress and inspire millions. Tall, dark, devastatingly handsome, he drips nobility of spirit like no one else. His is such a beautifully cut coat. Fabulous human.

Was anyone else wearing Ralph Lauren? Does it even matter? Jennifer Lopez looked regal and hers was the only fascinator/hat worn to an evening event which proved not to be a faux pas. Jennifer was the moment at this year’s Met Gala 2023. The lines, the fabrics, the colour co-ordination all made for the most handsomely elegant look. Queen!

Grammy Award-winning, Broadway/TV singer/actor, Julliard alumna, Phillipa Soo showed up. That’s all that matters, love the riot of black and white getting it on for a handsome design by Richard Quinn. Go Mama!

Eileen Gu’s Robert Wun red polka dots design is not what I expected of an explosive athlete. She looks beautifully poised and elegant.

This is a massive turnaround, after that unaware indulgent horror at the 2023 Oscars, TEMS does not here commit a fashion faux pas, as these feathery tendrils though fascinator, do not obstruct and look glaringly out of place. Will she ever live down her Oscars appearance? Lips, nose, eyes, brows, love her look and the feathers at the bustier, plus the fishnet veil do it for me; she has the most alluring eyes. I want those opera gloves… Keep doing you, Darling.

Model/Actor Camila Morrone came through rocking her Rodarte design: lace, velvet, slight fishtail and train. Sensational!

Always stylish, Alexa Chung opted from an eclectic design that’s both busy and avant garde. What does it matter, it’s Alexa that’s who and it works.

Chinese model, He Cong comes on strong. This is an awesome outfit.

Ghanian-British actor/filmmaker, Michaela Coel is also co-chair of this year’s Met Gala. Her diaphanous cocoa design by Schiaparelli nicely sets off her gorgeous complexion. Her cornrows are exquisite and those golden heels are perfecton. Love her, simply stunning!

Well, much like her relationship with her escort last year, her beading did not hold up too well. Ms. Kardashian has looked way more stunning at past Met Galas.

Natasha Poonawalla, India’s vaccine Queen, showed up in a futuristic mirrored Schiaparelli and cast shards of her light partout.

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Jordan Roth is Showbiz incarnate. And boy does he know how to infuse the right dash of drama into his theatricality. Go on, show them how it’s done. What better ode to Karl Lagerfeld could there be than being a human fan; hands down best dressed attendee at Met Gala 2023.

Diddy arrived representing Sean Jean with the grandest gestures. What was most refreshing was him grabbing the black battery operated fan from production as he chatted with hostess, La La Anthony who was a gorgeous vision in white. God was she light years more sophisticated than last year. Brilliant. Back to Diddy, the black on black on black is divine.

La La Anthony’s praises I cannot sing enough. This year’s chosen design knocked it out of the park, relative to last years design, which left her looking shorter and it was way too busy and the hat was just so wrong. Not to knock Derek Blasberg but La La Anthony by far was the better host this year. Go on Lady, rock it!

Comedic actor, Rachel Brosnahan came through in cape, starburst pasties all in black with come hither eye makeup. Rather alluring.

Singer/comedic actor, Keke Palmer came through in a strapless multi-beaded column gown accompanied by a billowing powder blue and mauve cape. She looked marvellous.

Julia Carey also chose a swirling geometric Simkhai and did not put a foot wrong, right down to being accompanied by her charming partner, James Corden who opted for a brilliant blue jacket to match his cool.

Mindy Kaling made a massive revolution in her Met Gala appearance this year over last year when she chose a Prabal Gurung design. Accompanied by Jonathan Simkhai, An intricate layered design, there is a lot happening here; most of all, Kaling looks light years more body confident and this photograph does not do justice to the amount of weight loss that she’s healthily achieved. Simply stunning.

Billie Eilish opted to attend in a Simone Rocha design that looked better suited to a themed gathering at Halloween. Perhaps, my take on her look is coloured by the fact that I simply do not get the draw of this artist.

Model Imaan Hammam chose a sleek white column with train Standing Ground design. The stark white handsomely set off her tawny complexion and gave added drama to her amazing locks.

Designer Stella McCartney wore a beaded black jacket/mini dress with dramatic leggings and chunky footwear as she walked with Madelyn Cline & Audrey Plaza.

Actor Madelyn Cline opted for a gun-metal gray and black strapless sheath with modest train as she walked in with Stella McCartney.

Quirky actor, Audrey Plaza, I believe that her social behaviour is chiefly rooted in her personal vibrational dynamics than anything else. Interesting design they are not standouts, this speaks more to the design elements rather than not.

Filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and his wife, Catherine Martin came fully kitted in Thom Browne (he at least did) and looked marvellous for it.

As with last year’s Met Gala, Thom Browne was heavily represented this year, starting with Korean model, So-Ra Choi. Hers was a massive oversized coat which asymmetrically draped about her body in heavy fabric, all of which was winningly capped off with a black fishnet veil which nicely highlighted her heavy lipstick. Powerful.

Writer, Amy Fine Collins, 30-year veteran at Vanity Fair Magazine came with the general black & white theme with stabs of red, a braided hairstyle that matched the ribbing in her beautiful Thom Browne skirt.

The ever fluid Janelle Monae chose another oversized jacket/coat dress with its hoop exposed. Then, darlings, she moved the coat from atop the hooping and began vogueing with the malleable hoop exposing her body-hugging outfit. She like Amy Fine Collins opted for a dog bag that completed the little girl in adult clothing theme to this masterfully cut Thom Browne design.

Disney alumna, Jenna Ortega has that magical aura which allows her to convincingly inhabit whatever role she is focussed in. Here, thanks to the sweep of her train and her confident swagger, her costume is evocative of the swashbuckling pirate.

Bella Ramsey’s pose more than her costume is the winning photograph. She seems as though a mere child wide awake at the ball, neither groggy nor fazed. She is stunningly august-souled.

Another Disney alumna, whose matured into a pop princess, is Olivia Rodrigo whose costume is utterly marvellous. Love Thom Browne’s use of prime colours black and white and the range of combinations are incredible. Ms. Rodrigo is seriously fabulous…. what a great dress.

Not really classic tweed, there is something about the fibres and fabric that’s evocative of another age. The tailoring, the ribbing, the oversized stitches, to say nothing of the fishnet veil are all winners. The real standouts are the exposed hips compensating for the monochromatic gloves is an ingenious detail that successfully works, especially so on singer, Teyana Taylor.

HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI

Athlete Shai Gilgeous-Alexander brings it, in this elegantly cut Thom Browne where white rather than black predominates. Gorgeous ensemble.

African Writer and entertainer, Trevor Noah looked decidedly handsome in his cornrows and the usual innocent smirk.

Pusha T. sports the rapper’s signature cornrows which nicely complement his two-toned Thom Browne suit.

Here’s a rather straight forward Thom Browne outfit being worn by actor Alexander Skarsgård.

The master himself, designer Tom Ford adding commanding power, style and elegance to the costume ball.

Pierce Brosnan wears Tom Ford whilst his beautiful wife, Keely Shaye Smith, is adorned in Monique LHuillier. Gosh she’s glamourous.

Next up, Seth Meyers and wife, Alexi Ashe. He definitely is attired in Tom Ford, she though I am not certain of.

The always elegant, Joan Smalls brings her light and glamour to the gathering. Who doesn’t look sensational in black lace? Smashing!

HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI

Always expect Bradley Cooper to be among the most stylish at any gathering. Suave and elegant.

Dee & Tommy Hilfiger appropriately attired in Tommy Hilfiger. Still going strong.

HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI

NFL wide receiver, Stefon Diggs looking every bit like a power athlete. Handsome man in a very beautifully cut suit.

Singer Jack Harlow returns to the Met Gala, looking even more dashing than last year. Here, he does look like the subject of a 17th century Flemish painting.

Tory Burch of her eponymous design house came through as last year, looking next-level poised and glamourous. That is a very beautiful dress.

Indie folk Queen, Phoebe Bridgers wore one of the more elegant designs of Met Gala 2023. The beading and shoulder details evoke flapper/Edwardian glamour.

Emily Rajatkowski, of course, showed up. I think that I am being to get this human. This design is a bit understated for her ‘out there’ persona; it is beautiful.

Model Liu Wen, chose wisely. Off the shoulder, bouquet of white roses wrapped in a black column, black opera gloves capped off by perfect makeup.

What a difference a year makes. Just look at Nicole Peltz Beckham. She has so grown into her role of being on the world stage and a recognised actor. She glows, is more relaxed and clearly comfortable in her skin. They are genuinely a couple, Brooklyn looks ever more comfortable being her plus one. Her black ribbon choker is everything.

Go Priyanka! The Citadel is some serious chops! The white opera gloves and Nick Jonas’s leather jacket, to say nothing of the Bulgari necklace beautifully complement their synergy.

Rhianna and A$AP Rocky have graced the costume ball this year… and she is yet again expectant and it shows. Rhianna always seems to be most comfortable at the Met Gala and enjoying herself.

EGOT(Emmy Grammy Oscar & Tony) Viola Davis is coming through that’s who. No one does pink and red like Valentino and no one wears colours better than the masterful actor, Viola.

Oscar-nominated actor, Stephanie Hsu presented a beautiful interpretation on Hollywood Glamour, which in the age of gender fluidity was celebrated with the tie’s inclusion. This dress was magnificent.

Another actor at the Costume Ball, Florence Pugh certainly brought that drama in a headdress that worked at night for its theatricality and not dissimilar to the delightful Poppy Delevingne’s blue feather fascinator worn at Jack Brooksbank and Princess Eugenie’s delightful wedding. Pugh’s black fascinator was nicely set off by the floor length black ribbon that kept her business in check as this seemed to want to spill out from the exquisite white gown with train.

Designer Vera Wang attended in a design that was light and airy; mostly tulle there was an ode to Karl Lagerfeld with the use of an oversized pearl-like necklace and his first name on the train.

Actor Lily Collins wore a black and white version of Vera’s gown with Karl’s name on the black rather than pale train.

Donatella wore a beaded pink column that was minimalist and elegant.

Actor Anne Hathaway, who rarely does events like these, looked radiant as ever in a pearl ribbing, trained gown that was a clear ode to Karl Lagerfeld.

Charlotte Tilbury wore a jade green Versace which handsomely set off her healthy red mane. Exuberant.

HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI

Sino-Canadian actor, Simu Liu looked naturally refined in this snug Versace; love those shoes.

Vivienne Westwood 8/4/1941<O>29/12/2022 Snake 8.3.9 = 2

Actor Elle Fanning, who attended Vivienne Westwood’s London memorial February past, along with Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham, Anna Wintour, Chryssie Hynde, the ever bewitching Lily Cole, Bob Goldof, Bianca Jagger, Zhandra Rhodes, Edward Eninnful, Vanessa Redgrave, Bella Freud, Marchioness of Bath Emma Thynn, Stormzy, Twiggy, Marc Jacobs, Farida Kelfa, Yasmin, Amber & Simon Le Bon, Erdem Moralioglu, Tracy Emin, Paloma Faith & Alexa Chung. Elle’s floral crown and bouquet is a fitting tribute to the departed creative genius, Karl Lagerfeld.

HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI

Finneas O’Connell always looks Straight outta the closet as he hides out in this Vivienne Westwood coat.

Chloe Fineman did a horrible job of hosting the red carpet at Met Gala 2023 along with the unflappable Derek Blasberg who did his elegant best to make sure that none of that shit got on his shoes. Her Jackson Wiederhoeft was chic and understated, all eclipsed by her deplorable social skills on the evening.

HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI

Broadway star, Ben Platt was memorable in his white with black trimming suit proved a smash.

Unlike last Met Gala’s leather clad dominatrix chic, this year, Irina Shayk went for a totally different approach and opted for Yohji Yamamoto’s ethereal white design.

Hugh Jackman here is attired in Zegna, his wife, Deborah-Lee Furness’s attire I never discovered. As ever, the partners always look blissfully harmonious. Elegant.

NOTABLE

Agnes Chiu, president Entertainment, Condé Nast & Tom Gilmore also attended the Costume Institute Ball. All these notables are here gathered as their outfits’ designers were not readily found anywhere. Look good they did nonetheless.

When your mum is Anna Wintour, you are going to show up. The lovely Bee Corrozzini and filmmaker partner, Francesco were cool, relaxed, adding the wow factor to the evening.

Everyone’s favourite crooner, Josh Groban, who currently stars on Broadway, arrived with Natalie McQueen, tatts and all. He’s marvellously attired… smooth as ever.

Willow Bay & Bob Iger turned up in honour of Karl Lagerfeld. Gosh her gown is next-level fabulous whilst he kept it real in Karl Lagerfeld sneakers.

Kargo Global CEO, Harry Kargman and partner Jill Kargman attended the Costume Institute Ball celebration of Karl Lagerfeld’s creative genius. She looks marvellous.

Condé Nast CEO, Roger Lynch & partner Cathleen Lynch attended this year’s Met Gala. Her dark blue gown is supremely elegant.

Instagram CEO, Adam Mosseri & partner Monica Mosseri graced the evening with their dignified presence. There is a lot of detailing here, her dark elegant attired dress nicely complemented by the black opera gloves.

Grace Murdoch and her mum, Wendi Deng Murdoch attended the Met Gala in beautiful pastel gowns, looking ethereal with mum anchored by that exquisite necklace.

Tony-nominated (win it) Wendell Pierce stepped away from starring on Broadway to attend the evening’s Gala. He was joined by the chic, Erika Woods. Good luck, June 11th Mr. Pierce!

Blackstone Group CEO Stephen Schwarzman was accompanied by the shimmering Christine Schwarzman in a gold one-shouldered gown. Glamourous… mais oui!

Charles Shaffer, Anna Wintour’s son and partner Elizabeth Cordry bringing their warm glamour to the ball.

Entertainment executive, Casey Wasserman & partner Jennifer Chandler brought their warmth and glamour to the ball.

Adrienne E. Adams, speaker of the New York City Council attended the ball in a beautiful single shoulder lace affair. Elegant with a most warm beautiful smile.

Dr. Lisa Airan attended in a beautiful yellow flowing gown, radiating her light. Beautiful earrings.

Model Montana Cox breezed through in a minimalist lean black sheath.

She’s just a Broadway Baby! Yeah, Micaela Diamond is coming through that’s who. Currently, on Broadway in Parade, she wore an exquisite lilac gown to the ball.

Vogue & Teen Vogue director, Lisa Love was chic in vintage coat dress attire. Refined.

HOMMES/MEN/UOMINI

Broadway Tony-nominated actor, Jonathan Groff came through with a touch of theatricality to his suit and looked every inch the winner.

Well, of course, Vogue creative editorial director Mark Guiducci would attend the glamourous ball. The white tie was sublime.

Two-time Emmy-nominated E! presenter and Variety executive, Marc Malkin came through and did not disappoint in his red carpet turn at this year’s Met Gala. From the tie, to jacket, to nails, he wore dignified iconic style like a pro.

Norwegian billionaire, Gustav Magnar Witzoe must be the obsession of every latter day Andrew Cunanan, working the 1% sugar daddy circuit. Gustav, of course, is a model… no shit! Darling… does it even matter if it is not art?

Karl was many things beyond eccentric and creative genius of the highest order; he was also the godfather to Hudson Kroenig who along with Choupette has inherited the majority of his vast fortune. Sweet and blissful dreams Karl; thank you for having grace this world with your stellar magic. No, not adieu, à la prochaine!

Hand in Hand – Mulgrew Miller Full Album 1993

1. Grew’s Tune

2. For Those Who Do

3. Thinkin’ Out Loud

4. Leilani’s Leap

5. Like The Morning

6. Hand In Hand

7. Return Trip

8. Waltz For Monk

9. Neither Here Nor There

Christian McBride – Bass

Lewis Nash – Drums

Joe Henderson – Tenor Saxophone

Eddie Henderson – Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Mulgrew Miller – Piano

Kenny Garrett – Soprano & Alto Saxophones

Steve Nelson – Vibraphone

This past week, I had the most lucid of dreams; this was decidedly beyond the norm. It was set at the cosy intimate funkiness of the Village Vanguard; this reanimation was, though, set on the astral plane. As in all astral plane-focussed dreams, the basement Jazz club had ridiculously high vaulted ceilings and the ambiance in the place seemed millennia old. Everyone here was of 9 strand DNA heritage and the most refined of souls. I sat at a deuce, alone, nursing a glass of Henny and smoking a decent Cohiba. Onstage the divinely gifted astral plane habitué Mulgrew Miller was alone, playing the most mind-altering Jazz piano not often heard this side of the dreamtime. I drew on a quickened breath as walking to join me, was Merlin; he wore a panama hat and a parrot brooch, both favourites of his and his loose slacks were held in place with suspenders. What was different here, was Merlin looked as he did in the life prior to being reborn in Toronto. In that life, Merlin was born creole (high yellow) in Louisiana and made his way to New York City during the Harlem Renaissance; he was an amateur Jazz musician. He sat, put his arm around me and we kissed; it had been too long since I had felt such quiet ecstasy on kissing a lover most rare. Just like that, I awoke and began flooding my art-filled home with Mulgrew Miller’s Hand in Hand.

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As ever, life is like a flying dream; if you look down, you’re fucked. Enjoy the ride and fear no one!

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Netflix’s Masterful Crown Jewel (Season 5)

November 28, 2022November 28, 2022 Arvin da BrghaLeave a comment

Cast of season 5 of the Crown.

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.

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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!

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The Met Gala 2022 & ATL Memorial Service

May 16, 2022October 19, 2022 Arvin da BrghaLeave a comment

Frederik Robertsson in Iris van Herpen

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 Wintour DBE

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.

Amy Schumer, Venus Williams, Xiye Bastida & Gabriela Hearst

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.

Dreams are the poetic expression of the soul.

Category: Design

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