MET Gala Red Carpet 2014

Sarah Jessica Parker in customer Oscar de la Renta ball gown. 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art's, "Charles James: Beyond Fashion." Costume Institute Exhibit was hosted last night by none other than Anna Wintour.  This year the theme of the event was "white tie and diamonds.  It was a night of who's who in fashion and many celebs were on hand wearing some of the most interesting pieces for the night.  It was a mix of glamour, retro and the unexpected.  

Lupita N'yongo, who has become the 'it' girl on red carpets over the last few months, wore a green Prada decorated in jewels and feathers.   It was a mesh net overlay with a skin tone bodice underneath.  It became a hot topic on social media because she has been sheer perfection on every red carpet so this choice came as a big surprise.  Vogue cover models Kanye West and Kim Kardashian were also on hand, she in a blue dress with deep slit and sweetheart neckline and he wore a suit with coattails. 

Sarah Jessica Parker made a big entrance her her princess-like black and white ball gown by Oscar de la Renta.  Other notables included Jessica Alba,  who looked elegant in her deep-v lace dress and the Beckhams who looked pristine in crisp white and Beyonce who arrived with her husband Jay Z.

Beyonce. (Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

Jessica Alba.

Lupita N'yongo in flapper inspired dress by Prada. 

David andVictoria Beckham looking fresh in crisp white.

Anna Wintour on her way to the gala. 

Dita Von Teese. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

CULTURE | Jay Z Partners with Barneys New York

  

  Barneys New York is partnering with hip hop icon Jay Z to create its annual holiday collection.  Dubbed 

 "A New York Holiday" this collaboration will have Jay Z working with designers to create special-edition merchandise.    

  Last year's theme was all about Disney and the year before it was Lady Gaga.  This time around Jay Z worked with several designers including Lanvin, Balenciaga, Balmain, Rick Owens and Proenza Schouler to create special edition items.  The pieces are high-end designer items ranging in price from $70 up to $33, 900.  You find everything from a leather backpack from Balenciaga to a cashmere blanket by Elder Statesman, a Barney's T-shirt and a Shawn Carter by Hublot watch with alligator straps.  Twenty-five percent of sales will go to Jay Z's Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation.  

  

  "A New York Holiday" will be available online and in-store at Barney's starting November 20, 2013. 

  

CULTURE | MET Ball Style

Sarah Jessica Parker wears a mohican headpiece by Phillip Treacy and her
gown was by Giles Deacon.

This year's exhibition theme at the MET Ball was Punk: Chaos to Couture.  It certainly was very punk and there was definitely some chaos in how wardrobes were styled for the night.  But most of the celebrities managed to pull it off without a hitch.  They went hard and took the opportunity to dish out their inner punk in full force.  Check out some of the hits and misses at the event.  Who wore your favorite look?

Sarah Jessica Parker in Giles Deacon dress with
thigh high tartan velvet boots underneath. (Photo: Rex Features)

Sarah Jessica Parker is known for her unique fashion sense and that night she stayed true to that.  Stepping out with a large Mohican headpiece by Phillip Treacy and gown by Giles Deacon she didn't stop there.  Underneath her gown were thigh high velvet boots that had everyone talking.  

Beyonce wore Givenchy Couture with a flame motif design on the skirt and a snakeskin corset top.  The look was completed with gloves and over the knee boots to match.  Personally I didn't think the look was the most flattering on Beyonce.  Meanwhile, Nicole Richie stepped out with newly dyed hair.  It was a silver/grey and made her look unrecognizable.  It was certainly a punked out look that made everyone turn their heads.  Sienna Miller really brought out the punk influence in her biker style studded jacket by Burberry worn over an open back white dress. 

Kim Kardashian's peony printed dress seemed to be too much and a little overwhelming on her.  I don't think it was her best look but it was suitable for the occasion.  Although I didn't think it had a strong punk reference as the theme of the event.  But then again how does a pregnant woman go punk? 

Beyonce in Givenchy Couture. (Photo: Rex Features)

Sienna Miller in Burberry. (Photo PA)

Madonna took the punk inspiration literally.  She looked almost like she did
in the early days of her career.  Except do you think this works for her now?

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. (Photo: David Fisher/Rex Features)

Nicole Richie wore a dress by Topshop with a new hair color.

Gwen Beloti: Buffalo Fashion Week 2012

Mercedes Benz Buffalo Fashion Week wrapped up last week with a runway show featuring four designers from New York City.  I spoke briefly with Brooklyn native, Gwen Beloti as she took a moment to relax before the runway show.  She shared her inspiration and what to expect from her latest collection.  Watch the video below to see the bursts of color and feminine silhouettes that she's known for.

gwenbeloti.com