Fashion serves as a source of much-needed distraction and comfort during these trying times. Transport yourself to the world of haute couture via Christian Dior’s Designer of Dreams virtual exhibition on YouTube or log onto TikTok to explore the latest, light-hearted fashion challenges from the community. And for those of you who you are feeling less than enthusiastic about working from home, dressing up in stylish, work-appropriate outfits might just help you to feel a little better while boosting your productivity.
Even during these unprecedented times, we’re thankful that fashion and self-expression still prevails. Many fashionphiles were left feeling disappointed when one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year, the Met Gala, which was meant to take place on 4 May, had to be postponed amidst the current global health crisis. Although a new date for the event is yet to be finalised, the event organisers had fortunately found an alternative, #stayhome-friendly solution that will bring the most celebrated designers, celebrities, and arts and culture enthusiasts together to commemorate this significant occasion.
Vogue magazine recently announced that they will be celebrating the Met Gala by publishing six, brand-new video content starring stars such as supermodel Naomi Campbell and rapper Cardi B before concluding the event with “A Moment With the Met” livestream on YouTube featuring DJ and designer Virgil Abloh and a special performance by Florence and the Machine on 4 May, 6PM EDT (5 May, 6AM GMT+8).
As we eagerly countdown to the virtual fashion extravaganza, the magazine had also teamed up with American broadway star Billy Porter to announce the #MetGalaChallenge, a fun fashion challenge that calls on the Instagram community to re-create their favourite Met Gala red carpet looks at home. The best five looks will then be featured on Vogue’s website.
From ethereal gowns made out of toilet paper to fashioning an Alexander Wang-inspired dress out of garbage bags, the submissions have been nothing short of inspirational and jaw-dropping thus far. Read on as we round up our top five entries for the challenge.
Turning trash into tulle treasure
Noé, a fashion design student based in Tokyo and Scotland, re-created Lana Condor’s dreamy tulle Giambattista Valli Paris gown using plastic trash, which she had found in her neighbourhood. Sharing further details about her stylish and sustainable creation, the student added that ‘all of the plastic [was] hand-sewn onto dress’, hence it had taken her a few days to complete it.
Head over heels
Producer, actress and all-round fab fashionista Mindy Kaling is no stranger to bringing a touch of high-fashion drama to the Met Gala, having attended the exclusive event for several years now.
To raise more awareness (and eyebrows) towards the challenge, she had also gamely participated in it with her own hilarious, head-scratching rendition of Jared Leto’s decapitated head Gucci look from the 2019 Met Gala (swipe to see). Her post has received a whopping 300,000 likes to date and even caused Little Fires Everywhere actress Kerry Washington to leave a punny comment which said: “Laughing my head off.”
Eyes, eyes, baby
All eyes were on Christie’s masterful re-creation of queer actor Ezra Miller’s Met Gala pinstripe ensemble, which featured five additional, trippy ‘eyeballs' painted across the face. The art director and doll maker living in New York also took things a step further by creating a similar look for her character in Animal Crossing.
Mini Monae in the making
Dial A for adorable! Mother-daughter duo @rileybyfaith submitted two entries for the challenge and we’re particularly drawn to their re-creation of singer Janelle Monae’s camp-themed Christiana Siriano gown, which was completed with a fanciful hat, fluttery feather details, sequins and long gloves. The user went on to share a series of behind-the-scenes Instagram stories, where she documented how she had fashioned the look with all the scrap fabric and materials she had collected from previous outfits.
Precious paper doll
Rihanna’s romantic Commes des Garçons gown at the 2017 Met Gala continues to leave a strong impression on many, hence we were delighted to have come across this entry by Instagram user @elciee. The user shared that she had re-created the singer's gown using art-and-craft materials such as construction paper, watercolour and hot glue. Colour us impressed! Whose entry are you casting your vote to?
(Cover photo from: @noedresses)
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