lifestyle WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2015 FASHION

Rihanna arrives at the 2015 Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala benefit in honor of the museum’s latest exhibit ‘China: Through the Looking Glass’ in New York. —AP/AFP photos in queen’s garb shuts down carpet

ever let it be said that Rihanna celebrities in attendance, perhaps chief doesn’t know how to make an among them actress Gong Li, who offered Nentrance. On a night when big stars a girlish tilt of her head as she waved in a were a dime a dozen - try George and deep red velvet gown with black lace and Amal Clooney, Lady Gaga, and a fan design. Sarah Jessica Parker, who was Cher - the pop singer still managed to steal one of the unqualified hits on last year’s the show and conquer the red carpet at red carpet in elegant custom Oscar de la the Met Gala when she swooped in wear- Renta, did not disappoint this year either, ing a fur-trimmed yellow cape with floral appearing in a towering red headpiece that resembled fiery flames. Designed by Philip Treacy, the headpiece bore long red tassels on each side.

Kate Hudson swirls of gold and a train so long it required three wranglers. The ensemble Amal Clooney and George Clooney came with a little pink mini-dress under- neath, and a sparkling tiara. In keeping with the evening’s theme - China, and its artistic influence on the West - the outfit was designed by Beijing-based designer Guo Pei, whose sumptuous designs also are on display in the current Met exhibit, “China: Through the Looking Glass.” Alexander Wang and Lady Gaga Cher and Marc Jacobs As befitting a star - or fashion royalty - Rihanna commanded premium attention on the carpet by being one of the very last to arrive. But compared to Beyonce, she was an early-bird. Beyonce and her hus- band, Jay Z, arrived so late that many pho- tographers were giving up and leaving. She was highly photogenic, though, in a sheer, bejeweled gown by Riccardo Tisci. Deep, ruby reds, shimmery golds and other jewel tones dominated the color scheme as the multi- tudes of invited celebrities embraced this year’s China inspiration. There were sequins aplenty, and embroidery was everywhere.

Succession of stars One of the first to arrive was the gala’s Sarah Jessica Parker longtime head, Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who shimmered in an orange- Parker paired the piece with a one- and-red floral couture gown from Chanel shoulder black gown embellished with she walked up the stairs to kick off the sashes comprised of pieces of vintage fab- star-studded party that raises millions for ric and beads from Sweden - a collabora- the Met’s Anna Wintour Costume Center. tion with H&M and the company’s She was followed by a succession of stars Conscious Collection, which focuses on of film, music, fashion, TV and sports unri- sustainable fabrics. “We thought it told a valed anywhere but perhaps the Oscars. As great story and also gave you ideas on actress Kate Hudson noted: “It’s like Oscar how you could rethink what is important night for the fashion world, but without in your life and ways to reuse it again,” Parker said. Parker said she’d been working Lady Gaga the pressure of who’s going to get an award.” Hudson was dressed in a sleek on the outfit since November, after getting gown of gold sequins, by Michael Kors. “piecemeal clues” from Wintour on what Jeremy Scott and Madonna There were also a number of Chinese this year’s theme might be.