The 13th annual LACMA Art + Film Gala was held in Los Angeles over the weekend. The turnout was good, but maybe not as starry as in recent years? It definitely doesn’t feel like there were as many A-listers this year. Still, the event, which was co-chaired by Leonardo DiCaprio and Eva Chow and honored artist Simone Leigh and filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, brought out some big names. Let’s start with Baz, who was joined by his wife and creative partner, Catherine Martin, and Anna Wintour, who presented his award at the event. They look fine.
You know who looks GREAT, though? Greta Lee. I mean, when doesn’t she? Forget the face card, the Greta Lee card never declines (but her face is still spectacular). She took a break from Loewe to wear a black off-the-shoulder gown by The Row. I love the draping on this gown, how it looks like one piece of fabric folded into shape. Very structural, while still flowing beautifully on Greta. Outstanding, probably my best dressed for the night.
Also on the “great” list are Chloe Sevigny in Saint Laurent—it’s nutty and not for everyone but when has Chloe Sevigny dressed for the masses?—and Anora’s Mikey Madison in Gucci. This is her personal best all year, it’s simple, elegant, I love the cape, and it’s the perfect shade of pearl to offset Madison’s fair skin without washing her out. Also, this has been bugging me ever since Cannes, and I finally pinned it down—Mikey Madison is Sadie/Susan Atkins from Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood. You know, the Manson girl with the “white little face” and the interminable death scene. Between her and Austin Butler, Tarantino was really casting the next generation of stars with that one. Capping off the “great list” with Viola Davis, also in Gucci—they sponsored the event—and her husband, Julius Tennon. She looks incredible. I almost wish she’d saved that gown for a bigger event.
The “very good” list is led by Sarah Paulson in Altazurra. Like Chloe Sevigny, she isn’t dressing for everyone, but this is a strong look on her, so good I almost didn’t notice the sheer skirt. I took points off for the sheer skirt, though, because no one—NO ONE—looks good in granny panties and this trend needs to die. Another good look is Cara Delevingne, also in Gucci. I like the dress well enough, but the baby bangs make the look. 10/10 for difficulty and execution. I don’t think it works for anyone but her and Audrey Hepburn, but I’m into this look on Cara.
The “solid try” list is topped by Anna Kendrick. The dress isn’t doing much, but I like her seasonally appropriate berry lip, and I am including her here specifically to mention that she gave away her Woman of the Hour salary, so as not to profit off a story about women being murdered. The money was donated to anti-violence charities. More people in the true crime space should consider following her example.
Another solid try was made by Monica Barbaro. The dress might work better in a deeper color, but this shade of dishwater is doing her no favors. The necklace, however, is great. Laura Dern and Andrew Garfield are another Gucci pair, they both look fine. It’s not the freshest look from either of them, but their pretty privilege makes up for a lot. And Charli XCX sported a two-piece Gucci look that works because of her abs.
Finally, the two who just aren’t doing it for me, Emily Ratajkowski, in vintage Donna Karan, and Blake Lively in Tamara Ralph. First, EmRata. The bodice and sleeves don’t look like they fit, and the fabric change from satin to velvet hits at a weird spot that cuts off her proportions, and the color, especially in the velvet portion, is unflattering, too close to poo brown. As for Blake, I liked her look until she shifted the opera coat back and revealed the dress is a mini. I would be so much more into it if it was a whole column of those paillettes, sort of like glamorous chain mail. We’re years deep into the opera coat trend, so that doesn’t feel particularly fresh, nor does it feel especially glamorous because the mini-dress is undercutting the coat’s drama.
Her hair does look great, though. This is a good advertisement for Blake Brown Beauty and hiring a stylist.
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