It’s literally been eight years since I’ve been back to New York for Met Gala festivities and the last time I visited the City was right before the Pandemic hit. Flying on the whole, was somewhat of a big deal for me as I’d been a little hesitatant about travelling for some time. Finally, I was ready and something I’d always wanted to do with my last dog Billy was travel with him. I’d always thought so much effort had to go into it that I’d have him boarded. After he had passed, I always told myself the next dog I get, he or she would be flying with me. And really, after looking into it thoroughly, it’s actually rather doable. You get clearance from your vet, ensure your dog’s shots are up to date, get a proper airline-approved carrier for your dog and make the necessary arrangements with your hotel and airline, provided your dog meets the specifications.
Using BOOKING.COM, I was able to find an accommodation that only was charming, central and within my price range, I found one that was pet-friendly and taking measures to being more sustainable in their business practices. A couple stipulations – the hotel will charge more for bringing along a pet. And when you book your plane ticket, not only is there an extra charge to bring along your pet as a carry-on, you will have to pay an additional charge to check your luggage since your pet will occupy that one carry-on allotment you are granted.
The Met Gala is the height of Hollywood glamour. But set in the concrete heaven that is New York City. It is a collision of the world’s most notable women and men with fashion and this year the Gala was celebrating the life and work of Karl Lagerfeld. And though scoring an invite to the Gala is tall ask, you still can partake in the fun scoping-out hotels and afterparties where these A-Listers are staying and headed.
At Lagerfeld’s core was a man who loved beautiful things immensely and adored more than anything, his beloved pet Choupette. And there’s plenty in that I identify with. This trip is a celebration of this. To you, Karl!
Though it rained the total duration of my trip, with the good weather showing its face on the first Monday in May, beanie and I still made the best of it. New Yorkers are a resilient breed and the perpetual downpour doesn’t phase them. Food Delivery apps were a huge help as originally I planned to visit several restaurants, but the weather forced me to alter course. I still was able to enjoy some selections in my hotel room. Still, I was able to visit a good number of spots I had on my list and am happy about that.
Here’s a reel of some of the excitement of Met Gala night! So much amazing fashion!
Such a joy seeing beanie bringing happiness to others and I love having her with me and wouldn’t want it any other way. You would never believe this but seeing the likes of Paris Hilton, Emily Ratajkowski, Olivia Wilde and Lizzo fawn over her were memories that will last with a lifetime.
Food and stars are my thing and let me share with you some of my favourite discoveries.
Some of my favourite star sightings in my visit:
Some other amazing New York memories:
This whole trip, while not at all restful, did give me the escape I needed to recharge. I do tell myself on occasion that I’m getting older and should slow it down a bit, but I’ll tell you when that time comes. Already thinking about the next visit and creating more memories with my beloved sidekick!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Like the Kentucky Derby which takes place every first Saturday in May, the first Monday in May also is a celebration of decadence, fashion and excellence. Taking place in midtown Manhattan at the Museum of Modern Art, the Met Gala is spearheaded by Vogue editor and fashion visionary Anna Wintour, whom has full control over the ultra-exclusive and star-studded list of attendees.
It is an annual tradition of ours to visit the City and as always, we have an amazing time getting charged with some of that high-watt haute couture starpower.
The invite-only affair runs its accomplished guests a steep five-figure sum to be seen among the A-List. Its theme in 2016 was Manus x Machina: Fashion in the Age of Technology. The merging of a who’s who in Politics, Sports and Arts had top fashion houses clamouring to dress their respective muses. Taking inspiration from this year’s theme, designers were tasked with incorporating geometry, shimmer and just enough glamour fit for a grand Red Carpet affair as this. And the results show it. If Hollywood has a diversity issue, the Met Gala appeared to address this with a variety of faces being represented on the guest list from across the spectrum.
The preparation process for many of the invited stars and starlets is both detailed and extensive, starting with fittings which take place in the weeks leading-up to the Met Gala. The day-of, Â stars spend the entire morning and afternoon being beautified by an army of talent, to be unveiled on the elaborate Red Carpet before the barricaded starstruck public lining the streets and a bevvy of handpicked photographers. The rain reigned over New York City all Met Gala weekend, putting a literal damper on the fun, but the show must go on!
The term “A-List” often is thrown around but never is it meant in its truest sense as in the Met Gala. BEYONCÉ. LADY GAGA. MADONNA. KATY PERRY. SARAH JESSICA PARKER. JENNIFER LAWRENCE. KRISTEN STEWART. EMMA WATSON. Names like these grace the event and if you’re not yet at that stature, the Met Gala is seen as a coveted opportunity to be seen alongside them if you are talent on the verge of major stardom like Margot Robbie, Zendaya, Kate Bosworth, Kendall Jenner, Dakota Johnson, Halsey or Rita Ora. And let’s not forget this year’s honourary chair, megastar TAYLOR SWIFT.
While it is virtually impossible to access every star, there are enough opportunities around town centered around the Met Gala to give fans a glimpse of that glamour.
See our Snaps around town during the Met Gala!
Danielle Brooks:
Benjamin Walker:
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Lupita Nyong’o:
Lupita on #Broadway for #Eclipsed. #NYC #LupitaNyongo #StarWars #12YearsaSlave #Oscars
A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Elle Fanning:
#ElleFanning in #NYC for #MetGala. #MetBall
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Zoey Deutch:
Selena Gomez:
#SelenaGomez in #NYC for #MetGala. #MetBall
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Brie Larson:
Common:
#Common once again will be attending the #MetGala this year. #MetBall #SuicideSquad
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Robin Roberts:
#RobinRoberts of #GoodMorningAmerica🇺🇸 !!
A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Kerry Washington:
Chadwick Boseman:
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Sebastian Stan:
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Gala Night:
Garrett Hedlund:
#GarrettHedlund in #NYC for #MetGala. #MetBall
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Dakota Johnson:
Love #DakotaJohnson in #Gucci at the #MetGala. #MetBall
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Odell Beckham Jr.:
#OdellBeckham at #MetGala. #NewYorkGiants #MetBall
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Maria Sharapova:
Riley Keough:
Elvis’ granddaughter #RileyKeough at the #MetBall. #MetGala
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Florence Welch:
Kate Mara + Jamie Bell:
#JamieBell + #KateMara at #MetGala. #MetBall
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Chloë + Trevor Moretz:
Elizabeth Debicki:
#ElizabethDebicki at the #MetGala. #MetBall
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Miles Teller:
Jared Leto:
#JaredLeto at the #MetGala. #MetBall #Joker #30SecondstoMars #SuicideSquad
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Poppy Delevingne:
Kate Upton:
The gorgeous #KateUpton at the #MetGala. #MetBall
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Olivia Wilde:
Michelle Monaghan:
With the always lovely #MichelleMonaghan, at #MetGala. #NYC #MetBall
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Naomie Harris:
Michael B. Jordan:
My boy! #MichaelBJordan at #MetGala! #MetBall #CreedMovie
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Lily Aldridge:
#LilyAldridge at the #MetGala. #MetBall
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Jason Statham + Rosie Huntington-Whiteley:
#JasonStatham + #RosieHuntingtonWhitely. Inseparable. #MetBall #MetGala
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Emma Stone:
Jessica Chastain:
My fave, #JessicaChastain – the nicest celeb of all time. #MetGala #MetBall
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Edgar Ramirez:
Zendaya:
The v. sweet #Zendaya, who quickly is becoming a Red Carpet fixture. #MetBall #MetGala
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Karlie Kloss:
Naomi Watts:
With the gorgeous and outstanding #NaomiWatts. #MetGala #MetBall
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Margot Robbie:
Nate Parker:
This man is going to be up for an Oscar. #NateParker #BirthofaNation #MetBall #MetGala
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Anna Wintour:
Lady Eli:
A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Flintshire:
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Belmont Park:
Stars of the Film, Fashion and Music Worlds gathered Monday night at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, for Fashion’s biggest night, the Costume Institute Ball – known more as the Met Ball or Met Gala – for a 44th year. As in previous years, the night was nothing short of spectacular and this year’s theme was China: Through the Looking Glass, which explores the Country’s influence on Fashion as we know it today. An Exhibition put-on in conjunction with the Museum’s Department of Asian Art, commences now through August, with the Gala kicking it all off.
The ultra-exclusive Affair is invite-only and if you are fortunate enough to be granted the opportunity to purchase a ticket even, acceptance is pending the approval of the most revered and feared Woman in the Industry, Anna Wintour.
Just so there was no confusion in the hierarchy, the dazzling A-List of predominantly female Talent would see its biggest stars Jay-Z and Beyoncé (in a revealing sheer Givenchy) arrive approximately three hours late, drawing a crowd of cheers from onlookers who lined street for a long glance at beauty and innovation when finally they did arrive.
Although a list of Guests was published prior, with Jennifer Lawrence named Event Chair this year, few know fully who exactly will arrive until they walk the many steps of the Red Carpet. Some Starlets stayed within their comfort zone wearing with an array of pretty form-fitting gowns.  Others took major fashion risks, staying true to the Night’s established theme including Trailblazer Sarah Jessica Parker who had donned a Chinese Opera-like Headpiece over an H&M Dress,  a strong contingent of Chinese Actresses including Gong Li, Ziyi Zhang, Carina Lau, Li Bing Bing, Gao Yuan Yuan, Tang Wei and more donned intricate creations with floral themed patterns. Dolce & Gabbana was most daring and our personal favourite, dressing a handful of Starlets like Karen Elson, Brie Larson and more in decadent golds with dazzling Tiaras fit for a Queen.  Red-hot Moschino now underseen by Jeremy Scott, saw the likes of Madonna and Katy Perry garbed head-to-toe in his vision,  the latter who turned heads with a cropped Pixie Cut which turned to blonde at the Afterparty which she had co-hosted.  Not quite thematically correct, but still a visual Feast.
Others getting high praise for their looks were friends Anne Hathaway  in a hooded gold Ralph Lauren  numbers, Lady Gaga in a Zac Posen Pantsuit, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in rose-coloured Versace and Sophie Turner in teal Burberry Dress. And speaking of teal, Miley Cyrus would dazzle in a high-neck Alexander Wang dress, with her hair slicked-back and coloured as such. We also are a huge Fan of Kate Hudson‘s gold Michael Kors number.
Social Media was lit afire when Perry, Madonna and perceived Pop Rival Lady Gaga posed for Selfies together at the Ball’s official Afterparty in the City’s Meatpacking District. Â Both Lady Gaga and Rihanna also themselves would throw their own bashes, which would see the likes of Naomi Campbell, Â Robert Pattinson and his girlfriend FKA Twigs returning to their star-crammed Hotel in the wee hours at the break of dawn.
Katy Perry + Jeremy Scott
#JeremyScott + #KatyPerry. #MetGala #MetBall2015 #MetBall #MetGala2015 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Kate Hudson
Jay-Z + Beyoncé:
When you are #JayZ + #Beyonce, you can afford to show up 3 hours late with Media waiting on you. #MetBall2015 #MetBall #MetGala #MetGala2015 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Rita Ora
Kendall Jenner
Karen Elson
Sophie Turner
#GameofThrones’ #SophieTurner at #MetBall2015. A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Rosie Huntington-Whitely
Kerry Washington
Uma Thurman
Gong Li
The timeless #GongLi. #MetBall2015 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Emily Blunt + Bill Nighy
André Leon Talley
Fashion’s greatest Maven, #AndreLeonTalley at #MetBall2015. A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Anna Wintour
Liu Wen
Chinese Supermodel #LiuWen at #MetBall2015. A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Sarah Jessica Parker +Â Andy Cohen
Naomi Campbell
 Look who we spotted rolling in at 6 am after a wild #MetBall2015 night! #MetBall #MetGala2015 #MetGala #NaomiCampbell  A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Selena Gomez + Vanessa Hudgens:
 #Springbreakers Reunion at #MetBall2015 #MetBall2015 #MetBall #MetGala #SelenaGomez #VanessaHudgens  A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Robert Pattinson + FKA Twigs
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 Some Selfies from our time in New York…   Â
Miley Cyrus
#MileyCyrus + me. #MetBall2015 #MetGala #MetBall #MetGala2015 #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
George Clooney
With #GeorgeClooney on the set of hotly-buzzed #MoneyMonster. #NYC #NikonD3300
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Stella McCartney
#StellaMcCartney + me. #MetBall2015 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Karolina Kurkova
Good morning, from #KarolinaKurkova + me. #NYC #MetGala #MetBall #MetGala2015 #MetBall2015
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Gigi Hadid
 With Supermodel #GigiHadid. #MetBall2015 #MetBall2015 #MetGala #MetBall  A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Tang Wei
#TangWei + me. #MetGala #MetBall #MetBall2015
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Jourdan Dunn
 Supermodel #JordanDunne + me. #MetGala #MetBall #MetBall2015  A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Jeremy Scott
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Common
#Common and me. #NYC #MetGala15 #MetBall2015 #SuicideSquad A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Olivia Munn
I love that #OliviaMunn and I coordinated hats. #MetGala #MetBall2015 #MetBall #MetGala015 Â A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Jack O’Connell
#JackOConnell tells me his day on the set of #MoneyMonster was “emotional”. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Gao Yuan Yuan
Elisabeth Moss
At last! My long-desired #Selfie with #ElisabethMoss aka #PeggyOlson of #MadMen. The Actress concludes a run on #TheHeidiChronicles on #Broadway. #NYC #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Chrissy Teigen
#ChrissyTeigen + me. #MetBall2015 Â A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
The 43rd annual Costume Institute Gala was held last night in New York City. The annual Fixture at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art pairs Fashion and Starpower together in a dazzling Red Carpet Affair with a hand-picked A-List of Invitees approved none other than by Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour – the most respected and at once feared Woman in the Fashion industry. Earlier in the day, American First Lady Michelle Obama honoured her in a Ceremony at the Venue.
Bringing the focus on influencial Fashion Designer Charles James, Men for the first time ever played a more pronounced role at the Gala. Hugh Jackman, Neil Patrick Harris, Jim Parsons, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Bradley Cooper –Â the latter serving as Chair this year, were among the many Hunks gracing the Red Carpet which shut down a portion of Fifth Avenue. A mandate was set by Wintour encouraging Coat Tails and white Bow Ties, most adhering as would best be advisable at the profile-boosting Extravaganza of the highest form.
As always, the Ladies are front and center. Â Sporting and among the Red Carpet Favourites last included Supermodel Cara Delevingne in a Pantsuit by Stella McCartney, Karolina Kurkova in Marchesa, Lupita Nyong’o in a sparkly green piece by Prada and Blake Lively in Gucci.
The Party didn’t end right there though as the stars came out in full force at the Afterparties around town. It is said BeyoncĂ©Â and Jay-Z got swarmed by Fans, travelling separately from one Party possibly for their own safety. Sean Penn and Charlize Theron were seen happily out and about as were another new Couple in Michael Sheen and Sarah Silverman. We wonder if there were any moments of awkwardness as Toronto’s own Rachel McAdams also attended; she previously was involved with Sheen. All eyes however were on Lively and Ryan Reynolds as loud cheers were hears upon their cozy displays of affection.
Several were disappointed about Jennifer Lawrence‘s deeply-felt absence despite being scheduled to be dressed in Dior and without Madonna this year, there seemed to be that little bit less enthusiasm in the air.
Some got a bit tipsy as we witnessed Academy Award Nominee Ejiofor getting a bit of help back to his Hotel, as was 20-year-old French Acting Sensation Adèle Exarchopoulos. And was that Tomato Sauce we saw on Lily Allen‘s cheek as she made her way back to her Hotel with a big box of Pizza in-tow?
Personally, we are still giddy about meeting Australian Beauties Naomi Watts and breakout Star Margot Robbie! Â And did we mention that we got an ultra-rare opportunity to meet the biggest Celebrity in New York right now, Pasty Chef Dominique Ansel? Â The soon-to-be Author and Beard Honour-receiving Cronut Inventor has the Culinary World and New York City at the palm of his hand. It was also sublime getting to meet Celebrity Photographer of the highest calibre, Mario Testino!
Just some of the Snaps below of whom I got to meet:
Thanks again, New York City for the fun times!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Celebrating Couturier Charles James‘s achievements this year, the 2014 Costume Institute Benefit (Met Ball/Met Gala) will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2014 in New York City. Â We had so much fun taking-in all the Red Carpet Beauty last year, that we’re going back yet again to cover the amazing Affair!
Join me as I bring you pure beauty and glamour as we admire the amazing Fashions together – Â you’ll never guess who we’ll run into! I mean, look who we saw last year here!
Co-chairing this year are a star-studded group of the Influencial including: Bradley Cooper, Oscar de la Renta, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch, and Anna Wintour!  Did I mention also that Dakota Johnson, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o, Margot Robbie, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts and many, many more are expected? It is said also that Men will take-on a more principal role in this year’s Gala too!
Being a huge Horse Racing Fan also, this Visit also will mark my first visit to historic Belmont Park and with excitement for the Sport reaching a high this week with the 140th edition of the Kentucky Derby to be held this Saturday, this couldn’t come at a better time!
Follow along on Twitter and Instagram for Mr. Will’s Sights of New York City and check back here for Highlights mid-week!
 Until then, I’ll miss you!
xMr. Will
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Beyond excited! I’m packing-up and heading out to New York City for a few days to capture the Festivities at the Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which always has been a dream of mine to experience. Like the rest of us I won’t be inside, but still I’ll be admiring the Fashion from the outside and sure to snap lots of Photos and hopefully meet some of my Idols! The theme this year is Punk and hosting is Rooney Mara, while BeyoncĂ© will act as Honourary Chair.
Things will be a bit quiet for the next couple days, but be sure to check back upon my return for what surely will be lots of excitement! Expected this year are the likes of Amanda Seyfried, Lena Dunham, Allison Williams, Gwyneth Paltrow, Dakota Fanning, Kristen Stewart, Rihanna, Florence Welch, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lawrence, Cara Delevingne, Kanye West and several, several more.
If you’d like to join-in on the fun at watch the Met Gala Red Carpet, be sure to stream it live 7:00 PM EST on Monday, May 6, 2013. Click here to Vogue‘s Live Streaming.
See you when I’m back! I’ll be uploading Photos on my Instagram and Twitter in the interim, so check there for the latest!
(Photo credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art)
Fabulous news! BeyoncĂ© has just been named Honourary Chairperson at next month’s Costume Institute Gala (also known as the Met Ball) at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art. The annual Affair which sees Fashion and Hollywood’s A-List collide in an array of innovative outfits.
Last year, Mrs. Carter herself donned a stunning blue and black sequined, lace and feathery Givenchy Haute Couture Gown and this year joins the likes of Vogue‘s Anna Wintour as Co-Chair. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Star Rooney Mara Co-Hosts with Designer Riccardo Tisci.
I’ll definitely be out and about snapping some Photos at the Event and am terribly excited about returning to my second favourite City in the World!
The Met Ball takes place on Monday, May 6, 2013. We’ll have a ball!
In the meantime, let’s enjoy this brand new, fericous Snippet of Queen B‘s new Track Grown Woman below:
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(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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