met gala
#SPOTTED: STARS IN NEW YORK FOR THE 2016 MET GALA
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, 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:
#SPOTTED: STARS IN NEW YORK FOR 2015 MET BALL
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. Both Lady Gaga and Rihanna also themselves would throw their own bashes, which would see the likes of Naomi Campbell, 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 + 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
Some Selfies from our time in New York…
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 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 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: 2014 COSTUME INSTITUTE GALA (MET BALL) HIGHLIGHTS
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 – 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. 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 Beyoncé 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! 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? 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)
#EDITORSNOTE: MR. WILL IN NEW YORK CITY, 2014
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. 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 – 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)
#FIRSTLOOK: BRAND NEW TRAILER FOR “THE LONE RANGER”
Wow! Hard to believe we’re just a month away from its release, but this brand new Trailer for The Lone Ranger just surfaced today and the stakes and intensity are upped full-blast here.
Official Synopsis:
The Lone Ranger, a thrilling Adventure infused with Action and Humour, in which the famed masked Hero is brought to life through new eyes. Native American warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a Man of the Law, into a legend of justice—taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humourous friction as the two unlikely Heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption.
Gore Verbinski directs and Jerry Bruckheimer produces, while Tom Wilkinson, William Fichtner, Barry Pepper, James Badge Dale (just seen in Iron Man 3!), Ruth Wilson and Helena Bonham Carter also star.
Watch the Trailer below:
We’re still freaking-out about meeting Hammer and his lovely Wife Elizabeth at the Met Gala earlier this month in New York City. He’s just the nicest and so is she, snatching my Camera out of my hand, saying “No Selfies! I’ve got this!!!”. Awww!
Our Snap below!
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures release The Lone Ranger on July 3, 2013.
“Like” The Lone Ranger on Facebook!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
MR. WILL AT THE 2013 MET GALA IN NEW YORK CITY
Such a complete delight partaking in the festivities of the 2013 Costume Institute Gala (Met Gala) this year in New York City. The Gala celebrates the Metropolitan Museum‘s annual opening of the Fashion Exhibit at the Costume Institute, bringing together the Worlds of Film, Music and Fashion. Although it’s 6:00 AM and I have yet to sleep a wink, I’ve had a blast chasing the Stars and enjoying the Fashions, celebrating the theme of Punk! Although some were faithful to it, there were also several diversions, resulting in a large variety to the eye.
Yes, it was surreal being an arm’s length from Madonna who looked fun and edgy in her Cleopatra Hair and seeing Natalie Portman clash at once with her on the Red Carpet with her, only for her to acquiesce and let the reigning Queen of Pop shine in her metallic Givenchy Haute Couture Dress. I am still in awe of Beyoncé‘s marvelous Givenchy Gown, which drew the most applause from Onlookers who lined the streets for a glimpse outside the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). Or how about getting an air kiss from this year’s Host Rooney Mara after telling her how much I admire her work? And I cannot deny how surreal it was seeing Sofia Coppola walk arm-in-arm with Marc Jacobs – two of my favourite People! Or how about witnessing a warm embrace between Girls Star/Writer/Producer Lena Dunham and equally brilliant Mindy Kaling? And did I mention I accidentally stepped-on Jessica Alba‘s dress?
The Parties continued well into the morning, with the main event taking place at The Standard Hotel, where the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Rita Ora, Cara Delevingne, Madonna, Katy Perry, Carey Mulligan and a newly-blonde Anne Hathaway, stirred-up some madness. Lawrence in particular raised a frenzy among Fans and Paparazzi alike, zipping along with tactical speed into her SUV.
See a Montage below of Clips I took from the Evening. You won’t believe how crazy things got for Jennifer Lawrence!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: MR. WILL IN NEW YORK CITY
So you might’ve heard I was in New York City this past week enjoying the Met Gala (see the Photos!) and it was an amazing thrill seeing the Fashions and the Celebrity in-person after admiring them online for many years now. Red Carpets and flashing Cameras are something I vow to never get sick of! Promise. Hoping to visit again next Spring!
Although I did get to meet Met Gala Host Rooney Mara in-person and she was lovely to stop and say “hi” and blow me a kiss, unfortunately she didn’t do the Photo but I still will have the memory! One day I’ll have my Gwen Stefani and Anne Hathaway moment! I did get Photos with Jennifer Morrison (Once Upon a Time) and Tommy Hilfigger but unfortunately they just didn’t turn out:(
Fortunately, most of the Celebrities I met were more than obliging and here are some of the Stars I got to get Snap with below. And yes, that is KYLIE MINOGUE!!!! She is just as lovely as I’d dreamed! Ditto for Kelly Ripa!! Armie Hammer too!! And I don’t believe Zooey Deschanel said “yes”! She never does!!
See it all:
(Photo video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#EDITORSNOTE: OFF TO THE MET GALA!
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 Beyoncé 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)
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