So thrilled to partner with BOOKING.COM on our trip to New York for the Met Gala 2025. Fashion’s biggest night isn’t our only main reason to visit – trust me, there are so many reasons to be in the City that never sleeps. Travelling with a globally leading online travel platform makes it so much easier to experience the world as you can book your accommodations, flights, airport taxis, car rentals, attractions, and more, all in one simple place. With over 30 million listings across 30 different types of places to stay – think world-class hotels, boutique hotels, homes, apartments, villas, resorts, B&Bs, farmstays, even houseboats, igloos, and treehouses – in more than 220 countries and territories around the world, Booking.com has the perfect place for everybody.

And visiting an expensive city like New York, you’ll want to take advantage of Booking.com’s free Genius loyalty program. It offers tons of exclusive perks to save you money, like 10-20% discounts on your accommodations, 10-15% discounts on rental cars, free room upgrades, free breakfasts, priority customer service, and more.

For me, Booking.com’s search filters are key as they make it super easy to find the perfect place to stay that caters to your own specific needs. Whether you’re on a specific budget, need air conditioning, parking or even an electric vehicle charging station, want to be near certain landmarks/attractions, have mobility limitations, require an allergy-free room even, Booking.com makes it easy to tailor your results to your exact criteria. You can fine-tune your search results to even show “reading light”, “game console”, “would like complimentary evening snacks and drinks in the executive lounge” (yes, this is a real search filter where available!). Your accommodation wish is their command with Booking.com!

Our needs are very straight-forward. We also want our hotel central to all the action, yet also far enough away from too much bustle. We want all the food and coffee options, we love a chic decor and cleanliness. Most importantly as we travel with our precious princess beanie, we need that “pets allowed” filter and, as we’ve learned over the years, proximity to greenery is so key.

TRAVELLING WITH YOUR PET FROM CANADA

Travelling with your beloved companion is easier than you think. Many airlines allow you to bring them along as a carry-on, so long as your carrier is within their guidelines, and your pet is within a certain weight range. Since August 2024, entry to the U.S. from Canada requires completion of a CDC Form, which will actually last you a few months in case you anticipate additional travel to the U.S. And of course, a visit to your veterinarian to present proof of your companion’s good health and current vaccinations. You will need to present a letter both entering the U.S. and heading back to Canada. Rules change, so always do a bit of research ahead.

MODERNE HOTEL

Moderne Hotel did not disappoint! We prefer boutique hotels as they generally hit another level in quietness and cleanliness. The service feels more personalized and intimate. I know these are subjective claims, but they are my truths from travels.

Recently renovated and still undergoing improvements, Moderne Hotel contains just six floors. Its Pop Art-inspired hallways were quiet, perfect for pets as this means less noise triggers. Lobby staff were so helpful and engaged, asking for ways they could make our stay better. Case in point, I had made some online purchases ahead of my visit (we are actually spoiled in Canada with next day deliveries!) timing them for my arrival. The hotel staff were so kind to stow-away my orders safely, including one which required refrigeration. Off the bat, I was pleased with this level of detailed care and willingness to help. Did we mention they had food and water dishes in the room ready for beanie on arrival too?

Guests also get complimentary breakfast daily (with high quality pastries too!) in the second-floor common room called the Guest Suite. A lovely gesture that not all hotels offer nowadays.

PROXIMITY

My past few visits to New York with beanie have been great, but a nagging concern I have is finding areas with greenery. As is the case in New York, lawns are fenced-in and protected, off limits to dogs, which makes for challenges for beanie who is used to unlimited grass at home in Toronto. We nailed it this time though as Moderne Hotel is only a few blocks south of scenic Central Park.

On the topic of proximity, Moderne Hotel exceeds all expectations here especially. Walk south a few blocks, you are in the thick of Times Square and Broadway District. It is TONY Awards season and we are thrilled to have taken in the superb Sunset Blvd, which got seven nominations! We love the excitement of stage doors and seeing the stars, and were able to do just that! Broadway currently is a hotbed of big stars with the likes of George Clooney, Kieran Culkin, Orville Peck, Nicole Scherzinger, Sarah Snook, Denzel Washington, Jake Gyllenhaal, and several more, all within reach! You don’t necessarily need to have bought a ticket to see the Musical or Play even to partake in the thrill! What a great City!

Walk a few blocks north of Moderne Hotel, you are in Central Park and Columbus Circle. Go a little further north, uptown, and you are at the heart of where a majority of the stars are for the Met Gala, with landmarks like The Mark and The Carlyle (available too for bookings also on Booking.com) on the first Monday in May! You don’t need an invite from Anna Wintour to see the stars and their extravagant ensembles from the barricades whether it be the hotels or at the actual Gala itself.

The actual Metropolitan Museum of Art is where the Gala is held, has numerous entry options listed on Booking Attractions which you can get tickets for on regular days of operation. An entry ticket with a MET Pre-Orientation tour (and same-day entry to the Met Cloisters in Uptown Manhattan) is available, as are numerous options for guided tours of the museum’s highlights. You can even do a private “art and crime” tour where you’ll learn about the infamous art thefts the museum has seen over the years, from the looting of antiquities to the seizure of paintings right off museum walls!

Don’t forget NYC’s other awesome museums either, like Mercer Labs Museum of Art and Technology and American Museum of Natural History. Another fun option if you’re there for celeb culture is the Central Park Film Spots and Celebrity Homes Pedicab Tour.

Moderne Hotel had us positioned only a few blocks from Hell’s Kitchen one way, and Avenue of the Americas (Radio City Music Hall, 30 Rockefeller Center, tons of shopping) the other way. My greatest surprise this trip was seeing ride share pricing skyrocket from prior years. We literally are up to $25 US to go up and down a few blocks.

My greatest learning lesson this trip was educating myself how to use the subway system. Moderne Hotel being just two blocks from the subway station on 57th and 8th. I made multiple trips to Brooklyn on $3 versus per trip (just tap your credit card), versus the usual $60 US. And beanie could come too in her carrier. I got there just as quickly via the train as I would have using ride share. So you choose what makes more sense! Using the subway over the course of a couple days, I saved about $250 US alone.

DINING

In addition to my deep love of Entertainment and Celebrity, I am equally a lover of Food and Drink. New York City and its diverse boroughs not only are on the cutting edge and cusp of trends, they also do the classics to the highest standard. Some delicious bites included newly-opened Din Tai Fung (first ever location on the East Coast); Maxi’s Noodle (the biggest Wontons I have ever seen!); Dominique Ansel Bakery (Cronuts never get old for us!); L&B Spumoni Gardens (fantastic Pizza and Ice Cream adored by the likes of Jimmy Fallon); and buzzy Win Son Bakery (innovative American-Taiwanese brunches), among others. For coffee, Blue Bottle Coffee (founded by The Weeknd, yet still not in Canada), and Blank Street Coffee hit the mark aesthetically and in taste and have multiple locations around the City.

Many shops are accepting of a quick pop-in with your dog if you are quickly grabbing takeaway. We felt so understood and seen in New York City, as we cannot imagine travelling without our beloved beanie. We wish every other city could have this.

TIPS & THOUGHTS

One key note for visitors: I’d say that with unpredictable spring weather, being able to look out the window to see how heavy the rain downpour is key to planning when to head outside. I mean nobody wants to be stuck in a torrential downpour, especially when walking their dog. Many NYC hotels have room windows facing the brick walls next door, making it tricky to gauge the weather outside.

A couple trips for travelling a little more kindly and consciously. You’ll see much of New York is moving to cashless payment options. That being said, service workers might get left out of gratuities, the more we rely on our cards. It is important to punch-out a bit of cash to have on-hand.

Also, we don’t expect our towels to be cleaned and our room vacuumed daily at home, so a little gesture like staggering the frequency of this could have a positive impact on energy consumption and sustainability. Recent research from Booking.com found that 94% of Canadian travelers say they want to make more sustainable travel choices in 2025 and to some extent have done so (a huge increase that we love to see as, in 2016, similar Booking.com research found that just 39% of Canadian travelers believed they travelled more sustainably!). You can signal to staff that you don’t need your room completely turned over with a “DO NOT DISTURB” sign on your door.

THE MET GALA 2025 & TRAVELOG

Now for our Travelog. Come along with beanie and I to see the immense starpower of New York City during Met Gala 2025, themed SUPERFINE: TAILORING BLACK STYLE, honouring Black contributions to Fashion. This, and the gorgeous sights and flavours that are defining New York.

Some memories:

BOOKING.COM made it all so easy! See you in the Big Apple!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Fashion’s biggest night did not disappoint! The cream of the crop, top of the heap gathered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York for the 2024 MET GALA, celebrating this year’s decided theme “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion“. Elegance bloomed with stars from across all disciplines uniting at the ultra-exclusive affair, which some could have purchased a ticket to at $75,000 US each, and subject to approval above that! We saw a lot of floral inspiration in the fashion this year, paying tribute to the flowers and botanicals of the woods in which the fairy tale is set.

We were in-town as we have in previous years to capture a bit of the excitement. We simply adore New York City, its people, its dining, its welcoming heart and we will continue to visit as long as we can! beanie and I had an absolute blast and this year more than ever we saw fans and spectators out and about in full force. The star power of the Met Gala is undeniable and it is a good thing that everyone’s talking about it. It literally is the greatest night on earth!

Admittedly, we had a shortlist of stars we wanted to meet real bad, and as luck would have it, most of our wishes came true this year. A magical year! To think we were feeling a bit down for part of the night wondering if it was ever gonna happen.

Some highlights from our visit, including a frenetic reel of our sights of Met Gala night!

Also some highlights of our delightful time in the City. The amazing things we savoured. The stars we saw!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Samsonite, celebrated for its mastery in luggage craftsmanship, debuted its ‘Jet Gala’ amidst the dazzling ambiance of one of fashion’s grandest spectacles. This innovative endeavor seamlessly intertwines fashion with premium travel essentials, setting a new benchmark for sophistication and panache. Drawing inspiration from the night’s fashion fervor, the ‘Jet Gala’ unveils a collection of ensembles that epitomize elegance, drama, and ingenuity.

Can you guess who inspired which piece above? L to R: Zendaya, Lana Del Rey, Doja Cat, Nicki Minaj!

While the world marveled at the splendor of the Met Gala on May 6th, Samsonite was busy in its creative atelier, fuelled with inspiration to carve out its own iconic moment in fashion. With meticulous attention to detail, three standout looks were carefully selected to serve as muses, each paying homage to the sartorial opulence of the preceding night. As celebrities graced the red carpet, the brand toiled tirelessly, measuring, sourcing, and breathing life into three unique masterpieces for its iconic Proxis luggage collection.

“With the ‘Jet Gala’ we aimed to reimagine the thrill and allure of one of fashion’s biggest nights within the realm of travel and luggage, inviting fashion enthusiasts and trendsetters alike to hop aboard the journey toward a new era of design from the carpet to the ‘runway’” said Erin Reynolds, Brand Manager of Samsonite Canada.

Samsonite’s lightning-fast creation of “fits” set a record pace that even seasoned fashionistas would envy. Commencing this feat moments after the debut of the looks was no small feat. Bringing this to life required a collaborative effort. The brand spared no effort in materializing the three unique costumes in record time, zigzagging around NYC and leveraging numerous connections to achieve this feat. While A-listers retired for the night and jewelry found its way back into vaults in the early morning hours, Samsonite worked tirelessly, pushing the sewing machines to their limits to pull off this feat. Setting up lighting, preparing cameras, capturing stills and videos, and editing before sunrise made this endeavor truly worthwhile.

Erin continued, “This isn’t just a moment; it’s a statement—a testament to Samsonite’s relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries, redefining luxury travel, and having some fun along the way.”

Samsonite adorned its ultra-lightweight and durable Proxis luggage, crafted from Roxkin™ shell material, a proprietary 28-layered polypropylene engineered to withstand the rigors of travel. As each Proxis piece made its grand entrance onto the red carpet, flashes of paparazzi cameras captured their every angle and silhouette, affirming that luggage can indeed steal the spotlight.

Here’s to commemorating the pinnacle of fashion, because Samsonite Proxis isn’t merely luggage; it’s a fashion statement in its own right, deserving of strutting down any red carpet.

He’s one of the biggest music stars and brands in the world, let alone in Asia where is a megastar. At one point in 2021, he was China’s most followed star. JACKSON WANG currently is on the road with his Magic Man World Tour, landing in Toronto last night at Coca-Cola Colisseum.

The former member of massive K-Pop Boy Group Got7, has been focusing on his own projects in recent years making a splash and growing in popularity with both 2019 solo disc Mirrors and 2021 followup, Magic Man which peaked at number 15 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 200 Album Chart.

Wang hails from Hong Kong but his success been far-reaching with a devout fandom around the world. His brand Team Wang has a Fashion Design stream, in addition to releasing his own music, with distribution support from Warner Music.

His Magic Man World Tour Toronto stop sold-out completely, leaving fans scrambling to buy from verified resellers last night, giving fans out this way a rare chance to see him and he would not disappoint, despite much of his newer material being about feeling burnt-out from years of crushing it.

Wang was invited to last week’s Met Gala, dressed by Louis Vuitton, channeling Karl Lagerfeld, with a Cartier watch.

We had the utmost pleasure meeting Wang, who is such a kind person, taking his time to chat and give hugs. He went deep asking us our greatest life goals and giving us affirmations before heading off for the night. On his off day, he had a bit of time to go to Chinatown for some Hot Pot where he was spotted by fans.

Wang‘s new single is “Slow” (ft. Ciara). See the brand-new Video:

(Photo/video credit: Team Wang/Mr. Will Wong)

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,  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:

First star sighting in #NYC. I was literally one of her first interviews for #OrangeIsTheNewBlack in Toronto! #DanielleBrooks #TheColorPurple 🗽

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 1, 2016 at 12:11pm PDT

Benjamin Walker:

When you step out of your friend’s hotel and #BenjaminWalker, star of #Broadway’s #AmericanPsycho is right in front of you. Love #NYC. 🗽

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 1, 2016 at 1:59pm PDT

Lupita Nyong’o:

Lupita. “I’m not telling you that!”, Oscar winner on who she is wearing at tomorrow’s #MetGala! #LupitaNyongo #Broadway #StarWars #Eclipsed 🗽

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 1, 2016 at 3:41pm PDT

Lupita on #Broadway for #Eclipsed. #NYC #LupitaNyongo #StarWars #12YearsaSlave #Oscars

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 1, 2016 at 4:00pm PDT

#LupitaNyongo trying to fit her hair into her car. #MetGala #NYC #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 3, 2016 at 12:24am PDT

Elle Fanning:

#ElleFanning in #NYC for #MetGala. #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 1, 2016 at 7:23pm PDT

Zoey Deutch:

Another pic with lovely #ZoeyDeutch. #MetGala #NYC #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 10:19pm PDT

Selena Gomez:

#SelenaGomez in #NYC for #MetGala. #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 1, 2016 at 7:52pm PDT

Brie Larson:

Academy Award winner #BrieLarson in #NYC for #MetGala. #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 1, 2016 at 8:43pm PDT

Common:

#Common once again will be attending the #MetGala this year. #MetBall #SuicideSquad

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 1, 2016 at 9:07pm PDT

Robin Roberts:

Good morning Canada, from #GoodMorningAmerica🇺🇸 with #RobinRoberts! #NYC

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 4:59am PDT

#RobinRoberts of #GoodMorningAmerica🇺🇸 !!

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 4:56am PDT

Kerry Washington:

#KerryWashington doing Selfies at #GoodMorningAmerica🇺🇸. She will be at tonight’s #MetGala. #MetBall #Scandal

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 6:31am PDT

Chadwick Boseman:

#ChadwickBoseman (#BlackPanther) promoting #CaptainAmericaCivilWar on #GoodMorningAmerica🇺🇸. #MetGala #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 6:32am PDT

Selfie fails with #ChadwickBoseman. Lol #BlackPanther #CaptainAmericaCivilWar

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 7:01am PDT

Sebastian Stan:

#SebastianStan at #GoodMorningAmerica🇺🇸 promoting #CaptainAmericaCivilWar. (Thanks Miyuki for sharing this one!) #MetBall #MetGala

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 6:58am PDT

Gala Night:

Waiting on stars to exit #MetGala.

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 6:58pm PDT

Garrett Hedlund:

#GarrettHedlund in #NYC for #MetGala. #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 10:55am PDT

#GarrettHedlund at the #MetGala. No Kirsten Dunst? #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 6:16pm PDT

Dakota Johnson:

Love #DakotaJohnson in #Gucci at the #MetGala. #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 4:56pm PDT

More #DakotaJohnson in #Gucci at #MetGala. #MetBall #FiftyShadesofGrey

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 5:19pm PDT

Odell Beckham Jr.:

#OdellBeckham at #MetGala. #NewYorkGiants #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 4:58pm PDT

Maria Sharapova:

#MariaSharapova at the #MetGala. #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 4:58pm PDT

Riley Keough:

Elvis’ granddaughter #RileyKeough at the #MetBall. #MetGala

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 5:02pm PDT

Florence Welch:

#FlorenceWelch of #FlorenceandtheMachine at #MetGala . #MetBall #DakotaJohnson

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 5:02pm PDT

Kate Mara + Jamie Bell:

#JamieBell + #KateMara at #MetGala. #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 5:03pm PDT

Chloë + Trevor Moretz:

#ChloeMoretz at the #MetGala. #MetBall #ChloeGraceMoretz

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 5:10pm PDT

Elizabeth Debicki:

#ElizabethDebicki at the #MetGala. #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 5:03pm PDT

Miles Teller:

#MilesTeller at the #MetGala. #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 5:19pm PDT

Jared Leto:

#JaredLeto at the #MetGala. #MetBall #Joker #30SecondstoMars #SuicideSquad

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 5:19pm PDT

Poppy Delevingne:

#PoppyDelevingne at the #MetGala. #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 6:15pm PDT

Kate Upton:

The gorgeous #KateUpton at the #MetGala. #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 6:17pm PDT

Olivia Wilde:

Always so lovely to me. #OliviaWilde at #MetGala. #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 10:20pm PDT

Michelle Monaghan:

With the always lovely #MichelleMonaghan, at #MetGala. #NYC #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 10:22pm PDT

Naomie Harris:

The stunning #NaomieHarris, #Bond star. #MetGala #MetBall #NYC

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 10:47pm PDT

Michael B. Jordan:

My boy! #MichaelBJordan at #MetGala! #MetBall #CreedMovie

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 11:07pm PDT

OMG. #MichaelBJordan kills me. One guy asked him “Can I get a graph?” and he heard, “Can I get a dress?”. The effect of #MetGala. #MetBall #NYC

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 3, 2016 at 8:05am PDT

Lily Aldridge:

#LilyAldridge at the #MetGala. #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 3, 2016 at 12:24am PDT

Jason Statham + Rosie Huntington-Whiteley:

With handsome as hell #JasonStatham, at #MetGala. #MetBall #NYC

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 10:53pm PDT

#JasonStatham + #RosieHuntingtonWhitely. Inseparable. #MetBall #MetGala

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 3, 2016 at 12:24am PDT

Emma Stone:

#EmmaStone apologizing for not stopping for fans. #MetGala #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 3, 2016 at 12:24am PDT

Jessica Chastain:

My fave, #JessicaChastain – the nicest celeb of all time. #MetGala #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 3, 2016 at 12:24am PDT

Edgar Ramirez:

The talented and up-and-coming #EdgarRamirez. #MetGala #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 3, 2016 at 12:24am PDT

Zendaya:

The v. sweet #Zendaya, who quickly is becoming a Red Carpet fixture. #MetBall #MetGala

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 3, 2016 at 4:38am PDT

Karlie Kloss:

#KarlieKloss, supermodel and #TaylorSwift bestie at #MetGala. #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 3, 2016 at 4:36am PDT

Naomi Watts:

With the gorgeous and outstanding #NaomiWatts. #MetGala #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 3, 2016 at 12:24am PDT

Margot Robbie:

#MargotRobbie was the most sought after autograph this #MetGala . #MetBall #SuicideSquad

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 3, 2016 at 12:24am PDT

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 May 3, 2016 at 7:42am PDT

Anna Wintour:

The Queen of the #MetGala, #AnnaWintour. #MetBall

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 3, 2016 at 12:24am PDT

Lady Eli:

An incredible experience spending the morning with #LadyEli. She doesn’t let many people into her world and is feisty, but this is what makes her the champ she is. #ChadBrown #BelmontPark #NYRA #NYC #GetintheGame #HorseRacing

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 11:31am PDT

With undefeated racing megastar #LADYELI. Thanks @reredev060. So fun hanging out at historic #BelmontPark! #NYC 🍏🐎

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 9:32am PDT

Flintshire:

Selfies with $7 million-earning winner of the #HongKongVase, #Flintshire. #ChadBrown #BelmontPark #NYC #GetintheGame #HorseRacing

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 11:31am PDT

Belmont Park:

Happiness is me on a backstretch with horses. #BelmontPark #NYRA #NYC #Belmont

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2016 at 11:31am PDT

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.

dropping our single tomorrow #stolethispicfromM #MONSTERCATREBELHEARTS

A photo posted by KATY PERRY (@katyperry) on May 4, 2015 at 9:14pm PDT

Katy Perry + Jeremy Scott

#JeremyScott + #KatyPerry. #MetGala #MetBall2015 #MetBall #MetGala2015 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 11:42pm PDT

Kate Hudson

My fave Snap. She refused to pose for Paps, but posed for Fans. #KateHudson at #MetBall2015.

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 5:42pm PDT

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 May 4, 2015 at 7:00pm PDT

Rita Ora

#RitaOra at #MetBall2015.

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 5:36pm PDT

Kendall Jenner

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 5:40pm PDT

Karen Elson

#KarenElson in my fave #MetBall2015 Dress. I believe this is by Burberry.

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 5:36pm PDT

Sophie Turner

#GameofThrones’ #SophieTurner at #MetBall2015. A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 5:36pm PDT

Rosie Huntington-Whitely

#RosieHuntingtonWhitely at #MetBall2015.

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 5:36pm PDT

Kerry Washington

#KerryWashington at #MetBall2015.

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 5:36pm PDT

Uma Thurman

#UmaThurman at #MetBall2015.

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 5:36pm PDT

Gong Li

The timeless #GongLi. #MetBall2015 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 2:42pm PDT

Emily Blunt + Bill Nighy

#EmilyBlunt brought #BillNighy as her date to #MetBall2015.

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 5:36pm PDT

André Leon Talley

Fashion’s greatest Maven, #AndreLeonTalley at #MetBall2015. A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 5:36pm PDT

Anna Wintour

When you get #AnnaWintour to crack a rare smile… #MetBall2015

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 2:42pm PDT

Liu Wen

Chinese Supermodel #LiuWen at #MetBall2015. A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 5:36pm PDT

Sarah Jessica Parker + Andy Cohen

#SarahJessicaParker + #AndyCohen. #MetGala #MetBall #MetBall2015 #MetBall2015

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 11:54pm PDT

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 May 5, 2015 at 5:40am PDT

Selena Gomez + Vanessa Hudgens:

  #Springbreakers Reunion at #MetBall2015 #MetBall2015 #MetBall #MetGala #SelenaGomez #VanessaHudgens   A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 11:42pm PDT

Robert Pattinson + FKA Twigs

#RobertPattinson helping a v. tipsy #FKATwigs in after partying to the break of dawn. #MetBall2015 #MetGala #MetGala2015 #MetBall

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 5, 2015 at 5:42am PDT

  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 May 4, 2015 at 11:42pm PDT

George Clooney

 

With #GeorgeClooney on the set of hotly-buzzed #MoneyMonster. #NYC #NikonD3300

 

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 3, 2015 at 5:37pm PDT

Stella McCartney

#StellaMcCartney + me. #MetBall2015 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 1:30pm PDT

Karolina Kurkova

Good morning, from #KarolinaKurkova + me. #NYC #MetGala #MetBall #MetGala2015 #MetBall2015

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 6, 2015 at 6:53am PDT

Gigi Hadid

  With Supermodel #GigiHadid. #MetBall2015 #MetBall2015 #MetGala #MetBall   A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 11:54pm PDT

Tang Wei

#TangWei + me. #MetGala #MetBall #MetBall2015

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 5, 2015 at 12:13pm PDT

Jourdan Dunn

  Supermodel #JordanDunne + me. #MetGala #MetBall #MetBall2015   A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 5, 2015 at 12:32pm PDT

Jeremy Scott

I am obsessed with @itsjeremyscott. The Man responsible for making #Moschino fun again! #MetGala #MetBall2015 #MetGala2015 #MetBall #JeremyScott

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 5, 2015 at 5:46am PDT

Common

#Common and me. #NYC #MetGala15 #MetBall2015 #SuicideSquad A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 5, 2015 at 12:11pm PDT

Olivia Munn

I love that #OliviaMunn and I coordinated hats. #MetGala #MetBall2015 #MetBall #MetGala015   A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 5, 2015 at 5:47am PDT

Jack O’Connell

#JackOConnell tells me his day on the set of #MoneyMonster was “emotional”. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 3, 2015 at 5:37pm PDT

Gao Yuan Yuan

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 5, 2015 at 12:36pm PDT

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 May 2, 2015 at 9:39pm PDT

Chrissy Teigen

#ChrissyTeigen + me. #MetBall2015   A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 1:30pm PDT

(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 – 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)

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)

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)