MET GALA 2013

This week saw the return of the prestigious Met Gala, the annual showcase of some of fashion's most incredible red-carpet looks. Swarms of high-profile celebrities flocked to the event to be photographed in this year's dress code 'Punk Couture' - a theme which has recently been explored in collections by the likes of Margiela and Dries Van Noten. The results were as often amazing as they were questionable - Anne Hathway, for example, wowed in a floor-length vintage black number complete with sheer detailing and a daring bleached crop, whereas Madonna made headlines for the wrong reasons, opting for a custom-made Givenchy jacket teamed with cliché fishnet stockings.

The event also served as a showcase for some of the highlights of the recent A/W collections - Katy Perry looked incredible in head-to-toe Dolce & Gabbana, whilst Miley Cyrus chose a floor-length sequinned fishnet dress by Marc Jacobs for a subtle take on the theme. The event also saw Riccardo Tisci returning briefly to the world of couture after Givenchy announced earlier this year that its couture line would be on hiatus - Beyoncé chose a dress that used the beautiful flame-print fabric from the latest collection, yet when teamed with a sequinned black corset the overall aesthetic was slightly top-heavy and overly bulky.

One of the greatest things about the dress code was that it was open to interpretation, showing that punk remains as popular as ever due to its versatility. Arguably the most successful looks only referenced the dress code vaguely - a statement hairstyle and plenty of attitude is all that is needed to work the look successfully. Whether you're aiming for full punk regalia (think anarchy and plenty of propaganda - the protest dresses from Margiela's latest collection are possibly the best example), or a simple nod to the trend with a few safety pins and dark lipstick, the new punk revival is injecting vibrance into the commercial fashion world and bringing back a DIY spirit to fashion.



Propaganda on the runway - Maison Martin Margiela A/W 2013