Don't forget that before celebrities covered them, it was supermodels who sold magazines. And, in case you haven't noticed, it's a damn good time to be a model. On the first Monday in May, their worlds collide at the Met Gala where we get to see dozens of the world's most famous faces come together in the name of fashion. Some adhere to the theme, some don't.
But, beyond the glitz, the Met Gala is a chance for models to play muse to designers and showcase their custom creations on fashion's biggest stage. When you're Liu Wen, however, you get to do that not once, not twice, but nine times — and three times with Michael Kors. This year, we caught up with Wen and Kors for their third year as each other's date. Not to get cliché or anything, but judging by Wen's look, we'd say the third time definitely is a charm.
For the past decade or so, Wen has served as one of the most famous faces for Chinese models and heritage. And, just as indisputably, Michael Kors is one of the most honored figures of American fashion. It's because of their work in the industry that makes the joining of the two a match made in fashion Heaven (sorry, we're trying to adhere to the theme), and Wen's outfit is just as major. Kors revealed exclusively to Refinery29 the finer details of just went into the strapless red gown she wore on tonight's Met Gala carpet: 550 man hours to embroider it (using metal ribbon, of course) and over 2,000 crystals mixed with touches of golden cut beads.
Read more of Wen's reflecting on her friendship with Kors, highlights of Met Gala's past, and just what goes through a model's head when she walks the most watched red carpet in the world.
What has changed from your first Met Gala to now? And how does going with Michael make the experience all the better?
"Time really passes so fast. In the blink of an eye, this is already my ninth year attending! Compared to my nervousness from the earlier years, I now see Met Gala as a huge reunion with many friends. It's also a grand party that so many of us anticipate and are always surprised by! This is my third time attending with Michael and he always prepares a really intricate, stunning look for me; this year is no exception."
Talk to us about your friendship with Michael.
"I remember meeting Michael for the first time at one of his runway shows. Even as a newer model, I already knew that he was a very influential designer. After that time, we've become more and more familiar with each other through working together frequently. I discovered that Michael's impact stems from how passionate he is about the art of design. He is attentive towards every little detail, and the perfection of detail is what establishes the success of a design. I've learned a lot from that kind of philosophy which he possesses."
What goes through your head on the carpet?
"Right before I step onto the red carpet, I usually think about what the exhibition itself might look like. But once you actually enter that space, all you see are camera flashes and all you hear are the requests from photographers; that's still always the craziest thing to witness, but these moments are pretty familiar to me now, so I treat them like I'm meeting old friends. The atmosphere ends up [being] pretty relaxed as a result."
In terms of representing your Chinese heritage on the biggest red carpet in fashion — how do you manage that and what does it mean to you?
"To be able to do this is actually an honor that my Chinese background has given me. I just hope I can strongly convey the culture that has always been such a deep-rooted part of myself. I want to keep expressing the confidence, beauty, and enthusiasm that Chinese girls have always possessed!"
Read These Stories Next
Holy Chic! The Most Divine Looks From The Met Gala Red Carpet
Jasmine Sanders, AKA Golden Barbie, Wore H&M To Her First Met Gala
Exclusive: Balmain To Auction Off Met Gala Looks For Charity
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Exclusive: Balmain To Auction Off Met Gala Looks For Charity
The Best Things About This Chanel Show Weren't Even The Clothes
A Catalogue Of The Most Catholic Runway References
Original ArticleFashion
0 comments:
Post a Comment