There are certain Met Gala regulars who you can always count on to deliver a major fashion fantasy on the red carpet—and one such Hollywood A-lister is Penélope Cruz. Now a fourth-time attendee, the Spanish star always brings whimsy and glamour to the Met steps (see: last year’s hooded Chanel ballgown). Tonight, Cruz again put forth her signature Old Hollywood glamour, wearing a Chanel Haute Couture bustier evening gown, complete with a sweeping train in silk tulle and silk taffeta. (It took over 500 hours to create.)
Cruz’s elegant design nodded to the “garden of time” dress code in a subtle, tasteful way: It was embellished with eight different types of French floral lace in black and silver. It also featured flower-shaped bejeweled buttons along the back. ”I thought it was a great opportunity to create a design that is inspired by different iconic vintage pieces, reawakening those ‘sleeping beauties,’” says Cruz of her look. ”I was inspired by the 1950s silhouettes of iconic Chanel dresses of that time. I also loved the different black and grey combination of the laces used in Virginie’s Viard spring 2020 couture collection.”
To add some glitz to the final look, Cruz accessorized with pieces from Chanel’s Tweed High Jewelry collection. Highlights included the Tweed Pastel necklace and bracelet, both designed in white gold, diamonds, and cultured pearls. She also wore two rings in white gold and diamonds.
In years past, Cruz has brought a bevy of polished fashion looks to the Met. In 2019, for the “Camp” theme, the star wore a black and white Chanel Haute Couture gown from the house s spring 1987 collection (long live archival!). Back in 2011, for “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty,” Cruz opted for a refined black Oscar de la Renta gown complete with a feathered trim.
Clearly, elegance is her fashion M.O. When she put on her final design this year, Cruz says she knew it was the right one. “I am a huge admirer of Virginie Viard’s work. Wearing her designs is like a dream come true,” says Cruz. “The dress she has created this year is truly spectacular, and it is very special to be able to wear it and to be part of a brand that I have loved since I was a little girl.”
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