Just another night at the Met Gala
The 2012 Met Gala was an unforgettable evening, seamlessly merging the worlds of art, culture, and fashion. This iconic event, formally known as the Costume Institute Gala, serves as a major fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City, often described as the fashion industry’s “Oscars” . The theme for 2012, “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations,” set the stage for a dazzling exploration of creativity and innovation. Inspired by Miguel Covarrubias’s “Impossible Interviews” for Vanity Fair in the 1930s, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibition juxtaposed Elsa Schiaparelli’s surrealistic designs with Miuccia Prada’s modern creations. Directed by the visionary Baz Luhrmann, the exhibition featured simulated conversations between the two designers, a dialogue across time that brought their visions into sharp, exhilarating focus .
A highlight of the evening was the performance by Vittorio Grigolo. At that time, I was not just his wife but also his manager, making the anticipation of his performance a cocktail of pride and anxiety. Draped in a dramatic, Zorro-esque cape designed by Oscar de la Renta, Vittorio took the stage to perform “Nessun dorma.” His powerful, haunting voice filled the hall, captivating everyone present. The choreography, where dancers dressed in Prada lifted him into the air, added a layer of visual enchantment that left the audience spellbound. This dramatic and elegant performance was followed by Bruno Mars’s energetic set, which kept the night alive with rhythm and joy.
The entrance to the red carpet was like stepping into a Hollywood movie premiere. The flashing lights from countless cameras created a mesmerising display, capturing every moment of our arrival. The paparazzi were relentless, and the air buzzed with anticipation as celebrities ascended the iconic steps of the Met, posing in their stunning outfits and engaging with the media.
My own preparation for the night included a special visit to Oscar de la Renta’s atelier the day before the gala for last-minute touches on my dress. Draped in one of Oscar’s stunning creations, I felt every bit the part of a modern muse, ready to step into the night’s festivities.
There was a humorous twist to the evening when I was mistaken for Gerard Butler’s girlfriend, a mix-up that provided light-hearted amusement amidst the sophistication. Seated between Chelsea Clinton and Oscar de la Renta, I found myself in engaging conversations, a mix of insightful discourse and playful banter that added to the charm of the night.
The guest list read like a roll call of the world’s most captivating figures. Meeting Hugh Jackman, whose off-screen charm matched his on-screen presence, was particularly memorable. Bruno Mars, with his infectious energy, lit up the night with his performance. Icons like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Gisele Bündchen graced the event, each embodying the evening’s theme with their stunning ensembles .
Inside the museum, the “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations” exhibition was a feast for both the eyes and the intellect. The seven thematic sections—“Waist Up/Waist Down,” “Ugly Chic,” “Hard Chic,” “Naïf Chic,” “The Classical Body,” “The Exotic Body,” and “The Surreal Body”—explored the designers’ shared and contrasting approaches. The videos of simulated conversations between Schiaparelli and Prada added a dynamic, engaging element to the exhibit, making it a true highlight of the night .
The after-party was where the real magic happened. The formal atmosphere of the gala transformed into an exuberant celebration, with guests letting their hair down and dancing the night away. Vittorio and I joined in the revelry, surrounded by the crème de la crème of the fashion and entertainment worlds. It was a night filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
