Fashion and technology have never been mutually exclusive. This was said by Apple's chief design officer Jonathan Ive (who knows a thing or too about great design aiding great technology) during this morning's Manus x Machina preview, "Far from being mutually exclusive luxuries, technology and craft are of course not at odds, and much like beauty and utility, go hand in hand — all the more powerful combination." Some of the most storied fashion houses still around today wouldn't be here without becoming experts at the latest technologies of the times, whether it was painstaking pleats, mind-blowingly intricate hand-beading, detailed laceworks...as well as 3D printing, digital manipulation, or materials technology.
Tonight, on the Met Gala's Manus x Machina (or "hand x machine") red carpet, we had high expectations to see all of these elements come together under one roof in a major way. For a group of people who are used to serious style peacocking, the confluence of these two themes brought together haute couture-level drama with Silicon Valley-level showmanship. Light-up accessories and 100,000-hour dresses all in one place? Anyone bring popcorn?
From robotic arms to elegant dresses made entirely of recycled plastic bottles, tonight's much-anticipated carpet proves just how extravagantly fashion and tech can come together to produce one over-the-top spectacle. Click on to see the looks that that surprised, delighted, and did this hi-tech theme proud.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s grunge phase continued going strong in a — you guessed it — metallic Louis Vuitton minidress and knee-high gladiator heel complete with a deep-plum pout.
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images.
Anna Wintour
As the first to arrive, Anna Wintour made her entrance in what else but Chanel Haute Couture. Extra-long fringe and a major statement collar feel boundary-pushing for the Editor-in-Chief, but she looked as elegant as you’d expect.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Solange
Solange is all about bringing the avant-garde silhouettes to the Met Gala, and her creation this year reminded us of her wardrobe choice at last year’s ball. Only she could pull off this pastel, pleated work of art by David LaPort.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic.
Poppy Delevingne
Attendees must be hearing Poppy Delevingne jingle as she walks by in her Marchesa gown dripping in silver beading and studded, blinged-out accessories. It seems one of the most direct ways to approach this year’s theme is through all-metallic-everything.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage.
Emma Watson
Emma Watson is dress-over-pants’ #1 cheerleader, and this custom Calvin Klein dress mixes business casual with black tie. Bonus (and the best subtle nod to tech of the evening): This ensemble was made with recycled plastic bottles. It's finished off with jewels by Paige Novick and Walters Faith.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Florence Welch
This bottle-green iridescent dress was one of our favorites from the Gucci lineup, and we hoped someone like the vintage-loving Florence Welch would wear it proudly.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic.
Anna Ewers
Model Anna Ewers went for a dazzling, one-shoulder Hugo Boss gown that has the kind of 3-D texture you just want to touch. It’s on the conservative side, but brings just the right contemporary and festive feel to this year’s carpet.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Herizen F. Guardiola
Sometimes all it takes is a bright emerald green to stand out in a sea of silver, as Herizen F. Guardiola proves in a strapless, embellished Monique Lhuillier dress with a not-quite-Angelina-Jolie level slit.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Cindy Crawford
You can officially add Cindy Crawford to your running list of #BalmainArmy members. The iconic supermodel sparkled in a Balmain couture long-sleeved mirrored sequin gown that resembled the top of the Chrysler Building.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage.
Kim Kassel
Look, but don’t touch — that’s the message Kim Kassel’s three-dimensional dress by Giles Deacon was sending. It’s a hand-held-windmill-meets-sea-urchin creation that definitely speaks to the exhibit’s emphasis on futuristic, intricately created couture pieces that you have to see in person to really believe. We’re not entirely sure how someone goes into a bathroom stall in an ensemble like this one, but we guess that’s none of our business.
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images.
Kendall Jenner
We know this Versace dress is made with more than fishnet and stained glass, and yet, Kendall Jenner looks like a magical shipwrecked mermaid in it.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
FKA Twigs
FKA looks like a princess from the future no matter what she wears, but this tan Versace harness dress really hits that vibe on the head.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic.
Katy Perry
We’ve rarely seen Katy Perry look as regal as she did tonight, in a gorgeous hand-stitched black-velvet Prada dress with a pooling train. She takes this year’s Rihanna Omelette award!
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images.
Zendaya
Pretty dresses, plus advanced hairstyles, equal Zendaya’s red carpet formula. This bowl cut and textured Michael Kors body-con dress give off strong intergalactic Queen vibes, and we love her for it.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic.
Ellie Bamber
What do you get when you combine an empire waist, a bubble skirt and some out-of-this-world embroidery? This elegant nude number by Giles Deacon, which Ellie Bamber outfitted with an equally neutral single-strap heel and some sparkling earrings that pull from the colors in the skirt.
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images.
Brie Larson
We love to see Brie Larson stepping out of her comfort zone and into some Proenza Schouler. A single black ribbon at the center of the bodice and some waterfall ruffles are all it took to make this sequin dress stand out from crowd.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic.
Wendi Deng
Detailed lace is front and center in this conservative yet intricate Christopher Kane dress on Wendi Dung, reminding us that Manus x Machina is not only about sequins and metallics, but stunning hand-made details, too.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Fei Fei Sun
Proving that a tech theme doesn’t have to be taken too literally, Fei Fei Sun went for a more minimalistic adaptation from J. Mendel with delicate beading, chandelier earrings and some cold shoulders.
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images.
Ciara
This bejeweled, cross-covered Swarovski crystal sheath that Ciara wore is an H&M original (but we bet if you tweet enough nice things at them, they might make it available).
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images.
Zoe Saldana
We imagine the confidence Zoe Saldana has in this show-stopping Dolce & Gabbana gown mirrors how a peacock feels when it spreads its feathers for all to see.
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images.
Saoirse Ronan
Finally, someone opted for feathers instead of sequins, which are another focus of the Met’s Manus x Machina exhibit; Saoirse gets funky with a voluminous shoulder moment and glitzy butterfly brooch by Christopher Kane.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic.
Lauren Santo Domingo
Lauren Santo Domingo’s tinsel-fringe Giambattista Valli Couture dress is so festive and fun — like what you’d wear if the future you threw a New Year’s Eve party.
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images.
Alexa Chung
Leave it to It-girl Alexa Chung to ditch the gown in exchange for a plunging sequin Thakoon powersuit that’s a lot like what we wish we could wear to our next important board meeting.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Mackenzie Davis
Yes, tonight’s carpet is no stranger to some silver sequins, but Mackenzie Davis took it up a notch with a dramatic sheer cape by Altuzarra that added extra dimension to her skin-bearing, deep-V gown. An on-trend choker and stud earrings is all the look required to feel truly Met Gala-ready
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic.
Chloë Grace Moretz
Coach’s latest face, Chloë Grace Moretz, wore a custom creation by the brand that placed pleats and elegant construction at the forefront.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Michelle Williams
Short dresses are the style choice of the evening. Michelle Williams went for a structured navy Louis Vuitton number that shows some major leg — well, aside from the chunky combat boots, that is.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Uma Thurman
Uma Thurman kept it simple in a cream-colored Tommy Hilfiger gown with a thigh-high slit and a touch of glitz on one shoulder.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Edie Campbell
And, of course, another sequin suit appeared on the carpet — this time it was a Burberry version with contrasting lapels on Edie Campbell.
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images.
Tabitha Simmons
Tabitha Simmons looked like she stepped right out of the museum itself by going beyond just sequins or beading. She opted for a dramatic red-velvet Dolce & Gabbana gown with oversized shoulders and golden embroidery fit for a queen. Of course, a velvet choker to match was in order, and some chandelier earrings too, because why not?
Photo: Andrew Toth/Getty Images.
Grimes
In true Grimes form, the singer kept it laid-back cool in a Louis Vuitton satin colorblocked dress. No need for impractical clutches or sky-high heels here — instead, some cool-girl metallic combat boots and a mini trunk-bag make this a slightly upgraded version of her everyday personal style, and that’s something we can totally get behind.
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images.
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez gave a Louis Vuitton slip dress some edge with a structured leather bustier and heavy-soled black boots with contrasting laces. It’s not the most glam red-carpet look we’ve seen the starlet step out in, but we appreciate the amount of celebs that left the blister-inducing shoes at home in favor of some more practical footwear (New York is chilly and rainy tonight, after all).
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic.
Lara Stone
Lara Stone took a classic glamour route in her long-sleeved Tom Ford gown tailored to her every inch. Vertical stripes of glimmering beads dripped from top to bottom, and contrasting solid black trim lined the dress at the neckline and wrist. And, that attached choker detail you’ve been seeing on bloggers and Hadids left and right makes an appearance here, too.
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images.
LaLa Anthony
Just when you thought ombre was dead and gone, the trend showed up on LaLa Anthony’s glimmering Nicolas Jebran frock that plunges just far enough to make us do a double take. The upper portion’s got some serious structure — so much so that she probably won’t be hugging too many fellow celebs tonight without major friction issues. Accessories in this red-hot look were kept to a minimum to let the gown do the real talking.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage.
Alicia Vikander
Making a case for the minidress, Alicia Vikander walked the carpet in a pieced-together Louis Vuitton dress complete with sequins, a patent leather bustier detail, and a pretty quirky footwear choice, if you ask us.
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images.
Elle Fanning
Didn’t think the whole bedroom-dressing trend could make it to the Met Gala red carpet? Allow Elle Fanning to show you how it’s done in what looks like a formal, structured take on a satin nightgown, designed by Thakoon. Minimal jewelry was the name of tonight’s game for many of the celebs, as you can see with Fanning’s fine lariat of diamonds.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Misty Copeland
Misty Copeland took the less-is-more approach in a silky, strapless Jason Wu dress that’s pretty no-frills — well, aside from the understated asymmetric ruffle at the skirt. It’s the kind of dress that skips out on any uncomfortable boning, beading, or risky cut-outs. Heck, it looks so comfortable she could probably break out in dance (which we assume she might just do when the party kicks up).
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Hailee Steinfeld
Though we’ve seen Hailee steinfeld try some micro-rompers, crop-tops, short skirts, and thigh-high slits on many a red carpet, this emerald H&M keeps things more grown-up for the budding actress-meets-singer. The side-slits add a youthful touch, but the gold accessories (platform heels and a bauble-choker) ensure this look is as high-class as the event itself.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Amber Valletta
Remember those bubble skirts you wore in middle school? Blow that up with three times the volume add some feathers and you’ve got the next-level bubble skirt that’s the focal point of Amber Valletta’s H&M dress. You might not expect such a high-concept dress from a fast-fashion brand, but this detailed navy number shows that even a mega-retailer can bring the red carpet heat.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic.
Maria Sharapova
Take the red-dress-dancer emoji and stick it on the Met Gala carpet, and you get Maria Sharapova’s firecracker Juan Carlos Obando frock that boasts a long sleeve and contrasting cut-outs that show a little skin up top. And, as if we needed one more reason to be fans of the single statement earring, this accessory look just sealed the deal. Who can go wrong with what might as well be a piece of art hanging from one ear only?
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Emily Ratajkowski
Emily Ratajkowski is no stranger to showing some skin, and tonight’s red carpet is no exception. From the front, you’ll get a major décolletage moment and a good amount of leg; once turned around, her back takes center stage with sexy mesh paneling. You can thank Prabal Gurung for this black-and-white stunner that Ratajkowski finished off with chandelier earrings and strappy black stilettos.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic.
Allison Sarofim
If you read our fashion pages, you know we’re fond of a tunic and some super-flared pants. And, that sentiment is only strengthened by Allison Sarofim’s red-carpet version of a two-piece set, complete with green sequins and topped with a statement-making cape. The topper is all feathers from the outside and mesmerizing florals on the inside, so no matter which side you catch this look from, you’re in for a treat.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic.
Aja Naomi King
It looks like some celebrities woke up and decided to do their own thing, leaving the theme aside and opting for minimalist gowns that they probably just feel, well, comfortable in. We can understand wanting to forgo stiff constructions and itchy sequins in favor of a streamlined, v-neck spaghetti strap gown, like this sunny Prabal Gurung one Aja Naomi King wore.
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images.
Kate Upton
If a Barbie got that exclusive invite to tonight’s party of the year, this is likely what she would wear. Kate Upton wore a sophisticated and sparkling Topshop gown that was one-part long-sleeved and one-part sleeveless, and finished the look with classic pointed-toe pumps and a handheld box clutch.
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images.
Kate Bosworth
Kate Bosworth looked like luxe, modern-day royalty in a diamond-encrusted Dolce & Gabbana dress. While we can only imagine how much a dress like this weighs (and the same goes for many a dress on tonight’s carpet) nothing beats going big or going home with the embellishments for an event like this one.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Huma Abedin
Huma Abedin took a break in between winning shit for Hillary to walk the red carpet in a beaded, luminescent Altuzarra dress.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic.
HAIM
The HAIM sisters — Este, Danielle, and Alana — wore delicately knitted matching Rodarte dresses like a trio of Victorian wood nymphs.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Alessandra Ambrosio
This silver-crocheted Balmain dress that Alessandra Ambrosio is wearing mixes old-school handicrafts with new-school tech.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic.
Jennifer Hudson
H&M made a custom white gown for Jennifer Hudson, complete with 3-D beading, hand-melted sequins, and French knots. And yes — the four-foot-long tulle train definitely helped Hudson make one of the most memorable entrances of the evening.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic.
Jourdan Dunn
No one is disputing the fact that Balmain is the king of “future” silver dresses. Jourdan Dunn’s version mixes 1920s art deco with 2020s paneling.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic.
Kylie Jenner
We’ve seen this dress in person, and Kylie is wearing at least twenty pounds of sparkle here. Props to Balmain for making a dress so heavy look so ethereal, and snaps to Ms. Jenner for turning this red carpet walk into a workout.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Nicole Kidman
Nope — space might not technically be considered “technology,” but this twinkling Alexander McQueen dress is so magical, we’ll forgive Nicole Kidman this once.
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images.
Kris Jenner
A skin-tight, long-sleeved dress isn’t a huge departure for Kris Jenner — especially a skin-tight, long-sleeved Balmain dress — but the unbelievably complex beadwork on the dress is ten points for Team Manus.
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images.
Lily-Rose Depp
Lily-Rose Depp shows off Chanel’s atelier prowess with an haute couture dress covered in hundreds of hand-puckered and -embroidered baubles.
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images.
Willow Smith
Never underestimate the sartorial powers of a Smith offspring — Willow Smith brought a sophisticated side of herself to tonight’s events in a badass Chanel Couture ensemble.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic.
Sienna Miller
Sometimes you just want to look as much like an awards show statue as possible, and Sienna Miller clearly woke up on that side of the bed in this statuesque golden Gucci gown.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage.
Kate Hudson
This Atelier Versace gown takes 3D printing to the next level future. And for those who got to see it in person, it looked like Hudson was floating down the carpet.
Lady Gaga
Well, if this isn't a flashback to the 80s, we don't know what is. This custom Versace body suit may not be the most comfortable (or warm) silver offering of the night, but it sure is fun to look at.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic.
Karolina Kurkova
There always has to be one attendee who looks straight out of a fairy tale dream, and Karolina Kurkova got that superlative tonight in a Marchesa gown that floated down the carpet like air.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Allison Williams
You know when you look at a gown and just wish it was immediately on your body? That’s how we felt about Allison Williams’ Peter Pilotto ballgown with a one-shoulder detail and side cut-out that perfectly frames some hard-earned abs.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic.
Léa Seydoux
Sticking to her Parisian roots, Léa Seydoux went with what French women know best: black. And with a toe-to-torso zipper like that, this Louis Vuitton number is weather-friendly. (We can't speak for the glitter, though.)
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic.
Mindy Kaling
This image doesn’t do this Tory Burch clutch (or dress) justice, but the bag is covered in color-changing Swarovski crystals and the iridescent mint-green dress is hand-pleated.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic.
Bella Hadid
Usually, the red carpet is a sea of strappy heels and pointed-toe pumps, but Bella Hadid made a case for thigh-high boots with her Givenchy Haute Couture ensemble. It reminded us why we love black-on-black so much.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage.
Bee Shaffer
Bee Shaffer, Anna Wintour’s daughter, opted for an elegantly constructed Alexander McQueen gown that requires everyone to stay at least four feet behind her at all times, because that’s what the Met Gala is for, right?
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Amy Schumer
Amy Schumer has been turning it out lately on the red carpet, and this flame-red Alexander Wang frock with the futuristic sliced bodice was Hunger Games-level fire.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Lorde
This cotton-candy fluff of a Valentino dress was so perfectly atypical for the typically moody, brooding Lorde.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic.
Naomi Campbell
This midriff-baring Roberto Cavalli dress is not made for wallflowers. Naturally, Naomi Campbell did it justice.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Madonna
What other woman could pull off an ass-less goth mummy Givenchy dress and a NeverEnding Story tiara? Madonna — obviously.
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images.
Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik
Gigi Hadid brought back the halter in a big way with a charcoal-gray Tommy Hilfiger gown that mirrored her date’s robot arms just so. Also, Zayn’s robot arm gets a thumbs up from us.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic.
Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian in body-hugging Balmain may not be anything new, but no one can say that she doesn’t look amazing in a “I’m a disco ball, and thus, the center of attention” kind of way.
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images.
Julie Macklowe
This is what a fashion-bot looks like. Julie Macklowe took the theme to heart with this next-level Valentino jumpsuit that took us in a time machine to the future.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Joan Smalls
We don’t even have enough fingers to count how many bustier bodices we spotted on this year’s red carpet, but no one does that detail quite like Balmain, as Joan Smalls’ all-over crystal gown proved.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Amandla Stenberg
We love a young attendee who can bring a fresh perspective to the carpet, and Amandla Stenberg did just that in a strappy red pants-number by Calvin Klein that reminds you dresses are so last year.
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