Amidst the tumbling bouquets and acres of herbaceous borders on the gowns – the theme at this year’s Met Gala being “ Garden of Time ” – it’s easy for the men to get lost in the theatrics. No matter how sharp a sleek black tuxedo may be, it’s almost impossible to hold its own against a Widow Twankey ballgown sprouting gardenias halfway down Fifth Avenue. So hats off to Jude Law for flying the flag for men over 50 and looking absolutely the part while doing so at 51; no bells and whistles, no garlands or boughs, just presence and downplayed polish in a pristine Atelier Versace black tie ensemble.
It was his first appearance at the Met Gala in 14 years; he clearly decided to leave the silly sartorial merry-go-rounds (melting ice cube bags, dresses made of sand , anyone?) to the kids. He’s got a busy year ahead, starring in the new Star Wars television franchise Skeleton Crew and the new Sherlock Holmes movie, so expect him back in the spotlight after letting his acting and modelling prodigy children take centre stage for a while. There’s been an entirely commendable push in recent years for men to up the ante on the red carpet, and there was plenty of that in evidence on the night; Dan Levy in an ombre-effect Loewe suit that drizzled from corporate to joyously abundant with florals, Jonathan Bailey in a slick Loewe tuxedo with oversized corsage, and Barry Keoghan turning up as the Willy Wonka of the Emerald Isle.
All rather fun, but you can forgive a man of a .
