Last night at Gagosian Gallery on Madison Avenue, Louis Vuitton and Artistic Director of Women’s Collections, Nicolas Ghesquière, hosted an intimate reception before the 2018 Met Gala. Celebrating the Costume Institute’s exhibition “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, guests included celebrities dressed by Louis Vuitton for the night, including Emma Stone, Michelle Williams, Alicia Vikander, Sienna Miller, Jaden Smith, Jennifer Connelly, Justin Theroux, Ruth Negga, Laura Harrier, Riley Keough, and Doona Bae; as well as notables like Derek Blasberg and Paul Bettany. Between having their portrait taken by photographer Craig McDean, attendees enjoyed champagne and canapés, before they departed for the red carpet.
There to capture the moment, Whitewall asked the stars about their relationship with the maison, fashion, art, and their favorite Met Gala moments.
Emma StonePhoto by Steve Benisty
On her relationship with Louis Vuitton
“The house is incredible and I’ve been learning a lot more about the history. I got into it all because of Nicolas…He’s such a great human being and a great designer.” — Emma Stone
Derek Blasberg and Sienna MillerPhoto by Steve Benisty
Background: Artwork by Jonas Wood
On Louis Vuitton’s support of the arts
“Louis Vuitton is the ultimate luxury brand. They’re not just a fashion house, they are a creative force. The events they do are so pioneering…it really feels like it aligns with my passions.” — Sienna Miller
Michelle WilliamsPhoto by Steve Benisty
On her interest in art
“Art for me, it’s like another pool that you get to dive in and draw from. Ultimately it deepens an understanding about what the human experience is or can be.” — Michelle Williams
Jaden Smith and Justin TherouxPhoto by Steve Benisty
On the theme of “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”
“As we all know, Catholics know how to cut a hem. That pope is half done dressed better than anyone will be tonight—more sequins and more gold. It’s right on point. It kind of makes too much sense.” — Justin Theroux
Emma Stone and Alicia VikanderPhoto by Steve Benisty
On her look for the Met Gala
“I was excited because I saw the last collection, so I understood where he was probably going to take his inspiration from…This big collar almost looked like it had references to the Pope…I always feel extraordinary wearing his things—like I’m an elevated version of myself.” — Alicia Vikander
Jennifer ConnellyPhoto by Steve Benisty
Background: Artwork by Jonas Wood
On Nicolas Ghesquière’s designs
“I appreciate the design and I appreciate creativity and artistry of all forms. Someone like Nicolas is really an artist. He’s such a pioneer and is really innovative. He’s a singular talent and I really enjoy being a part of what he does and what he’s done over the years.” — Jennifer Connelly
Ruth NeggaPhoto by Steve Benisty
On the intersection of fashion and art
“I always bought Vogue when I was a kid. I think it’s an easy access to art. Not everyone can afford to go to galleries, but some of us can afford to buy Vogue every month and that’s a porthole to literature, art…I know that it can be seen as elitist, but I really don’t think that the people making [fashion] think like that. I know Nicolas doesn’t. He’s an artist and he wants to everyone to love art.” — Ruth Negga
Jaden SmithPhoto by Steve Benisty
Background: Artwork by Jonas Wood
On human intervention as art
“Personally, I think that everything can be looked at in an artistic way. If there is any type of human intervention, it can be looked at as art…For me, art is everything. I feel blessed to be around some human-made art in this gallery right now, and I feel it goes very well with what Louis Vuitton is doing.” — Jaden Smith
Laura HarrierPhoto by Steve Benisty
On attending the Met Gala for the first time
“This is my first one. It’s this insane thing that I’ve seen for so many years and the idea of being there with all of these incredible people that I’ve admired for so long is really exciting…I was totally that kid who was playing dress up all the time. It’s really fun now that, as an actress, I can incorporate that into my job.” — Laura Harrier
Laura and Riley KeoughPhoto by Steve Benisty
On her love of fashion growing
“I really love working with Louis Vuitton because Nicolas is such an incredible artist. He’s really deepened my love for fashion. Of course, as a girl, you always love fashion. But watching him and his collections and shows is just really inspiring.” — Riley Keough
