Billie Eilish’s Oscar de la Renta Met Gala Gown Is an Ode to Marilyn Monroe

Billie Eilish’s viral British Vogue cover story pays homage to classic Hollywood sirens, and she’s now been chosen to broadcast what is perhaps the most revered celebrity in the world. Met gala 2021: Marilyn Monroe. Eilish — co-hosting the gala dinner alongside Gen-Z superstars Timothée Chalamet, Naomi Osaka, and Amanda Gorman — hit the red carpet in a bubbly Oscar de la Renta black gown, inspired by a canvas dress tulle that Monroe wore. attended the 1951 Oscars. The theme of this year’s prom was “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion”, so Eilish became one of the biggest names in American fashion to craft the song. Her singing for a woman is as ingrained in American culture as the stars and stripes.

“Billie was planning to go to the Met gala for the first time before the pandemic hit,” says British Vogue style director Dena Giannini, who styled the Happier Than Ever star for the event. “She’s always dreamed of wearing a proper evening gown — especially something with elastic, thanks to her love of Barbies growing up — but she thought it could be in a acid blue lines or something along those lines. However, after being on the cover of British Vogue, her style began to evolve. After looking at about a million images together, she and I decided that it had to be the Oscar de la Renta for the Met gala. I called [creative director] Laura [Kim] and Fernando [Garcia], and within 10 minutes we agreed to work together. “

A few months later and the hygiene accessories that followed, Eilish had the red carpet look complete: a durable ombré gown in the color of feathers despite being massive. Eilish said: “I am shocked that the wearing of fur is not completely banned by this time in 2021. heard me talk about this issue and made a change that not only made a better impact for the animals but also for the planet and our environment. . I am honored to be the catalyst and to hear about this issue. I urge all designers to do the same.”

Although Monroe remains a movie legend nearly 60 years after her death, she only attended the Academy Awards once and presented the golden statuette for best recording to All About Eve’s Thomas T. Moulton. For the occasion, the quintessential American girl borrowed an off-the-shoulder black dress by legendary designer Charles LeMaire from 20th Century Fox’s wardrobe division. “Billie and I both love the great costume designers who have truly shaped America’s fashion history and Marilyn’s neckline and hemline has certainly inspired us. .” Complete interface? No less than 30 pieces of Cartier jewelry, including 25 rings — the most rings ever worn by a star on the red carpet.

However, after getting past the camera, Eilish changed into a more sensible – but no less magical – dress, trading a train for a cape and Monroe for another Hollywood legend: Grace Kelly. “Just like LeMaire, designer Edith Head has taken such a meticulous approach to her stunning work and it’s especially evident in the pieces she created for Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief ,” Giannini said. Garcia and Kim were tasked with reimagining the white strapless dress Kelly wore in the 1955 horror movie – but with the boldest red. Also spectacular? Eilish’s 30s vintage Cartier bracelet, once belonged to gold heiress Evalyn Walsh McLean, one-time owner of the Hope Diamond.