Ambassadors x Heavenly Bodies

The Met Gala 2018 - Heavenly Bodies

Hans Holbein’s 1533 painting - The Ambassadors

Since the first Monday in May, 2018, the fashion from the Met Gala’s Heavenly Bodies themed event have haunted me. Top looks for me included (Blake Lively, Rihanna, Priyanka Chopra, Jenifer Lopez, Chadwick Boseman, Cardi B, Zendaya, Stella Maxwell)

The Amabssadors is one of the most striking paintings in London’s National Gallery and on my first visit I spent lots of time scrutinizing it from a few inches away. The level of detail of the original is wonderful.

Rounding out the inspiration are a sprinkling of Judith Leiber bags positioned as their true form. Blake Lively did carry a Leiber bag to the event, though I have not added it in the painting.

For me, this rendition of the painting is an amalgamation of images that I have obsessed over for months or years. It’s an interpretation of a modern Renaissance woman, a mix of modernity with a nod to history.

Blake’s dress was said to have taken 600 hours to make - I think this painting must have taken at least 100 hours, mostly enjoyable. There are too many to count, but the jewels that encrust Blake’s bodice, her jewellery, Priyanka’s head dress, the hot air balloon and he anamorphic skull on the floor were a pleasure and a new adventure to paint.