Books By Style

As May wraps up, it’s a good time to look back at one of the season’s biggest fashion events – the Met Gala. Known for its extravagant and glamorous red carpet looks, fans everywhere look forward to seeing what celebrities will wear.  This year, the theme was “Costume Art” with a dress code of “Fashion Is Art,” giving guests a lot of creative freedom, exciting fans. Still, only a few attendees really captured the spirit of the theme.

Unsurprisingly, Rihanna—beloved by fans and hailed as fashion royalty—was among the rare few who truly embodied the theme. A seasoned Met Gala icon, she not only understands the assignment but elevates it with every appearance. This year, she joined forces with Maison Margiela and designer Glenn Martens to unveil a custom jeweled masterpiece. Over 1,300 hours of artisan labor went into crafting the gown, which dazzled with its ornate structural frame.

Following “Fashion Is Art,” Rihanna’s gown was meant to reference the painting style of the “Flemish Primitives,” with the column silhouette reflecting the medieval architecture and atmosphere of Flanders. The gown itself is crafted from recycled materials, including fine copper woven with computer wire, ensconced around a bodice made of 115,000 found crystal beads, antique jewels, and chains. One Instagram commentator stated, “This isn’t a dress, it’s a museum piece from the future. Rihanna just turned the Met Gala into an art exhibition.” For a theme that some found hard to encapsulate, Rihanna easily turned it into her own showcase, highlighting artisanal and sustainable fashion.

The makeup mogul completed her ensemble with custom metal pin curls hand-crafted by Jennifer Behr – half of which featured Swarovski crystals. Styled by Jahleel Weaver for the event, the duo took “Fashion Is Art” to a whole new level by turning the artist into the art herself. Looking at the singer, it’s hard not to compare her to the jewel of the sea or mother-of-pearl. Like the perfect oyster unearthed from the sea to be plundered for its brightest pearl. It makes you wonder what other remarkably bright creatures lie at the bottom of the sea…

For those who have read the book of the same name – Remarkably Bright Creatures – you may already be familiar with the mesmerizing creatures that live in our oceans. But for those of you who haven’t, let me enlighten you. This story follows the adventures of a lively elderly octopus as he forms an unlikely relationship with the elderly widow who cleans his aquarium. As the two grow closer, the octopus leads the woman on a life-changing journey of self-discovery, bringing her closure after years of solitude. Through the bond, both species learn to love again and enjoy the wonders the world – and the sea has to offer. Remarkably Bright Creatures is the debut novel of best-selling author Shelby Van Pelt and is a heartwarming story about the redeeming qualities in family.

Fans who love Rihanna’s gold and silver jeweled gown may love this silver sequin Devora gown by Club London. For those looking for a more textured look, try the Posie gown by Rachel Gilbert. If you’re looking for something more extravagant, check out this hooded gown by Sophie Couture. Readers interested in marine life, redemption, later-life stories, romance, and unlikely connections will love this beautiful story about finding family in unexpected places. Remarkably Bright Creatures is now a feature-length film on Netflix – anyone interested in learning more about this story can buy the book in stores or online.