NEW YORK, NY - MAY 02: Jennifer Hudson attends the "Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology" Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images) — NEW YORK, NY – MAY 02: Jennifer Hudson attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

For the second year, H&M had the privilege of dressing celebrity guests at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit. Taking the theme of this year’s exhibition “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology” as inspiration, the design team at H&M used hand-crafted traditions and cutting-edge techniques and materials to create individual looks for chosen celebrities.

“We savor every moment in creating these looks for the Costume Institute Benefit gala. Fashion is our greatest love at H&M, and it’s deeply inspiring to make outfits for such amazing guests using the most exquisite techniques and detailing,” says Pernilla Wohlfahrt, Design and Creative Director at H&M.

Singer Ciara’s intricate and daring dress was hand-made as if by a jeweler. Pendants of Swarovski crystals hung from a diamond grid of leaf-like metal chain, with a choker neck and sporty racer back.
“I have been a huge fan of H&M for a long time and I am delighted to have been invited and been given the opportunity to create a unique gown with the team. It has truly been a special experience all the way around,” says Ciara.

Singer and actress Jennifer Hudson wore a white bodice silk dress that showed the beauty of hand-embellishment, with 3D bugle beads, French knots and hand-melted sequins. The dress was finished by a glamorous four-foot train.
“It’s been an amazing experience to collaborate with H&M to create a one-of-a-kind dress. The stunning four-foot train makes me feel so glamorous,” says Hudson.

Actress and singer Hailee Steinfeld wore an emerald green gown that had effortless clean- cut glamour; its corseted bodice had a grid made of navette sequins overlaid with silk organza, while the floor-length silk satin skirt had a high central split.
“As a personal fan of H&M’s contributions to the fashion industry, I was especially proud to collaborate on a design that marries our tastes and highlights the theme of this year’s Met Gala. It’s been a wonderful partnership,” says Seinfeld.

Model Lucky Blue Smith looked sharp in an off-white Italian wool slim tuxedo blazer with a strong shoulder worn over a white silk shirt, both fastened with Swarovski buttons. His leather trousers had a blue metallic coating.

Model Pyper America Smith’s iridescent dress brought together machine and man-made techniques, with laser-cut vinyl feathers and fringing all hand-sewn onto a silk tulle base with a sequin bodice.
“I feel so lucky to have worked with H&M for my very first Met Gala. My dress is the perfect example of this year’s Met Gala theme, mixing intricate details and new innovative technologies but also keeping an iconic shape,” says Smith.

Model Amber Valletta wore an elegant look in sustainable materials. The dress is made of deep blue silk taffeta, embellished with over 1,000 hand-cut and sewn organic silk petals and recycled plastic sequins. Laser-cut petals were heat-transferred with reflective vinyl. Her boyfriend Teddy Charles wore a black wool tuxedo with silk satin wide lapels and strong shoulders.