Met Gala or fashion’s biggest night couldn’t take place in 2020 as it regularly would, thanks to the COVID-19 threat. However, it finally returned for 2021 after the pandemic. However, not Monday in May this time but as a grand finale, the second Monday in September. The gala is a star-studded fundraising event that goes beyond social media impressions and raised dollars.
It is a grand event of showing art as a fashion and fashion as art. The event reflects a form of compromise and defines cultural fabric. The theme is chosen with utmost consideration and story.
A Lexicon of Fashion in America: 2021 Met Gala
According to Andrew Bolton, for this year’s event, he centered the question ‘who gets to be American? The collection of Prabal Gurung’s tenth-anniversary collection was originally posed on white, red, and blue silk sash. However, the designers of America are at the forefront of the conversation.
The conversation including inclusivity, body positivity, gender fluidity, sustainability, and diversity. Furthermore, the show framework enables to focus on younger designers. Mostly, those who are engaging deeply and thoughtfully on those ideas.
From American designers, it includes over 100 pieces from Marc Jacobs to La Reunion. Furthermore, guests including co-chairs Timothee Chalamet, Billie Eilish, Naomi Osaka, Amanda Gorman will abide official dress code by the night.
Political Statement of Met Gala:
For the political statement, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Cara Deleving went viral. Many celebrities display their activism through fashion with their own statement. Although, A$AP Rocky’s underwear wasn’t visible publicly a source report it.
Furthermore, Gigi Hadid wore a Prada dress “decolonize the male graze’ many suspect the meaning of the statement. All-white sweat pants of Timothee Chalamet’s states quiet and confused about Brexit. Also, Kris Jenner wore a blazer with embroidered “say their names” on its sleeves.
Kim Kardashian arrives with a black Balenciaga full bodysuit dress. It was inscribed boldly with “reform prisons”. However, the statement was not visible as it was written in black.
About Time: Fashion and Duration: 2020
The gala 2020 was postponed due to the pandemic. However, in honor of the Met’s 150th anniversary, “About Time” the theme is worth revisiting. It looks back at the century and a half worth of fashion.
Furthermore, in Orlando, the 1992 film, Bolton found inspiration. As the film was based on the novel the Virginia Wolf of the same name. According to Bolton, fashion is present and he always felt the same.
Camp: Note on Fashion: 2019
Bolton drew a 1964 essay, “Notes on ‘Camp’” for the 2019 exhibition. The essay describes the mark of performance sensibility and kind of wiking bad taste. It is exemplified by different figures including Oscar Wilde and aesthetic outre moments like Art Nouveau. Furthermore, there were dazzling looks from Dior, Thom Brown, Moschino, Off-White, and many more.
Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and Catholic Imagination: 2018
The divine theme of 2018 had hundreds of holy items on display. It included dozen of objects and artifacts sent over from the Vatican. Beyond Rome, most had never seen the light.
At the annual gala, guests rose to the occasion. Furthermore, Rihanna was dressing as the pope. Also, Katy Perry is an angel with wings and accessories.
Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art of the In-Between: 2017
Met gala toasts Rei Kawakubo. She is a legendary Japanese designer and features her objects as she likes to call them. The well-renowned celebrities including Rihanna and Caroline Kenny support the original pieces.
However, others interpret the topic with other designers. As the event was organized by Pharrell Williams and Katy Perry.
Manus x Machine: Fashion in an Age of Technology: 2016
The event went back with tech at the forefront to the future. Celebrities including Claire banes literally lit up glowing gowns. However, Emma Watson was wearing a five-piece Calvin Klein Collection set made of recycled plastic bottles.
The exhibition aims to focus on the dichotomy between machine-made and hand-made fashion. It displays more than 100 pieces of ready-to-wear and haute couture.
China: Through the Looking Glass: 2015
The gala celebrates with a theme China’s influence on Western fashion for an emperor. The exhibition was a collaboration between the costume institute and the head of the museum’s Department of Asian art.
Furthermore, it shows looks from Chanel, Christian Dior Haute Couture, and Alexander. It attendees from Amal Clooney and George to Rihanna. The dress on-theme at the museum for a night wearing a stunning yellow robe by designer Guo Pei.
Also Read: The Best and Worst of Met Gala 2019 Fashion
