After a pandemic break, the Met Gala returns stronger than ever with artistic, problematic, innovative and beautiful designs.
Created in 1948 by fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert, the Met gala is a fundraising event of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York City. The party features a handpicked list of guests that collaborate with elite fashion brands to walk the famous pink carpet with their creations.
In 1995, Anna Wintor, Editor-in-chief of the American Vogue magazine, started hosting the event and made it even more exclusive after restricting social media use inside the museum and charging about US$30,000 in tickets for outside the official list guests.
Marking the opening of the Museum’s Costume Institute’ annual fashion show, the Gala honors a specific theme that sets the dress code for the carpet. After a break during the pandemic, the anticipated Met Gala featured the theme “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion”; exploring the art of dressing up in the United States while examining the most iconic designs from the past and their redefinitions in today’s world.
During last week, the big night was frequently talked about in the media; people from all over the world analyzed the designs and discussed their meanings. Looks such as AOC’s and Rhianna’s featured subjects such as taxes and immigration, bringing up polemic topics into discussion.
Singer Rihanna in Balenciaga Couture making a social-justice-related statement making a reference to the “black hoodie”, something that black people are usually incriminated by.
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wearing a design by Aurora James bringing the message “Tax the Rich.”
Making a reference to the classical Old Hollywood cinematography, Kendal Jenner, Billie Elish, Nikkie de Jager and many other guests honored classic icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Marlyn Moroe. The fashion brands did not only work to recreate classic outfits into modern statements but also renewed aspects such as the iconic hairstyles and jewelry.
Model Kendall Jenner paying a tribute to Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy
Singer Billie Eilish paying a tribute to Grace Kelly and Marlyn Moroe in Givenchy
Makeup Artist Nikkie de Jager paying a tribute to Marsha p.Johnson
Challenging the typical “suit and ties” usually seen in the male guests in the Met Gala, Lil Nas X, Troye Sivan and Maluma wore everything but basic designs at the ball.
Lil Nas X pulling off three incredible outfits, designed by Versace, that represent the coming out of the shell to honoring the real you. More than that, the design had a personal meaning to the singer who has just entered the LGBTQ community.
Troy Sivan’s take on “New York City chic” by Altu
Maluma wearing Versace referencing an American Cowboy that, in Donatella Versace’s eye, would be the best fit for a strong American man.
Finally, as polemic looks were a great part of this year’s theme, Kim Kardashian surely made one of the most controversial appearances at the ball; she wore a black Balenciaga ensemble that covered her body head to toe. Kim, who is no stranger to wearing bold designs even outside the met, wanted to make a reference to the sexualization she frequently suffers over her body since she started working with the media. In fact, the Kardashan is so commonly known for her body that most people were able to recognize her under the ensemble without being told it was her.
Kim Kardashion by Balenciaga
Kim Kardashion via instagram stories
Finally, the return of the Met Gala generated a series of criticisms and polemics in the public, filling the void that the pandemic left in the fashion media of one of the most important and expected events in this world.
EAC PRESS 