On Monday, May 6th The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York will host its annual Met Gala.
Camp, but make it fashion. Yes! You read that right the theme and exhibition for this year’s Met Gala is Camp: Notes on Fashion inspired by Susan Sontag’s essay, “Notes on ‘Camp.”
But we aren’t talking about nature activity. Instead, Sontag’s essay discusses questioning and pushing the boundaries on traditional sensible fashion into a style that was once seen as taboo. Sontag wrote in Notes on Camp that it is, “love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration.” In layman’s terms, tonight’s fashion is all about being extra a.f.
This was fully executed on Monday when guests stepped onto a pale pink carpet instead of a traditional red carpet. Satin, sequin, ruffles, and feathers were all key components in the looks for tonight’s Met Gala. Michael Kors, Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Valentino are just a few of the designer brands whose work was worn tonight.
Lady Gaga didn’t just settle for one dress by Brandon Maxwell instead her performance art entrance transformed from one dress to three until ending in just her undergarments.
Extravagant, exquisite, and extraordinary show-stopping fashion could all describe her entrance as well as other celebrities who stepped onto the carpet one by one in waiting of walking up the infamous Metropolitan Museum steps.
It is the most sought after invitation and an honor to receive, as you are unable to attend unless cordially invited by Anna Wintour, editor in chief at Vogue since 1988 to present day. It’s one of the most expensive evenings, as one does not only need to receive an invitation, but also pay a sum of $35,000 to attend. There is a no phone or social media usage rule during the night so after walking the carpet what happens next is a mystery. But through Hailee Steinfeld’s Instagram story this year she has given a peek at what goes on doing the night by recording Cher’s performance at the event.
One thing to remember is that the Met Gala is a charity event and the money is raised for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. Anna Wintour hosted the event with Lady Gaga, Harry Styles and Serena Williams. Most notably missing from the gala this year was Rihanna who in past years has been labeled as the Queen of the Met Gala for her consistent surpassing style choices.
This year Anna Wintour describes Lady Gaga’s look and arrival as unable to be topped while Rihanna in a tweet declared Anna Wintour as, best dressed. Blake Lively, Amal Clooney, Donatella Versace, Taylor Swift, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Beyoncé were among the many missing faces at this year’s Met Gala.
Although we are sad not to see them at the event there was some news face this year, Youtubers James Charles, Liza Koshy, Lily Singh made their debut this year. Camila Mendes, Lana Condor, and Kasey Musgraves also made their debut this year. It was also hosted Harry Styles first year attending the Met Gala!
It is important that art is subjective and fashion is art so keep that in mind when judging celebrities for what they wore for this year Met Gala 2019. In other words, don’t hate appreciate.