My Rant Diary: MET Gala Fashion
Iman in Dolce & Gabanna x Harris Reed (Image Source: Getty Images)
There seem to be a lot of opinions on last night’s MET Gala. And now you have another one you didn’t ask for :).
In regards to the fashion itself, overall it was meh—it felt like a normal red carpet, not fashion’s biggest event of the year. There were some great moments, but past galas really “brought it” and I feel the reason that the beige carpet was so uninspired was because no one was really mentally ready for it. I mean, there are countries still in the thick of this pandemic, but NYC is open—Fashion Week, Subway Series, US Open, MET Gala, VMAs and Broadway all within the same period of time—I feel we are asking fo another lockdown!
Personally, I think that this should have been held next May. Not sure what everyone is trying to prove and why we are in such a rush to get back to normal, when no one is really being normal. The guest list was more sparse than the past and though some big names showed up, there were a lot of former fashion icons missing last night—Lady Gaga (Queen of this event as far as i’m concerned), Beyonce, and Designer, Marc Jacobs (who is a fixture at these things).
Regarding the choice of fashion in relation to the theme, the theme was open, or at least the directive they were given was— American Independence or “What does American design mean to you?”, which can be interpreted in so many ways. So regarding the choices, did I love them? Not so much. But to say they didn’t stick to the theme or follow the guidelines, anyone who believes that is misinformed.
America is about inspiration to many, including myself, and a lot of the designs chosen were for that very reason. One of my favorites from last night was Iman and her explanation of why she chose her design was perfect—“because it is about hope; a ray of light”. And her ensemble definitely brought a smile to everyone that saw it. Hope and a ray of light is what what America and fashion symbolizes for a lot of people. IMHo, she hit the mark and gave us what we all need. Inspiration.
Some attendees went the Old Hollywood route gleaning inspiration from Audrey Hepburn (Although she isn’t technically an American actress, she is perceived as one to many. I absolutely loved Kendall Jenner’s gown). And to some took it literally, hence J. Lo’s Ralph Lauren inspired cowboy look. I mean, where else are you going to see someone dress up in a cowboy inspired outfit except America? Others used the opportunity to use fashion as a platform exhibiting America’s first amendment (Cara Delevingne always brings it), the Freedom of Speech, which I loved. There are more, but not looking to write a novel here…the point is, that all of these are American and I love that they took creative liberty with it.
A lot of the European Designers worn (Dolce, Versace, Dior) have all been inspired by the American woman and designed for American Women. So I have no problem with the attendees wearing an international designer. It was actually great to see such an international representation considering we are the biggest melting pot in the world.
What I do have a problem with are those who couldn’t explain why they wore their design or what the inspiration was. When asked why she considered her gown American Fashion, one starlet actually answered, “Because it’s on an American Girl”. I mean, seriously? Do your freaking homework especially when you know you are going to be interviewed. The MET Gala is both aspirational and inspirational to those watching the red carpet.
IMHO, I think they should have waited till May 2022 when the world is hopefully in a better place. The one thing missing the most from this Gala was the creativity that was omnipresent in past galas. We all need inspiration, yet there was a lack of that WOW factor here. Understood partly why it was held, but think there were other ways to promote the current exhibit at the MET and raise money vs having this blip of an event.