Emma Chamberlain wearing Mugler
A maiden gallery, an “ambitious” exhibit, an ambiguous dress code, an Amazon takeover – and? “May the 4th be with you” must’ve been the charm as far as the beige faux stone carpet gala arrivals – I didn’t cringe nearly as much as I had feared.
“The new (Condé Nast) galleries in the heart of this two-million-square-foot building make a statement,” said Max Hollein, Director and CEO of The Met. “Fashion is art – something that in our 156-year history we have always believed.” Apparently, commerce is art too, since these are the digs of the former gift shop, which has moved just beyond the maze-like exhibit.
“The history of art is the history of the dressed body,” explained Wendy Yu Curator at the Costume Institute Andrew Bolton. “The history of art cannot be told without the history of fashion.” The exhibition demonstrates the confluence or juxtaposition of paintings, textiles, sculptures, along with a fashion mimic or inspo.
Photo by Laurel Marcus
All well and good until you go down the rabbit hole of differing body types and anatomy, including the corpulent body, the disabled body, women’s reproductive organs, the diseased or disturbed mind. So much of the exhibit features various shades of skin-colored body suits that you would think Skims was the sponsor.
Photo by Laurel Marcus
The “woke” and pandering aspect of this display hit me in a way that it’s probably not supposed to. Among the classical looks of Greek and Roman statues are the celebrated three Little People present, including Sinead Burke, who is the model for the mannequin placed, ironically, way up high. Several people in wheelchairs were also there, including adaptive fashion icon Aariana Rose Philip.
Sarah Paulson
On to the Gala–I thought the “Fashion is Art” dress code was particularly challenging and was worried about the possibility of attendees with picture frames around their necks, which I’m happy to say didn’t materialize. Here are my notables in no particular order.
The Wun to Watch: I was unfamiliar with London-based designer Robert Wun, who launched his label in 2014 and has dressed many high-profile performers. Last night, he certainly made a statement with Naomi Osaka, Jordan Roth, Audrey Nuna, Lisa, and Gustav Magnar Witzoe.
Last Minute Save: Blake Lively obviously had her archival Versace with added “laundry” train in the works for some time, so the pressure was on to settle her lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, which happened yesterday. Not sure (don’t care) if Ryan attended, but he didn’t walk the carpet.
Most AOC Moment: That’s easy – Sarah Paulson in Matieres Fecales runway dress complete with dollar bill mask — supposed commentary on the 1% percent while in their midst. How meta!
Literally “Art” but Great: Emma Chamberlain in a painted custom Mugler by Miguel Castro Freitas, hand-painted by Anna Deller-Yee. There’s a fun fitting video of her and her stylist on Vogue.com where they unbox the dress. Honorable Mention: Also loved Chase Infiniti’s trompe-l’œil beaded Thom Browne.
Age Before Beauty: What were Bad Bunny and Heidi Klum thinking? Yes, Heidi is the queen of Halloween, but this is the Met Gala. And why were her eyes red like a bunny? Speaking of which, If he’s older does he now go by Bad Rabbit or maybe Bad Hare?
No Minors Allowed (Unless they have colorful names): Nicole Kidman’s daughter Sunday Rose and Beyonce’s daughter Blue Ivy are exceptions.
No LSD – Just LSB – It was reported that Lauren Santo-Domingo, aka “the Tom Brady of fashion,” would not attend due to the Bezos involvement. LSB showed remarkable restraint in her outfits, both at the press preview and the gala – not even as much boobage as one would expect for her Cinderella moment.
Those Staying True to Form: In a bit of déjà vu, Cher and Stevie Nicks surprised no one (other than the fact that they were there), and even Beyonce, Rihanna, and Cardi B I feel like we’ve seen similar looks before
Better than the Hunk He Played on TV: Paul Anthony Kelly/JFK Jr. for the win. He looked positively edible.
Exhibit I’d Really Like to See: Anna Wintour, during the press preview, spoke of how this was a “full circle” moment for her, from when she had to “chase people to attend” the once-small event.
Her first Met Gala — “In 1982, when I was at New York (Magazine), I shut my eyes and bought a $900 Yves Saint Laurent cocktail dress at Bergdorf’s, which was way more than my rent” to attend on a “cheap after dinner ticket” bought by her editor.
This is now her 29th gala, which has raised more than any other year (thank you, Bezos’). I would love to see that cocktail dress, along with other fashion icons prized early possessions (if they are retrievable), in a fashion exhibition.
