The Metropolitan Museum of New York hosted its annual fashion exhibition this year with the theme of “Reawakening Fashion: Sleeping Beauties,” curated by Andrew Bolton. The exhibition interconnects the natural world and the transient nature of fashion, highlighting the conservation of archival dresses and the relationship between botany, biology, and fashion.
The opening gala for the exhibition, held last Monday, adopted the theme of “The Garden of Time,” inspired by a story by Ballard from 1962. However, the gala was overshadowed by a potential demonstration by the Condé Nast workers’ union, which was mysteriously called off at the last minute.
The gala has gained global recognition in recent years for its extravagant dress code, prompting guests to wear the most extravagant outfits possible. Several guests struggled to move in their elaborate outfits, including Cardi B, Tyla, Elle Fanning, Kim Kardashian, Gigi Hadid, Nicki Minaj, and Sarah Jessica Parker. The event highlighted the discomfort and limitations of fashion for the sake of fashion, with many guests unable to sit or move comfortably in their outfits.
The controversy surrounding the gala and celebrities’ outfits shed light on the challenges women face in the fashion industry, with social expectations and pressure to conform to unrealistic standards. The focus on extravagant and impractical outfits at the gala raised questions about the purpose of fashion and the objectification of women in the industry.
Ultimately, the MET Gala served as a reminder of the artifice and glamour of the fashion world, showcasing dresses that are more suitable for display than actual wear. The event highlighted the fine line between fashion as self-expression and fashion as spectacle, leaving many to ponder the true purpose and impact of fashion in today’s society.