The Metropolitan Museum just had its annual Met Gala, a charity event for the museum’s Costume Institute. First held in 1946, there has been a matching dress theme to kick off the annual exhibit since 1971. Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, has been the event chair since 1995. It’s one of the biggest events in New York, with the who’s who of just about every form of celebrity invited. The recent theatrical release of the documentary, The First Monday in May, about the history and planning of the 2015 exhibit and gala, seems to have widened interest in this year’s ball.
What fascinates me most about it is that it takes the idea of art as fashion, or fashion as art, to a new level. The 2016 theme is “Manus x Machina: Fashion in the Age of Technology.” Starting with the invention of the sewing machine, the exhibit traces how technology has changed fashion. Lots of people wore variations on shimmery latex and glitter, maybe more as an ode to sci-fi movies than anything else, but some of the costumes were incredibly clever and creative.From what I’ve been reading, Claire Danes glow in the dark dress drew the most attention. I suppose that literally was the intention but by all accounts, it was a showstopper. Created by Zac Posen, it had fiber optic lights hand sewn into the blue organza fabric, with a skirt so wide that required her to take a bus – that’s right, Claire Danes took the MTA – to the gala.
Emma Watson went the environmental route with a Calvin Klein & Eco Age gown made entirely from recycled and sustainable materials. Eco Age sourced three types of materials fabricated from plastic bottles, zippers made of recycled plastic and organic silk and cotton for Calvin Klein’s designers. The press is playing on the pun of how trashy she looked but this 26-year-old star was the epitome of elegance.
Sarah Jessica Parker has gotten some flack for her “Hamilton” inspired get-up. She landed on at least one worst dressed list and has had to defend herself to the fashion powers that be. However, after reading the NY Times article on how her outfit came about, I think she is being unfairly criticized. Instead of going for an obvious futuristic look, she went for “the technology of thought, of application, of fabrication.” After seeing Hamilton, Parker came up with the idea to apply the most sophisticated fashion technology to colonial era male clothes. While her pantaloons may not have been as glamorous as the multiple ball gowns, it was definitely more original.
These outfits are art pieces. Very often people ask me what is the most I would spend on a dress or article of clothing, and the answer is, it really depends as to me, high fashion is art. And as someone who loves art, it’s a pleasure to be able to wear it. So it is most fitting that these cutting edge designs are unveiled at the crown prize of museums in New York City, The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
