Met Gala 2022 Review: Will Modernism be the Death of The Met Gala?
Gilded Glamour, the theme for the second-part instalment to the overall exploration of ‘In America: An Anthology of Fashion’ happened earlier this month. Built around the tenets of American style, this exhibition explored both the mainstream designers of historical American fashion in additional to the unsung heroes of US design.
For fashionista’s and journalists all around the world, this event is one of — if not the most anticipated — events all year round for the fashion industry, and, with it being co-signed by accredited fashion giant Anna Wintour, anticipates a-lot of attention from both the general public and fashion representatives a-like. Who doesn’t want to scream with joy when their favourite celebrities are wearing the most elegant, free-flowing, deeply detailed garments referencing obscure and joyous details? Who also doesn’t want to rip their hair out at the most ridiculous outfits due to how terrible they are? Fashion has always been interrogated by opinions, and this event takes the red carpet to the next level.
For generations of themes and explorations, countlessly we have seen celebrities and their stylists head to the red carpet in what seems to be event-casual dress. What was considered to be one of the easiest themes this year was virtually setting celebrities up for success, making white-tie the fore-front of menswear and extravagant dresses the look for womens. What was served by participants was nothing even close to the years theme, with most celebrities wearing garments not even reminiscent of the era it was set. Even Anna Wintour didn’t follow suit. Yikes.
With there being around 215 looks, only a handful of those really encapsulated the theme adequately enough. The rest were modernised perceptions (in the nicest way possible) or wearing wasted fabric that was basic, generic and below the bar for the reputation of the event. The push to try and have the most shock factor has infiltrated many designers and celebrities thought processes when deciding what look to go for the event, subsequently making the theme an after thought rather than the criteria. In doing so, most are not following it at all, even though the theme was only dedicated to a life-span of around 20 years, which for a fashion era is considered to be a very short time. The ability to mis-interpret the theme was very slim, yet, many people were able to do so by ignoring the criteria completely. It was painful to see so many expect applause for looks that were un-relatable and far-fetch. This article will explore some of the best dressed and the worst, with the ending going into detail as to why modernism is ruining this event. Hopefully for the future, many will try to just stick to the theme rather than exploring outwards, because what is creativity if you are outside the box, still trying to look in whats inside.
Best Dressed
Blake Lively
Blake Lively was wearing a Versace Atelier dress in a design that was heavily inspired by New York City. In taking the steps towards the red carpet, Lively was wearing the rose gold gown which was wrapped by a extravagant bow. Inspired by Manhattans intricate architecture, Lively was paying a homage towards the early stages of the Empire State Building, originally rose gold. When the bow of the skirt was untied, the dressed unveiled into a cascading turquoise blue train, reminiscent of the constellation decor at the Grand Central station and the statue of liberty which oxidised to the colour blue. When in an interview on the carpet, she discussed that her inspiration from the dress came from the architecture around New York City rather than the people. This was a direct link to the time of the Gilded Ages, and wins the Met 100%. She is on-theme while looking absolutely stunning, wowing yet again for another year. Her jewellery and accessories matched, including two sets of gloves and her crown in matching colour.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish continues to build on her fashion portfolio, showing up to this years Met Gala in a Gucci-produced corseted gown. Her corset was boned in a mint green colour, with a square neckline embellished with a giant purple flower. Her skirt was in an off-white satin, giving a slight flair while still showcasing her elegant waistline. All of the materials used to create this dress was recycled by Gucci, making this look staggering and sustainable. In an interview on the red carpet, she announced that this was her time to move on; “it was time for this, and I feel like I’ve grown so much in the last few years… I was just scared and didn’t feel comfortable.”
Many people don’t believe this look worked due to its colour pallete, however, this dress was definitely on theme. In the time of the Gilded Ages, corsets were being overthrown due to early impacts of feminist discussion. The underground aesthetic movement actively discouraged women from keeping their corsets in the 1870s, leading to women wearing underpinnings to keep their dressed tailored. Many still used boning seen in Eilishs dress, re-enacting the heavy re-emergence of corseting in a contemporary and modern way. This era also saw an increase in brighter colour palletes as a way of showcasing their new found wealth in the Gilded Ages, as coloured fabric was a symbol of expensive fabric and production. Billie embodied this while giving her own flair of masculinity through the dark hair and choker — a homage to the Gilded Ages while still having an essence of her own style.
Nicola Coughlan
Brigerton Actress Nicola Coughlan debuted her Met Gala with a custom Richard Quinn corseted ensemble. The look was brought together by a pink and black feathered and embroiled gown with matching cape in satin. Taking inspiration from the early 19th century, the gown showcased exposed cups and a large flair impacted silhouette. The garment was paired with Jimmy Choo heels and jewellery from Swarovski. This garment suited her look and worked perfectly with her pre-requisites to Brigerton. No — they were not the same era, but their unique styles compliment one another in a way that makes historical gowns look extravagant. For the general public, seeing her in this type of dress was familiar, making it look natural on her.
Worst Dress
Kylie Jenner
As a tribute for the late designer Virgil Abloh, Kylie Jenner wore a wedding dress from Off-white, Abloh’s founded designer brand. “Virgil and I were supposed to go to the Met together before it got postponed in 2020” Jenner wrote in her caption on instagram. “To celebrate V tonight and his incredible legacy truly means the world to me. i’m humbled to wear this dress and honor my talented beautiful friend. we felt you tonight Virgil and love you forever.”
Even though this was a beautiful tribute to the late designer, the execution of the dress fell significantly flat for the theme. Given that this was most likely going to be towards the themes surrounding Notes on Camp, the juxtaposition of genres between the two Met Gala’s were very evident. The look fell in-between the lines, and, with how much time there has been between Abloh passing and the publication of this look, there could of been many other ways of showcasing this look that wouldn’t be overshadowed by Gilded Glamour.
Cara Delevingne
Cara Delevinge came to the Met Gala red-carpet in a pair of tailored trousers and a suit jacket, taking her blazer off to reveal that there was nothing on underneath but gold chains and nipple covers. Delevinge was painted liquid gold, with little bits of her body unpainted to showcase her psoriasis.
I don’t know physically or mentally how it relates to the theme and I think everyone had a similar opinion. It’s great to be able to showcase skin conditions, especially one as relatable as psoriasis, but this look did not resemble the theme at all. Many magazines and publications act like talking about filters and unrealistic body expectations are still ground-breaking, but, given that many people have been able to fully deconstruct their visibility online and on social media, it falls flat. If she had worn a traditional Gilded Age dress but showcased her psoriasis in that attire it would be of been more successful.
Amy Schumer
Amy Schumer continues to complain about her placement in the Met Gala. (Interviews include her dissing the Met Gala and the fashion that it stands for, such as a 2016 interview where she told Howard Stern “I figured I should have been grateful I was invited or something but it felt like a punishment - it’s not me and I don’t like it.”) I think I’m not the only one to say its reflective of the outfits she has worn, with this year being no different. She wore a matrix-inspired dress coat in matte black, with matching sunglasses, open foot heels and costume earrings. It speaks for itself.
Fashion critics all around the world come back with the same feedback asking for authenticity and appreciation to the era being explored. The need for people to dress differently due to the constant references of historical movements and eras by the public have tainted Met Gala themes and fuelled the celebrity need to be different. Modernism doesn’t re-define themes when executed poorly. Referencing specific ideologies that polarises the theme causes mis-interpretation. When celebrities stick to the theme and allow it to lead on the interpretation of dress, it creates the story itself. Putting your manufactured identity as a priority over dress for the Met is reflective of the superficial standard they put on the criteria for the theme.
Hopefully for the future we will see more participants actually participate.