Through watching Burberry prove themselves the official pioneer of black and blue on this red carpet, crowning Thom Browne the undoubtable winner of this year’s gala and wondering how Lil Nas X ever spent any time in the closet, Louisa Clarke tells you all of her thoughts on this latest benefit, developed through social media coverage of the event.
Last Monday, we really started out the month of May in style when the red carpet was rolled out for another annual celebration of the widely acclaimed Met Gala.
This year it was all about celebrating and honouring Karl Lagerfeld’s contributions to the fashion industry, officially titled Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty.
It meant that this met gala, unlike all of its priors, was actually all about the brand and literally recreating looks rather than witnessing the magic created in fashion as one of the most creative art forms.
Where the gala is usually a demonstration of stylists and designers unbelievable talents, an opportunity to get a glimpse into their minds as we see how they interpret some really interesting themes and concepts, this years theme was literally ‘a designer’ - that’s it. Very specific mindset, very specific brands. Like wondering how to organise a bedroom with just a bed and no space to walk around.
Not to mention, the designer they chose to honour was a man who publicly mistreated women, immigrants, those who are overweight, those who have survived sexual assault, even criticising the brave voices of the MeToo movement. Which brings us to some unmissable negative space.
You may have noticed some of your favourite recurring guests weren’t there, no witnessing Zendaya take on totally original characters the second she steps on that carpet, which by the way this year looked like a pandering reference to please the TikTok gods which seem to be influencing the universe today, neither Blake Lively as she effortlessly matches it.
Unfortunately, if there is one main part of Lagerfeld’s career that we did see reflected as these shining stars lined the stairs to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it is his narrowing of beauty standards. The playground allowing the best of the best to use and explore and stretch their imaginations was replaced by unintended matching outfits and repetitions of the same idea as we got a strange insight into the horror of living in a world where everyone is thinking the same thing, especially in a creative space.
This lingering feeling stays at the back of our minds through a staple favourite for us all, the red carpet interviews. Where else can we find Emma Chamberlain coaxing out the most natural, hilarious, entertaining moments which become the best viral content, keeping us smiling and laughing all the way through to next years gala. But, this year, smiles were replaced with cringe as questions were answered with a series of ‘meows’ and wondering confused eyes.
However, pleasing homages to the man shine out where simple repeated features demonstrate an insight into what comes to mind when that name is uttered, and create some beautiful ensembles. Achieving the ultimate hourglass silhouettes, watching a battle of bolds against pastels, from angles, ruffles, flowers and bows, to stunning reds and pinks and blacks.
With designs which hug and frame the body with clever use of cut outs and boning and accessorise with fans, platform shoes, pearl beading, sunglasses and interesting but inspired references to Lagerfeld’s grey hair, there still comes to mind a long list of favourite appearances.
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