History of the Met Gala
History of the Met Gala
Nestled in the cozy corners of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the Arthur K. Watson Reference Room of the Thomas J. Watson Library, I took a deep dive into uncovering the fascinating beginnings of the Met Gala. Surrounded by stacks of books and shelves filled with historical gems, I stumbled upon a treasure trove of goodies! Original invites, cute RSVP cards, and even supper tickets whisked me away to the glitzy nights of the gala's early days. I geeked out over old-school bookkeeping notes and giggled at the quirky letters from the gala planners. And oh, those photographs! They painted a vivid picture of the first Costume Institute fundraisers, making me feel like I was right there with them. It was a whirlwind of discovery, revealing how this humble fundraiser blossomed into the star-studded bash we know and love today.
Since its inception in 1948, the Met Gala has captivated the world with its dazzling displays of fashion, art, and philanthropy. What began as a modest fundraising event has blossomed into a global phenomenon, attracting the most influential figures from the realms of entertainment, fashion, and culture. Let's embark on a journey through the illustrious history of the Met Gala, tracing its evolution from humble beginnings to its current status as one of the most prestigious events on the social calendar.
Eleanor Lambert and the Origins of The Met Gala
Eleanor Lambert and the Origins of The Met Gala:
The Met Gala owes its origins to publicist Eleanor Lambert, who organized the first Costume Institute Benefit in 1948. The aim was to raise funds for the newly-established Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The inaugural event was a modest affair, attended by socialites and members of New York's high society. Below are images I took of the invitation, RSVP card, and supper ticket to the first Costume Institute fundraiser (what would eventually become The Met Gala as we know it today.) You might notice tickets were just $50 as compared to the approximate $75,000 per ticket or $350,000 per table today.
Eleanor Lambert, a pioneering figure in the world of fashion public relations, left an indelible mark on the industry through her visionary leadership and tireless advocacy. Born in 1903, Lambert became one of the most influential publicists of her time, renowned for her keen eye for talent and her ability to shape the careers of emerging designers. In 1948, she organized the first Costume Institute Benefit, laying the foundation for what would later become the iconic Met Gala. Lambert's efforts not only raised crucial funds for the Costume Institute but also helped elevate American fashion onto the global stage. Throughout her illustrious career, Lambert championed diversity and inclusivity, paving the way for future generations of designers and industry professionals. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence the fashion world to this day.
Diana Vreeland and the Early Years of The Met Gala
Diana Vreeland and the Early Years of The Met Gala:
In its early years, the gala was a relatively low-key affair, with attendees donning elegant attire to support the Costume Institute's exhibitions. However, it wasn't until the 1970s that the gala began to gain traction as a must-attend event. Under the guidance of legendary fashion editor Diana Vreeland, the gala became more extravagant, attracting a wider audience and garnering media attention.
Diana Vreeland was an iconic figure in the realm of fashion journalism and curation who influenced the industry through her unparalleled creativity and bold vision. Born in 1903, Vreeland's illustrious career spanned several decades, during which she served as an influential editor for Harper's Bazaar and Vogue magazines. Renowned for her avant-garde approach to fashion, Vreeland challenged conventional norms and pushed boundaries, shaping the cultural landscape of her time. In 1973, she became a pivotal force behind the Met Gala, infusing the event with her trademark flair and transforming it into a glittering spectacle that celebrated the intersection of art and fashion. Vreeland's legacy as a trailblazer and tastemaker continues to inspire generations of designers, editors, and fashion enthusiasts, cementing her status as an enduring icon of style and creativity.
The Anna Wintour Era of The Met Gala
Anna Wintour Era:
The turning point for the Met Gala came in 1995 when Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue, assumed the role of co-chair. With Wintour's influence, the gala underwent a transformation, evolving into a star-studded extravaganza that rivaled the Oscars in terms of glamour and prestige. Wintour's keen eye for fashion and her ability to attract A-list celebrities catapulted the gala to new heights of fame and fortune.
Born in 1949, Anna Wintour began her career in fashion journalism in the 1970s and quickly ascended to prominence, serving in key editorial roles at publications such as Harper's Bazaar and Vogue. In 1995, she assumed the role of editor-in-chief at Vogue, where she revolutionized the magazine with her sharp editorial direction and keen eye for emerging talent. Wintour's tenure at Vogue transformed the publication into a cultural powerhouse, setting trends and shaping the global fashion landscape. Beyond her editorial prowess, Wintour's influence extends to the realm of philanthropy, as evidenced by her instrumental role in shaping the Met Gala into the high-profile fundraising event it is today. With her signature bob haircut and dark sunglasses, Wintour has become an emblem of style and authority, inspiring generations of fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
Met Gala Themes and Exhibitions by Year - 2024
Met Gala Themes and Exhibitions by Year:
One of the hallmarks of the Met Gala is its annual theme, which sets the tone for the evening's festivities and inspires attendees to embrace creativity and innovation in their attire. Each year, the gala coincides with the opening of the Costume Institute's latest exhibition, providing a thematic backdrop for the event. Past themes have ranged from "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" to "Camp: Notes on Fashion," with each exhibition exploring different facets of fashion history and culture.
1971 - Fashion Plate: Selections from the Costume Institute
1972 - Untitled
1973 - The World of Balenciaga
1974 - Romantic and Glamorous Hollywood Design
1975 - American Women of Style
1976 - The Glory of Russian Costume
1977 - Vanity Fair: A Treasure Trove
1978 - Diaghilev: Costumes and Designs of the Ballets Russes
1979 - Fashions of the Habsburg Era: Austria-Hungary
1980 - The Manchu Dragon: Costumes of China, the Chi'ng Dynasty
1981 - Yves Saint Laurent: 25 Years of Design
1982 - Le Belle Époque
1983 - Costumes of Royal India
1984 - Man and the Horse
1985 - Costumes of Royal India
1986 - Dance
1987 - The Age of Napoleon: Costume from Revolution to Empire, 1789-1815
1988 - From Queen to Empress: Victorian Dress 1837-1877
1989 - The Age of Napoleon: Costume from Revolution to Empire, 1789-1815
1990 - Théâtre de la Mode: Fashion Dolls: The Survival of Haute Couture
1991 - Nineteenth-Century Costume from the Kyoto Costume Institute
1992 - Fashion and History: A Dialogue
1993 - Diana Vreeland: Immoderate Style
1994 - Orientalism: Visions of the East in Western Dress
1995 - Haute Couture
1996 - Christian Dior
1997 - Gianni Versace
1998 - Cubism and Fashion
1999 - Rock Style
2001 - Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years
2003 - Goddess: The Classical Mode
2004 - Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century
2005 - The House of Chanel
2006 - AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion
2007 - Poiret: King of Fashion
2008 - Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy
2009 - Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion
2010 - American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity
2011 - Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
2012 - Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations
2013 - Punk: Chaos to Couture
2014 - Charles James: Beyond Fashion
2015 - China: Through the Looking Glass
2016 - Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology
2017 - Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between
2018 - Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination
2019 - Camp: Notes on Fashion
2020 - About Time: Fashion and Duration
2021 - In America: A Lexicon of Fashion (Part I)
2022 - In America: An Anthology of Fashion (Part II)
2023 - Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty
2024 - Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion
2025 - Extragalactic: A Retrospective on Space and Fashion - I’m not positive on this, but it looks like this is going to be the theme for next year. So just in case this turns out to be true, let’s take a look at what that could look like…
Potential Fashion Influences for the 2025 Met Gala - Extragalactic: A Retrospective on Space and Fashion
Several fashion designers throughout history have drawn inspiration from space and the cosmos, incorporating futuristic elements, celestial motifs, and avant-garde silhouettes into their designs. Some notable designers influenced by space include:
Pierre Cardin: Renowned for his futuristic designs and innovative use of geometric shapes, Cardin often incorporated space-age themes into his work during the 1960s. His "Space Age" collection featured sleek, mod-inspired garments with bold cutouts and metallic fabrics, reflecting the optimism and fascination with space exploration during that era.
André Courrèges: Another pioneer of the "Space Age" fashion movement, Courrèges embraced clean lines, geometric forms, and futuristic materials in his designs. He popularized the mini skirt and introduced avant-garde silhouettes that evoked a sense of space travel and technological advancement.
Thierry Mugler: Known for his theatrical and extravagant creations, Mugler often drew inspiration from science fiction and fantasy themes. His designs frequently featured sharp tailoring, exaggerated shoulders, and metallic embellishments, reminiscent of futuristic space suits and armor.
Hussein Chalayan: A conceptual designer renowned for his innovative approach to fashion, Chalayan has explored themes of space and technology in several of his collections. His "Between" collection featured dresses that transformed into tables and chairs, while his "Airborne" collection incorporated LED lights and pneumatic mechanisms, creating garments that seemed to defy gravity.
Nicolas Ghesquière: The creative director of Louis Vuitton, Ghesquière has been inspired by space and sci-fi aesthetics in many of his collections. His designs often feature sleek, futuristic silhouettes, metallic fabrics, and otherworldly motifs, reflecting a fascination with technology and the unknown.
Elsa Schiaparelli: an influential figure in 20th-century fashion, also drew inspiration from space and science fiction in her designs. Schiaparelli was known for her avant-garde approach to fashion, often incorporating surrealistic and whimsical elements into her creations. In collaboration with artist Salvador Dalí, she created the iconic "lobster dress" and "shoe hat," which showcased her playful and imaginative style. Additionally, Schiaparelli's "Constellation" and "Rocket" collections in the 1930s featured celestial motifs, such as stars, moons, and planets, reflecting her fascination with outer space and the cosmos. Her innovative use of materials and bold experimentation paved the way for future designers to explore themes of space and futurism in fashion.
These designers, among others, have contributed to the ongoing dialogue between fashion and space exploration, pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation in the process. The pieces pictured below are from the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Click on each image to read more about them on the Metropolitan Museum’s website.
For more on space fashion, click here for British Vogue’s list of Best Space-Inspired Fashion.
Impact and Legacy of The Met Gala:
Beyond its glitz and glamour, the Met Gala has made a lasting impact on the worlds of fashion and philanthropy. Over the years, the event has raised millions of dollars in support of the Costume Institute's initiatives, including acquisitions, conservation efforts, and educational programs. Moreover, the gala has become a platform for raising awareness about important social and cultural issues, with attendees using their influence to advocate for causes close to their hearts.
Looking Ahead:
As we reflect on the storied history of the Met Gala, one thing is certain: its legacy will continue to shine brightly for years to come. With each passing year, the gala reaffirms its status as a beacon of creativity, innovation, and philanthropy, inspiring future generations to embrace the transformative power of fashion and art. So here's to the Met Gala – may it continue to dazzle and delight audiences for generations to come.
Join us next year as we celebrate yet another unforgettable evening of style, spectacle, and philanthropy at the Met Gala.
