The Met Gala’s Dress Code: A History and Commentary
The Met Gala is a highly anticipated annual event that brings together the worlds of fashion, art, and entertainment. The event is known for its extravagant fashion, and the dress code is a major part of the experience. In recent years, the internet has become increasingly vocal about whether or not attendees have followed the theme closely enough. While the dress code is not compulsory, it has become an opportunity for guests to show off their creativity and style.
The history of the Met Gala dress code dates back to the event’s inception in 1948. The first Met Gala was a benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, and the dress code was “black tie optional.” In the 1970s, former editor Diana Vreeland took over the Met Gala and turned it into a glitzy and glamorous affair. She began hosting the event at the museum, introduced themes, and invited celebrities from Cher to Elizabeth Taylor and Elton John.
The Met Gala as we know it started in 1995 when Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue and creative director of Condé Nast, took charge. Under Wintour’s leadership, the Met Gala has become a global fashion event. The event is now held on the first Monday in May of every year, and the dress code is always closely followed by attendees.
The dress code for the Met Gala is often inspired by the theme of the exhibition that is on display at the museum. In recent years, the themes have included “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” and “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” Attendees are often creative in their interpretation of the theme, and the results are often stunning.
However, the obsession with following the Met Gala dress code has also led to a flattening of true fashion appreciation and critique. Some critics argue that the focus on the theme has made the Met Gala more about celebrity and viral moments than about fashion itself. They argue that the event has become a competition to see who can wear the most outrageous outfit, rather than a celebration of fashion creativity.
Despite the criticism, the Met Gala remains a major event in the fashion world. It is a night when celebrities and designers can come together to celebrate their love of fashion. And while the dress code may be controversial, it is undeniable that it has helped to make the Met Gala one of the most talked-about events in the world.
