As the countdown for the Met Gala is underway, there are a multitude of questions surrounding the glittering night. This year, the event’s theme is none other than “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” The Met Gala is an evening of otherworldly creativity being put on display for onlookers to get a glance at, however, there is still the matter of the invited guests who don’t necessarily ‘stick to the theme.’
Now, in attendance are two people on opposite sides of this argument: those who think that the Met Gala is a night where you can be whoever and wear whatever, but, rightfully, there are some of us who believe that there are some personalities who simply “show up.” There is a notable change within the energy that surrounds the Met and no, it isn’t the venue or the people behind the curtains who are making it all happen. The change that many of us are becoming aware of is housed within the guest list.
Starting in 2020, a major boom in internet culture resulted in the arrival of influencers. This trend began with Liza Koshy, who broke through the seemingly impenetrable walls of this night, being the first influencer invited to the Met Gala. Since then, we have seen many influencers gain access to the event, but to an extent, this takes away the mysteriousness that used to exude as the night pressed on. It used to be that we would see celebrities who were normally in the shadows, aside from a couple of posts dressed in elaborate outfits that could be gawked at and fawned over. But now, it’s become a whole new thing altogether.
Every year the theme changes and it seems that as the years progress, there is an obvious loss in not only creativity but certain faces as well. This year, however, will be different. I, like many others, believe that there will be more politically focused statements along the carpet due to the state of our world organization lately, with many still opting out of the event as a whole.
Regarding the theme, many celebrities and designers will be inclined to go for ‘story book’ looks such as renditions towards “Beauty and the Beast” with effects similar to the one we saw with Zendaya’s “Camp: Notes on Fashion” look in 2019. In addition, there will be floral patterns added to pieces and sights of attendees going for a more ‘clean and casual’ look right now. I expect to see minimal additions like slicked backed buns and pastel and neutral-colored designs.
This theme also gives designers a chance to truly encapsulate the various ways to express ‘change,’ so despite the ‘neutral’ pieces, there will be more flare in other aspects such as longer trains, capes or headpieces. Beaded, gold and pearl accessories will be preferred over diamonds much like the glamor we saw in the 2018 theme “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.”
Regarding the guest list, there will be a handful of new faces gracing the carpet, such as the fashion influencer Wisdm who was featured in this year Forbes’ “30 under 30” creators. He’s had collaborations with Tiffany and Co, The Sims, Gucci and is making a mark within the fashion industry with his twist on men’s fashion. We will also hopefully see the return of other celebrities who haven’t appeared in recent years such as Zendaya and Lana Del Rey, seeing as this theme is exactly what they encapsulate.
Beauty and grace are prevalent within this theme and will likely be the first time in years that a majority will either stick to it or simply have fun trying. With men taking a better fashion approach, ditching the black suits and bringing in more pomp than previous years. Overall, this year’s Gala will be more graceful and elegant than we’ve seen before, and I’ll be counting down the days.
