Every first Monday in May, the Metropolitan Museum of Art holds the Met Gala, benefiting the museum’s Costume Institute.
The Met Gala’s annual themes set a creative stage for attendees to showcase their fashion prowess. The 2024 theme, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” promises to be a transformative evening, drawing from the Costume Institute’s rare collection, pushing the boundaries of imagination.
The Co-hosts
As of now, the co-chairs for the 2024 Met Gala have not been revealed. However, it’s customary for these roles to be filled by notable figures in the worlds of fashion and entertainment. Previous hosts have included Kate Moss, Bradley Cooper and Oprah Winfrey.
TikTok’s Sponsorship of the Met Gala
In recent years, social media has played an increasingly significant role in capturing and disseminating the magic of the Met Gala, despite the no phone rule inside the event. In an age of instant sharing and viral moments, it’s no surprise that platforms like TikTok are getting involved. The announcement that TikTok is the lead sponsor of the 2024 Met Gala underscores the event’s relevance in contemporary pop culture.
In anticipation of the upcoming gala, let’s revisit some standout themes from previous years.
Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology (2016):
In 2016, the Met Gala took a bold step into the future with the theme “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology.” Sponsored by Apple and co-chaired by Anna Wintour, Taylor Swift, Idris Elba, and Jonathan Ive, the event explored the evolving relationship between craftsmanship and technology in fashion. Attendees showcased their interpretations of this theme through outfits that seamlessly blended traditional couture with high-tech elements. Notable standout looks included co-host Taylor Swift’s metallic snakeskin dress and Claire Danes’ luminous, fiber-optic gown, which illuminated the red carpet and captured the imagination of fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination (2018):
In 2018, the Met Gala transformed into a divine spectacle with the theme “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”. It was a stunning exploration of the intersection between fashion and religion, paying homage to the opulence of Catholic aesthetics. Notable standout looks included Blake Lively’s regal Versace gown as well as Rihanna’s divine-inspired ensemble.
Camp: Notes on Fashion (2019):
In 2019, the Met Gala took a turn towards the whimsical and extravagant with the theme “Camp: Notes on Fashion”. Co-chaired by Anna Wintour, Lady Gaga, Alessandro Michele, Harry Styles, and Serena Williams, this theme celebrated the art of camp, characterised by extravagance and a love for the absurd. Attendees embraced the challenge, adorning themselves in over-the-top, theatrical ensembles that blurred the lines between fashion and performance art. Jared Leto’s surreal ensemble, featuring a replica of his own head as an accessory was a clear standout.
The Met Gala, through its diverse themes, co-chairs, and standout looks, exemplifies the ever-evolving intersection of fashion and art. It’s a reminder that fashion is not just about attire, but a medium for storytelling, history, and boundless creativity. As we anticipate “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” we look forward to the next chapter in this enduring celebration of style.
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[Featured Image Creds: Teen Vogue]
