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Evolution of Met Gala Themes: From Dreams to Awakenings
The Met has released the 2024 Met Gala theme four weeks ago and has left many scratching their heads in confusion. The theme, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” might evoke images of ruffled dresses and Disney princesses, but the actual concept is a bit more abstract. According to The Met, “Using the natural world as a uniting visual metaphor for the transience of fashion, the show will explore cyclical themes of rebirth and renewal, breathing new life into these storied objects through creative and immersive activations designed to convey the smells, sounds, textures, and motions of garments that can no longer directly interact with the body.”
In honor of the red carpet event, we’re taking a walk down memory lane to revisit some of the best concepts. Keep reading for a complete list of Met Gala themes, dating back to 2015.
A Glimpse Into the 2024 Met Gala
The Met Museum has given viewers a sneak peak into some of the garments that will be used in the upcoming event on Monday May 6. “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion will explore notions of rebirth and renewal, using nature as a metaphor for the impermanence of fashion”. The exhibition dates are expected to run from May 10 through September 2, 2024, and will feature original research, conservation analysis and diverse technologies to revive and explore the sensory capacities of masterworks in the Museum’s collection (The Met).
A curated collage of couture garments on dress forms, showcasing intricate embroidery, luxurious textiles, and sculptural silhouettes from studio to showcase.
Met Gala Timeline
In the last ten years, this annual fundraising gala for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute has consistently delivered iconic moments that transcend the boundaries of traditional red carpet expectations. From the opulent and thematic affairs curated by Anna Wintour to the jaw-dropping ensembles that have adorned the world’s most influential personalities, the Met Gala has become a beacon of innovation in the fashion industry. Memorable themes from the past decade include the breathtaking “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” in 2018, the avant-garde “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology” in 2016, and the rebellious “Punk: Chaos to Couture” in 2013. As we embark on a journey through the highlights of the Met Gala’s recent history, we witness a tapestry of creativity, self-expression, and boundary-pushing couture that has left an indelible mark on the intersection of fashion and culture.
2023: Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty
The intent of the 2023 Met Gala theme was to honor the late designer Karl Lagerfeld. The theme was influenced by the approaching Costume Institute exhibition of the same name. A memorable moment from the 2023 Met Gala was Janelle Monáe’s costume change from her Thom Browne coat to a hoop skirt, which also included a sequined bikini underneath.
2022: In America: An Anthology of Fashion
As a continuation of the previous year’s Met Gala theme, both are observations of fashion in the United States. The standout of the 2022 Met Gala was Billie Eilish, who wore a Gucci silk corset gown that incorporated a goth/punk style.
2021: In America: A Lexicon of Fashion
Andrew Bolton, the Wendy Yu Curator in Charge of the Costume Institute, examined how fashion had been changed in recent years because of social justice movements and political views, believing that American fashion was encountering a renaissance. This year, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez attended the gala wearing a gown with the slogan “Tax the Rich.” Cara Delevingne also wore a top that had the words “Peg the Patriarchy” on the front.
2019: Camp: Notes on Fashion
Motivated by Susan Sontag’s 1964 essay Notes on “Camp,” the goal of this year’s theme was to celebrate a “love of the unnatural,” artifice, and exaggeration.
2018: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination
Medieval art, Catholicism, and fashion were the three main themes of the 2018 Met Gala. Looks included crosses on gowns or jewelry and crowns/headbands that resembled halos.
2017: Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between
The 2017 Met Gala theme honored Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo. It was based on Kawakubo’s interest in “in-betweenness,” with outfits reflecting themes such as East/West or past/present.
2016: Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology
The “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology” theme focused on the contrast between handmade haute couture and machine-made fashion.
2015: China: Through the Looking Glass
This year, the gala concentrated on China’s influence on Western fashion. The theme later became the subject of the documentary The First Monday in May, directed by Andrew Rossi and produced by Condé Nast Entertainment, Vogue, and Relativity Studios.
New York Embroidery Studio x The Met Gala
Paloma Elsesser 2022 Met Gala Lace corset done by NYES Inspired by Courtney Love’s Vintage Slip Dress
Model Paloma Elsesser channels vintage glamour in an ivory corset gown with a sweeping lace train at the Met Gala.
Amanda Gorman 2021 Met Gala for Vera Wang Pearl embellishments done by NYES “Looks to the Statue of Liberty”
Amanda Gorman radiates elegance in a flowing cobalt blue gown with a thigh-high slit and extended train at the Met Gala.
Kerry Washington 2019 Met Gala for Tory Burch Embellished with fix by NYES “Negativity is Noise”
Kerry Washington stuns in a voluminous peach-toned ensemble with dramatic tiers and hand-scripted details at the Met Gala.
Kate Bosworth 2017 Met Gala Black Tory Burch gown Laser cut done by NYES
Kate Bosworth captivates in a voluminous black gown featuring sculpted sleeves and a rich texture, embodying Met Gala elegance.
Miley Cyrus 2015 Met Gala for Alexander Wang Embellishments done by NYES
Miley Cyrus makes a daring statement in a black studded cut-out dress, blending edge and sophistication on the Met Gala red carpet.
At NYES, we continuously adapt to the ever-changing landscape of fashion, always ready to bring designers’ visions to life with precision and artistry. We are thrilled to have played a part in creating stunning pieces for these trending colors and look forward to many more exciting collaborations in the future. Stay tuned for more insights into our world of embroidery and craftsmanship. Make sure to subscribe to our blog to keep up with all the latest fashion trends!