The Theme of Met Gala 2019: A Farsight to Fashion
The Met Gala as hosted at Metropolitan Museum of Art on 6th May 2019, carried more symbolism than we stand aware of. This year’s theme shows admiration to Susan Sontag’s essay “Notes’ on Camp” from 1964, published in the Partisan Review - a quarterly that focused on political & literal content.
The museum intends to showcase about 200 pieces of fashion, sculptures, paintings, and drawings under strong inspiration from the 17th Century, starting May 9 till September 8, 2019.
The concept of “Camp: Notes on Fashion” was ideated as the theme by Andrew Bolton, curator of Met’s Costume Institute, in the intrigue of decoding hammy fashion and the subbed homosexuality tone. Did you notice the Pink Carpet this year? To decipher, the symbolism was all about liberal life-choices & the freedom to be your #ExtraSelf!
Also, writer Sontag always believed homosexuality to be under-toned in art & style due to various reasons, which drew attention to the cause.
Her ideology from the essay pothers an air of vital awareness as the references build aestheticism & irony blending with a modern sensibility. Considering which, Sontag would have adored the external sensibilities contribute to the theme via a platform as the Metropolitan Museum.
"And Camp is esoteric—something of a private code, a badge of identity even, among small urban cliques."
Aforementioned is an excerpt from the essay, directing to the essence of individuality in the modern sense but with rich culture, staying true to the spirit. Back in the time, the resonance also showcased a threat within the society, which interestingly adds to muse when presented at the Gala, considering the diverse, bold and theatrical avatars as witnessed.
Renowned figures like Michael Urie from “Ugly Betty” swayed the audience with a sentencing & gender-blending Christian Siriano craft - divided into half a black-striped suit & half a bubbly pink ball gown. Given so, even his make-up was precisely artsy & extra-glam an ensemble.
Similarly, the English singer-turned-actor Harry Styles charmed the pink carpet with his look in Alessandro Michele’s design inspired by Oscar Wilde in the form of a posh, high-waisted pair of trousers & a bold lace top. His accessories also set a mark to the sonnet of independent art history as from the theme with the feminine folding of the tie, nail art & single pearl earring.
In all absolutes, even though the approach came into being years back, the realisation of this vast expanse has raised the bars of acceptance in the fashion industry in its most rustic yet contemporary nature, with well-appreciable contributions from the high street society & all it has to offer!
