PEAKLIFE

By Kratika Agarwal

Met Gala has been the epitome of fashion events, drawing the world’s attention with its fascinating themes and iconic red carpet walks. Each year, the event celebrates the legacy of fashion and art with a unique theme that sets the tone for the fashion industry. As the world gears up for the 2023 Met Gala, honouring Karl Lagerfeld’s designs, fashion enthusiasts wait with bated breath to see what the celebrities have in store for them on the red carpet. With its rich history and glamorous legacy, the Met Gala continues to inspire and influence the fashion world, leaving behind unforgettable moments in its wake.

The renowned annual fundraiser, which was started by publicist Eleanor Lambert back in 1948, is a themed event where celebrities and personalities from all around the world flaunt stunning, custom-made outfits. It all started in 1995, when Vogue’s former editor-in-chief Anna Wintour became chairperson of the event, and blessed the event with the idea of having themes.

This fashion parade is an event that many fashion enthusiasts and to-be models look forward to around the world. This year’s theme is Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty.

Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty

Karl Lagerfeld was a German fashion designer whose designs borrowed from European culture. In his last years, he served as the Creative Director of Chanel. The 2023 Met Gala will honour the late artist, giving celebrities the option to pick from various brands like Chanel, Chloe, Patou, and many others.

The event will be hosted by Anna Wintour. Penélope Cruz, Michaela Coel, Roger Federer and Dua Lipa are all set to serve as the co-chairs this year. That’s not all. Our Indian superstar, Alia Bhatt, will also make her debut in a creation by Prabal Gurung.

Some Memorable Themes from Met Gala Over the Years

Met Gala 2023 is just around the corner, and as we brace ourselves for this year’s stylish looks, we’d like to take a moment to appreciate some of the most glamorous red carpet themes from previous years. Here are our top picks.

1. The World of Balenciaga, 1973

In honour of the late artist Cristobal Balenciaga, Met Gala 1973’s theme celebrated his legacy of designs, which were inspired by flamenco dancers, fishermen, churches and other elements from the countryside. This is also considered as the spring in the field of costumes in museums, as Diana Vreeland joined as a curator. The walls of the museum also represented the theme, making it come alive with some of the artist’s best designs. Guests were asked to wear the outfits representing the theme, which involved them as a part of the show.

2. Haute Couture, 1995

The year 1995 carried the simple theme of Haute Couture. This Met Gala was attended by Calvin Klein with Kate Moss by his side in her buttery slip dress. Simple and elegant, 1995 became one of the most admired Met Gala years.

3. Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination, 2018

Striking combinations of fashion with masterworks of religious significance left its magic on the floor of Met Gala 2018. Rihanna and Emilia Clarke’s outfits were stand-outs from this year’s event.

4. Camp: Notes on Fashion, 2019

Now, who doesn’t remember Zendaya in her Cinderella attire from the Met Gala 2019?

Wendy Yu, the curator in charge of Costume Institute, framed the exhibit around Susan Sontag’s Essay Notes on Camp.The exhibit turned out to be impressive, tacky, and everything in between. Stars like Lady Gaga and Cardi B made dramatic entries that will be remembered for a long time.

5. Costumes of Royal India, 1985

This Met Gala saw Cher walking down the red carpet hand in hand with dress designer Bob Mackie, whose design showed the intricacy and the perfection of the embellished outfit. It is still considered one of most iconic outfits of all time.

6. Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology, 2016

The 2016 Met Gala showcased futuristic outfits from the renowned fashion designers of the world. The theme gave the night a high-tech energy, featuring technology embedded outfits made from LED lights and fibre optics.