The Met Gala, or The Met Ball, is the annual fundraising gala every fashion enthusiast waits for. The funds are raised towards the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. It’s popular for its glamorous looks and the respected figures that attend the event make it the most prestigious fashion event in the world as well as “fashion’s biggest night.” Each year, the event revolves around a specific theme, which sets the tone for the extravagant and avant-garde fashion seen on the red carpet. It happens on the 1st Monday of May.

The Met Gala’s fashion is characterised by extravagance, theatricality, and attention to detail. From intricate embroidery and luxurious fabrics, attendees spare no expense in crafting show-stopping looks that captivate audiences and spark digital conversation. Fashion is not just about looking good; it’s about storytelling and pushing the boundaries of creativity. Attendees draw inspiration from art, history, culture, and current events to create looks that are both visually stunning and rich.

Why is it relevant?

The Met Gala red carpet is also a platform for designers to showcase their talent and creativity on a global stage. Custom-made couture gowns, experimental designs, and innovative techniques are celebrated and critiqued by fashion critics and enthusiasts alike, shaping the narrative of fashion for the year ahead. In addition to the fashion on the red carpet, the Met Gala serves as a networking event for the fashion industry. It’s an opportunity for creative collaboration, trend-spotting, and cultural exchange, solidifying the Met Gala’s status as a pinnacle of fashion excellence.

The Met Gala’s impact extends beyond the confines of the museum walls, shaping trends, influencing pop culture, and inspiring future generations of designers and fashion enthusiasts. From gorgeous moments to controversial looks, the Met Gala continues to push the boundaries of fashion and ignite conversations about art, culture, and identity.

The Best Met Gala Looks Since 2005

Michaela Coel, 2023, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”

The 2023 Met Gala had several absurd looks, from Jared Leto to Lil Nas X, but Michaela Coel did not come to kid around. While not exactly on theme, her custom-made Schiaparelli dress deserves attention.

Blake Lively, 2022, “In America: An Anthology of Fashion”

Blake Lively wore a Versace dress, a love letter to New York City. It was inspired by the Statue of Liberty and the extravagant bow unveiled a long blue train.

Zendaya, 2018, “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”

Did you also expect Zendaya to appear on this list? This for one list, we highlight the time when Zendaya decked up as a reimagined Joan of Arc, made by Atelier Versace. It nailed the 2018 evening’s theme, “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” as Joan of Arc is a famed icon of Catholicism.

Rihanna, 2017, “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between”

For the 2017 theme, Rihanna wore a Comme Des Garçons’ colourful negentropy of a dress. Rihanna has had many iconic looks before but her 2017 look embodied the theme.

Madonna, 2013, “Punk: Chaos to Couture”

The controversial queen herself, Madonna, wore Givenchy Haute Couture to the 2013 Met Gala.

Carey Mulligan, 2012, “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations”

The co-host of the 2012 Met Gala and British actress, Carey Mulligan, wears Prada.

Naomi Campbell, 2011, “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty”

The legendary model and personality, Naomi Campbell, pays tribute to Alexander McQueen.

Blake Lively, 2010, “American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity”

Blake Lively makes it on the list again! She deserves it with her simple but classy 2010 Met Gala look in a Marchesa dress.

Kate Moss, 2009, “Muse: Embodying Fashion”

Who better to embody the muse than Kate Moss? Moss wore Marc Jacobs at the 2009 Met Gala, bringing back the classic glam look.

Taylor Swift, 2008, “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy”

The pop star sensation Taylor Swift was bejewelled on the red carpet with a Badgley Mischka look.

Cate Blancett, 2007, “Poiret: King of Fashion”

Cate Blancett wore Balenciaga and the look was inspired by the works of Paul Poiret.

Alexander McQueen and Sarah Jessica Parker, 2006, “AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion”

The British designer Alexander McQueen fashioned his and Sarah Jessica Parker’s looks. The duo are unforgettable in the history of The Met Gala.

Selma Blair, 2005, “The House of Chanel”

Selma Blair appropriately wore a gorgeous Chanel dress.

With Mumbai Comic Con 2024 around the corner, this is the best time to explain one of the most diverse fashion types in the industry – Cosplay. What exactly does dressing up as your favourite character entail? Let’s dive deep into this fashion style.

Cosplayer group at Comic Con Brussels 2016

What is Cosplay?

Originating in Japan, cosplay, or costume play, is a performance art where the cosplayers (the term for people who perform this art) represent a certain fictional character. The attire is complete with accessories, make-up and props to get into full character, essentially role-playing in public. A subculture around cosplay and their cosplayers can even exist, famously for characters in Japanese anime. It is also an appreciation of fiction and puts respect to the best of character designs.

History of Cosplay

While it grew popular and was coined in 1984 in Japan amongst all genders, the history of cosplaying goes further back. In the 15th century, all of us heard about masquerade balls but the purpose of it was to pretend. Essentially, cosplay is masquerading as someone else. Italy also hosted grand costume festivals during the Renaissance period, typically indulged by the Venician upper class.

It then grew in 19th century Britain, where people held fancy costume parties for their amusement. In 1939, people began to create more futuristic costumes and then came Japan’s final hammer to the head.

The first documented event of a fan meeting and cosplaying was recorded in Hakone, Japan in the 1970s. This is how anime cosplay became popular. Since then, costume contests have been on the rise in Asia and parts of the West.

Anime Japan 2016 (Tokyo Big Sight). Odaiba, Tokyo.

How Does Cosplay Work?

Cosplays can range from simple to high-quality, complex-themed costumes. As long as you enjoy the art, anything works in the world of cosplay.
Despite being similar to Halloween costumes, the cosplayers usually get into character and also hold fan meetings with their audience. They have full communities supporting their art beyond the holiday of Halloween.
You can get ready-made apparel of your favourite character from several manufacturers and online sites, along with wigs and other accessories. Japan themselves have made a profit of 35 billion yen.
Many cosplayers hand-make their costumes, sourcing their materials from their own local or online manufacturers. Since many parts of any character’s costume can be too unique for a general market, cosplayers learn textile sculpting and other 3D art to create these objects. This highlights their dedication and creativity diving into the performance.

For example, if a person would like to cosplay Roronoa Zoro from the anime ‘One Piece’, they could 3D print his swords if they are not available for purchase online.

Cosplayer (@0taisi) as Roronoa Zoro from *One Piece*

During contests, cosplayers are judged by their originality and their ability to truly act the part. Their body language and acting abilities are their main selling points, not just the costumes.
Just like any other fashion type, you must be confident in your cosplay and expressing yourself with the apparel and accessories. While it can be daunting at first, cosplay is an art to be enjoyed and the community are open-minded to any form.

Why You Should Consider Cosplaying?

Are you a fan of movies and TV shows, especially fantasy and anime? If so, this is a great way to indulge in their fan base as well as meet more people through different conventions, particularly the upcoming Comic Con. There are many ready-made cosplays available online but it’s also fun to sew and create your costumes, sewing being a great hobby to pick up. More than that, looking exactly like one of your favourite fictional characters is a huge confidence booster.

Tag: Fashion Explained

Fashion Explained – The Met Gala