Is fashion trivial? Last night in New York, the Met Ball proved itself yet again to be the world’s greatest showcase for trend-setters wearing the most extravagant costumes.
Glamour galore on fashion's gala night out
Is fashion trivial? Last night in New York, the Met Ball proved itself yet again to be the world's greatest showcase for trend-setters wearing the most extravagant costumes.
Pose and dispose?
The passers-by stared in amazement. Walking down the New York street, surrounded by a phalanxA set of people banding closely together. The word originated as a military term in ancient Greece. of smartly dressed men with umbrellas, was an extraordinary figure. With platinum blonde hair and enormous eyelashes, and wearing a bright pink gown with a 25-foot train, it could only be one person: Lady Gaga. And she could only be going to one place: the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The Met, as it is popularly known, is one of the world's greatest museums. It includes a jaw-dropping fashion department; the Costume Institute, which since 1948 has held a grand annual dinner to raise money for its collection and open its latest exhibition.
The Met GalaA festive occasion. The word derives from a French verb meaning to rejoice. has come to be seen as one of the most glamourous events in the world, attended by superstars and socialites who pay a small fortune for tickets. In 2019 it raised a record $15m; this year tickets cost $35,000 each. Guests are encouraged to wear outfits inspired by the subject of the new exhibition, with themes that have ranged from CubismAn artistic movement at the beginning of the 20th Century which involved looking at an object from multiple viewpoints. to Punk.
With 2020's party cancelled because of the pandemic, this year's excited even more anticipation than usual. The theme was "American independence" and four celebrities, all aged 25 or under, were invited to be co-chairs: the actor Timothee Chalamet, singer Billie Eilish, writer Amanda Gorman and tennis star Naomi Osaka.
To add to the drama, the names of the guests - 450 this year - are not announced in advance. Tickets can only be bought by invitation, and everyone who comes must be approved by Vogue's editor-in-chief Anna WintourEditor of American Vogue since 1988. She is famous for her chilly manner, which has earned her the nickname "Nuclear Wintour".. Not until they arrive and pose on the red carpet for photographers is anybody quite sure who will turn up.
Nor can the rest of the world glimpse what goes on inside, since selfies are banned. But the entertainment is guaranteed to be outstanding: Katy Perry and Kanye West are among those who have performed in recent years.
For designers, being represented at the Costume Institute is of huge importance. In 2009 Azzedine AlaiaA Tunisian fashion designer known for his independent spirit. He died in 2017. was so furious at being left out of its Model As Muse exhibition that he asked his clients not to wear his designs at the gala. In solidarity, Naomi Campbell decided not to turn up at all.
There was another controversy in 2018, when the gala had a Roman Catholic theme which some considered blasphemous Showing disrespect for God or a religion.. Rihanna raised eyebrows by wearing a papal mitre.
Some question whether the gala should take place. They point out that the guests are paying huge amounts of money for tickets and for outfits they may only wear once - and the millions raised will go not to needy people, but to pay for other outfits to be shown in glass cases.
The gala, they say, sums up the extravagance and showing off that make fashion so reprehensible.
But others see it as an important advertisement for an industry which creates employment across the world, brings joy to people's lives and helps them feel better about themselves. After the gloom of the pandemic, it could not be more vital.
Is fashion trivial?
Some say that it is not just trivial but dangerous. It embodies the idea that nothing is of lasting value, which is the last message we need when trying to create a sustainable lifestyle. The industry allows a small number of people to dictate what we wear and stifles individuality. It is in their interests to make clothes that are quickly forgotten and replaced by new ones.
Others argue that fashion is a precious spur to innovation, both in design and in manufacturing techniques. It does not have to be wasteful, as the rise in popularity of second-hand clothes and upcycled couture demonstrates. It lets the imagination run free and allows people to express their personalities. Countries where everyone dresses the same are dismal places.
Keywords
Phalanx - A set of people banding closely together. The word originated as a military term in ancient Greece.
Gala - A festive occasion. The word derives from a French verb meaning to rejoice.
Cubism - An artistic movement at the beginning of the 20th Century which involved looking at an object from multiple viewpoints.
Anna Wintour - Editor of American Vogue since 1988. She is famous for her chilly manner, which has earned her the nickname "Nuclear Wintour".
Azzedine Alaia - A Tunisian fashion designer known for his independent spirit. He died in 2017.
Blasphemous - Showing disrespect for God or a religion.
Glamour galore on fashion’s gala night out
Glossary
Phalanx - A set of people banding closely together. The word originated as a military term in ancient Greece.
Gala - A festive occasion. The word derives from a French verb meaning to rejoice.
Cubism - An artistic movement at the beginning of the 20th Century which involved looking at an object from multiple viewpoints.
Anna Wintour - Editor of American Vogue since 1988. She is famous for her chilly manner, which has earned her the nickname "Nuclear Wintour".
Azzedine Alaïa - A Tunisian fashion designer known for his independent spirit. He died in 2017.
Blasphemous - Showing disrespect for God or a religion.