I’ve read a lot lately about the Met Gala. And, a lot of what I’ve read has been negative. There are many people lambasting the idea of the amount of money spent on it. There’s the Gala itself. Did you know a ticket (and you have to be invited to purchase one) is over $100,000? I had no idea. I mean, if you’re invited, isn’t the implication it’s a free event? But, it’s also a fundraiser so there’s that. Then, there are the Looks with a capital L. I admit I go looking for them every year because I’m never going to be invited nor would I spend that kind of money on a ticket even if I had it. I am always kinda gobsmacked by how some “celebrities” get the theme, and others seem to just go their own way (did you sing that, BTW).
Money…
So, money is a big player in this Gala. Let’s be real about that. You have to have it in order to go. You have to have it in order to be noticed. You just plain have to have it. But, the money that’s raised is for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute which seems appropriate, right? This year, the event was sponsored by Jeff Bezos, I guess. I don’t really understand all the different titles because it seemed like so many people had titles for this, that, and the other thing. I have to wonder whose idea it was for Bezos to sponsor the Gala, though. I don’t shop at Amazon if I can help it. One of the reasons is I don’t trust that I’m getting what I’m buying when it comes to branded items. In this day and age, it’s so easy to make something look legit only to find out it’s a copy, maybe a very good copy, but still a copy. But, back to money…this year’s Gala raised $42,000,000! That’s a lot of zeroes. I guess those Silicon Valley “celebrities” came with their checkbooks.
The theme…
I guess theme isn’t really the right word to use for the Met Gala. It’s called the dress code. This year, it’s “Fashion is Art.” But, several other sources called it “Costume Art.” I think that’s because that is the current exhibition going on in the Costume Institute. So, let’s pursue that idea of Fashion (with a capital F) is Art (with a capital A). I think we have to figure out what art means in general, right?
Art…
I like this quote: “The definition of art is controversial in contemporary philosophy. Whether art can be defined has also been a matter of controversy. The philosophical usefulness of a definition of art has also been debated.” So, how do we define art if an encyclopedia can’t really do it. I encourage you to read this article (the first source for definition of art). It goes deep into the definition of art. Wikipedia even waffles about the definition, saying, “Art is a diverse range of cultural activity centered around works utilizing creative or imaginative talents, which are expected to evoke a worthwhile experience, generally through an expression of emotional power, conceptual ideas, technical proficiency, or beauty.” Another good article to read. Here’s a blog post with 25 different definitions of art! Well, it’s more 25 quotes about art and what the person thinks it is. I think we can safely say that no one quite has a handle on what art really truly is. But, let’s just agree that it has something to do with creativity, talent, and making some kind of product.
A little more…
I like to watch YouTube videos as I get ready. They keep me from having hot flashes…well, sometimes! I like to watch this guy because he’s very informed on Designers (with a capital D) and has a very dry sense of humor. He just uploaded this video and does a pretty good job of talking about the connection between fashion and art. And, if you’re really into the Met Gala, you can watch his take on this year’s Gala. I haven’t watched them yet. You’ll have to let me know what you think.
Sources….
The outfit…
I wore this many weeks ago for the mini retreat at our church. I love to dress up for this retreat and encourage all the others to do it. We have had ladies show up in gowns, nice dresses, and pantsuits. The point is to dress up, even if it’s just a little bit. This is the Supernova dress from Gudrun Sjödén. I added a lavender slip to accentuate the purples in the dress. It’s a wonderful shirtdress with pockets. I really love this print and ended up buying it in another color when it went on sale.
The Lewk!
I’m not sure if these shoes have appeared on the blog yet or not. They are the Gaviria shoes from L’Artiste. Do you ever wonder where they come up with these names? I surely do. I had bought this beautiful necklace a while ago. It’s the Ombre Wine Gillian necklace from Sylca Designs. The earrings are a pair of Assuta Blush earrings and are also from Sylca Designs.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I’ve only glanced through the photos of the celebs who attended the Met Gala. To be honest, the only time (so far) I really was upset was when Kim Kardashian wore Marilyn’s “birthday song” dress. Can you imagine being so entitled you feel it’s perfectly OK to wear such an iconic dress? I do know many of the other dresses have been vintage, but this dress is so delicate. I read conflicting reports on whether or not it had been damaged. We have a new exhibit opening at the museum this coming Friday, and it’s fashion! I can’t wait! So, can we talk? How would you define art? Did you have a favorite look from the Gala? Would you say fashion is art? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
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Thanks Marsha a very pretty outfit. I’m afraid I know little about the Met Gala.
Thank you, Rosie! I didn’t really know much about it until I researched it for this post. I’m glad you liked the outfit!
I know practically nothing about the Met Gala. The only dress I remember having seen is the one worn by Blake Lively as a homage to the Statue of Liberty, I think? I don’t remember when that was, though.
I did see a few videos about the Met’s nest egg aiming for self-funding, about protests and about Wintour’s speech.
Thanks, Cat! I haven’t seen those things. I’ll have to look for them. I do remember that dress, too. It was a little out there for me.
Marsha, you look absolutely gorgeous! The colour of that dress is divine! And the slip with it, is pure perfection. Are those tights? Or socks? Either way, they’re wonderful!
As for the Met Gala—I have to admit I’m not much of a fan of seeing people so openly showing off their wealth in those kinds of ways. I know that’s quite a strong opinion, but honestly… especially the likes of the Kardashians, who always seem to be wearing very little! And did you see Heidi Klum’s outfit? It felt more like one of her Halloween costumes! To me, a lot of it looked a bit ridiculous lol. I know I’m usually all about wearing what you want and not caring what others think, but in these instances (and when my hormones are doing their thing!), it just irks me a bit!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
Thanks, Suzy! They’re socks! They’re sheer with polka dots. I have a few more pairs of sheer ankle socks like these and love wearing them. Something I never thought I’d say!
Ugh…the Kardashians are a mystery to me. I truly don’t understand the fascination. I think they’re just kinda gross. Their outfits were just ugly as far as I was concerned. Oh, my goodness! Heidi Klum? I think she looked like something from an old black and white horror film. I did read that lots of people liked her look the most because she truly went for the dress code. At first, I thought the money raised was a good thing, but as another person commented, it’s sad that money is all going to a museum. It probably has lots of high dollar donors anyway. And, I wonder what happens to the clothes after? Maybe I need a follow up post!
Yes! I thought the same thing to be honest….all that money to a museum when there are so many other worthy (and much more needy) causes! It is kind of gross. Heidi Klum’s look was incredible, but it wasn’t a ‘look’, an outfit — it was a full blown fancy dress!!! And surely that’s not what a gala is meant to be lol. These people just crack me up, in a sad way!
Big hugs xxx
I know so many people were gaga over Heidi’s look, but I thought it was more a costume than anything. I guess what they liked was that she really did stick to the dress code. I’ve just finished Haute Le Monde’s reviews of the Gala. He’s a hoot, but he’s also spot on on most of the fashion!
I don’t really watch or listen to coverage on the Met Gala but I do feel that fashion is art.
Your dress is so pretty, I love these colors and that necklace! You have quite the collection of pretty pieces of wearable art!
xo,
Kellyann
Thank you so much, Kellyann! I really had no intention of writing about the Met Gala and really haven’t seen much on it. But, I just saw the video on whether or not art is fashion which led me to the Met Gala as a topic for the blog.
I do have a huge collection. I am telling you Sylca Designs is really wonderful with unique designs, and their prices are really fair. I would love to collaborate with them.
This dress is everything 😍😍 I adore it and you styled it so well. Your shoes make me think of the Provence. The words that come to mind are “chic” yet “organic”.
Thank you, Edi! I love it so much I ordered it in green! And, these shoes make me giddy with joy. I’ve been looking for something like them!
Such a pretty outfit and those colors are wonderful on you! I’ve been reading about the Met Gala this week and it mostly saddens me. There is such an income disparity in this country and it is only getting worse. I have no objection to fundraising for the Met, but $42 million in one evening is extreme … not to mention the $$$ spent on the costumes. There are so many folks in need and it would be so terrific if some of that wealth could be used to help people, too. Anyway, I’ll get off my soapbox. I do think that fashion is art … after all, style is a creative expression!
Thank you, Beth! You make a very good point. I don’t think you’re on a soapbox when you’re talking common sense. There is a big problem in this country with so many people having to choose between food, housing, and/or gas. Then, you have people who spend $100,000 on one night not to mention their clothing/jewelry. I did read that a lot of the clothing is “borrowed” or given to them so the designers get the attention. I think it would have been a stellar moment if even a portion of that money was given to homeless shelters, food kitchens, etc. I like your last sentence, too! Thank you so very much for this comment. I truly appreciate it.
42 million dollars for the museum? Isn’t that a bit out of balance? I saw some of the outfits, and I like your look 42 million times better. And what a gorgeous necklace. And yes, I sang along, just like I always do when you mention Nigel………
Aww, thanks, Nancy! Yes, $42,000,000 seems a bit much, and I’m sure they were glad to get it. I wonder how much the museum actually spends on the gala. I should have looked for that, too. I’m glad you liked my look so much, and I’m glad you also sang along!
I just had no idea about all that information about the met gala… So thanks for the insider info.
And the colors of that dress are just incredible… Definitely art for me
Xoxo
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! You know me…always looking for information! Trust me, it’s even more beautiful in person!
I always enjoy seeing everyone’s Met Gala opinions because the looks are so all over the place. I loved some of the more artistic, dramatic interpretations this year, but there were definitely a few where I just sat there confused. The creativity is always fascinating though, especially when people really commit to the theme.
Thanks, Laura! I like to see the Met Gala looks because, sometimes, there’s something really wonderful there. This time, though, of the looks I saw, I wasn’t very impressed. What did you think of Heidi Klumm’s look? I’ve heard many say it was the best of the evening because it really followed through on the dress code. I did see a YT short showing how she got dressed and made up. That was a prosthetic face mask, and they sprayed her makeup on, then touched it up with other colors.
I am not a fan of the Met Gala for many of the reasons you listed here. I also think most of the outfits look stupid. I don’t get it and I don’t care about most of the celebrities that attend. Yep. I’m a miserable old fart about it! Ha!
But I do love your outfit here. It is so colorful and lovely.
I also like that you did all the research on the Gala and told us where the money goes,, etc. At least I understand it more now!
Hahaha!! I love that you’re a miserable old fart! I just love to see how far some of the “celebrities” take things. There is rarely an outfit that makes me think, “Oh, that’s gorgeous.” As someone else mentioned, though, $42,000,000 could do an awful lot for so many people who are suffering now. Even though I love art museums, maybe some of that money could have and should have been spent elsewhere. I mean, where are those clothes going to go after just one night?
Thanks for the compliment, too!
I love this dress and the slip you added underneath it! So pretty Marsha. I enjoy seeing all the fashion at the Met Gala. I would love to dress up in looks like that.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you, Kathrine! I love this dress so much I ordered it in another color when they went on sale. I would love to have a dress designed for me, but then I’d probably feel super guilty about it. I think I would settle for wearing some of the jewels!
Fun post, Marsha! I have lots to comment. First, your outfit is spectacular and that necklace has me in a downright swoon! Second. my definition of art is simply “creative expression”. I definitely view fashion as art. When I put together outfits, I imagine that my body is the canvas for creation and, as you know, I pay attention to every single detail of my outfits! Each one is a new work of art as far as I’m concerned. (Probably another reason why I take sooooo many outfit photos.) Third, there is a wonderful documentary called Vogue in the 90s (or something like that). It highlights the merging of fashion and celebrities during the 90s and talks a lot about Vogue, Anna Wintour, and the MET Gala. If you haven’t seen it already, I know you would enjoy it!
Shelbee
I’m always intrigued by the outfits worn at the Met Gala so I definitely like scrolling through the photos from the event! The colors of your outfit today – the purples and pinks – look spectacular on you, Marsha!
Thanks so much, Laura! If you ever watch YouTube, I really think you’d enjoy Haute Le Monde (I think that’s it…it’s the same video I linked in my post). It’s fun to see how outlandish some of them are, isn’t it? I still think it’s a shame so much money is spent on one night.
I also loved your outfit the colors and styling are beautiful, and the jacket detail really completes the look. It even gives a bit of that bold, confident vibe you see in Beth Dutton Clothes. Great post!
Thank you so much, Beth! I am glad you think I look bold and confident!
I learned something today! I didn’t realized the money part of the gala apart that the gowns/outfits crazy as they can seem are very pricey. It’s just wild the kind of money involved and is 42,000,000 needed for that institute. Imagine what that money could do for helping people…
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks, Mireille! I had no idea about the money, either. I was really surprised when I researched it!
Your dress is fabulous! I think the Met Gala is ridiculous. For billionaires like Bezos, the money spent on it is a drop in the ocean. He’s just buying cultural capital and passing it off as philanthropy…and most likely using it as a tax write-off!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thanks, Emma! You are so right. I’m sure he’s using it as a tax write-off. His wife…oof…I kept looking at her face trying to figure out what had happened to it!