The Morning After: My Thoughts on the 2022 MET Gala
So last night was arguably the most important night for fashion, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Vogue Magazine held their annual MET Gala. Broken into 2 different exhibitions this year’s theme titled In America: An Anthology of Fashion left much to be desired. Now, for my fashion novice your probably wondering “what does that me?” and the simplest explanation that I can offer is that the look is fashion from the 1870’s-1900’s with a unique or modern interpretation on the era. A common misconception many people have is that because the event is themed that everyone’s look is meant to be more of a costume, and it’s not.
Designers are challenged with pulling elements of that period and incorporating it into the looks designed for the invited guest. Some focused on the structure of the garments, others the fabrics, but SOMETHING from the era should be reflected. However, what happened last night is that many men heard White Tie and choose to focus on reimagining the Great Gatsby.
So what did I think of the red carpet? Well, this year’s theme was the Gilded Age, so no I wasn’t into it. For me, the MET Gala as a whole is not an event I look forward to. I’ve always seen it as a glaring reminder of the rampant racism, classism and elitism that is still very active in the fashion industry. It’s something I’m often reminded of at many fashion events. The Gilded Ageists often regarded as a high point in American history due to the rise of industrial economy after the civil war. It was a time where the 1% ran amuck and great inequality and corruption were at its peak. With slavery recently abolished, black families had to migrate north in order avoid Jim Crow laws, segregation and all the other mess in the south. However, they still had to deal with race riots, discrimination within labour unions and a list of other racist hiring practices. So, there were very, very few people of colour living a life of wealth and opulence during that time.
I’ll be honest, this would have been a hard pass for me. What would I even be celebrating?! Men’s fashion at that time was still developing and left much to be desired, and the time period was not a shinning moment in American history. I’d be lying if I said I did not judge many of the people of colour who attended last night’s gala,. I understand that they were invited guest of the designers they wore but did they forget their basic American history, but I digress.
Anyway, I wanted to breakdown some of the looks that stood out to me. I broke it down into 3 categories the good, the bad and a category I like to call “Hold My Beer.” You’ll understand when you see them. Let’s get into it.
The Good
I think these men have done a excellent job of incorporating the theme of the night. They wore strong looks that stood out from the rest and left people talking about the subtle risk they taken in the design. Overall they understood the assignment and knocked it out of the park.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen in Thom Browne
It’s a beautifully tailored suit with slight embellishments to drive home the opulence of the time period.
Stromae in Mosaert
It’s the structure for me! The jacket sits comfortably with a light embroidered embellishment, and the jewel encrusted pin used as a tie is so tastefully done!
Patrick Schwarzenegger in Lanvin
So, I have mixed feelings about this particular look. I love the construction and colour of this suit. However, the southern gentleman at that time… Let’s just say I wouldn’t have gone with this look.
Travis Barker In Thom Browne
I think this was a suit that perfectly captured Travis’s personality.
Riz Ahmed in 4SDESIGNS
Riz is easily my best dressed man of the night! I not sure if it was meant to be a protest of the night’s theme but this was a great nod to immigrant workers. Who at the time were dealing with the effects of the Chinese Exclusion Act, Jim Crow and Segregation, all while contributing to America’s economic growth at that time
The Bad
To be clear these looks aren’t necessarily horrible, but elements of the design, execution or styling didn’t work for me. I think the best advice I can offer to these unfortunate men is that yes mistakes were made and you’ll do better next time.
Anderson .Paak in Gucci
I’m really trying to figure out if this is a character for Silk Sonic, or his actual take on Gilded fashion. Am I wrong or is this not giving 1970’s vibe?
Evan Mock in Head of State
This look feels like a costume, the construction isn’t the greatest, the colour washes him out and it’s wrinkled. The least you could have done was steam it one time.
Future in Hugo Boss
Sir, there’s wayyy to much going on here. The shorts, the crop top, the gloves and mask?! I need him to pick one!
Paapa Essiedu in Off White
Where to start, there’s fluid tailoring and then there’s this. This look is unpolished. The pants have swallowed him entirely, and I just don’t understand the thought process on this one.
And last but not least the Hold My Beers. In my mind these guests heard free booze and showed up, but they knew they couldn’t get in without walking the red carpet and said “Man hold my beer real quick, and I’ll see you inside.” I could go into detail with each look, but I think it’s very clear to anyone that scrolls though, why these look were picked.
Sebastian Stan in Valentino
Jacob Elordi in Burberry
Odell Beckham Jr. in…
What’s there to say, no one even knows the name of the designer who put this together for him. But let me find the positive, I like the colour and his chains are nice.
These are my choices and I stand by them! But I’d love to know what you think. What looks stood out to you, and if you understand what the Gilded-Age was about, would you have attended? As always let’s keep the conversation going in the comments.