The Met Gala for 2019 took place on Monday. The annual event has evolved into an A list media fashion event in New York City. This years theme “Camp: Notes on Fashion” from an essay by Susan Sonntag seemed broad for interpretation. Co-Chairs Harry Styles and Lady Gaga approached the benefit from Gender and theater. Styles’ Gucci black sheer pants suits with pearl earrings. The megastar singer follows the modern trend of challenging modern notions of masculine style. Meanwhile on red carpet center stage, co hostess Gaga decided not on a single look, not enough, showed off 4 in one.
This year judging the best looks became an impossible task. The pageantry overtook the fashion aspects.
Mainstream has embraced a sub-culture. There were many reports of people asking “what is camp?” Defined as tacky, over the top, exaggerated. As a gay male that questions is easy to answer. Drag queens have been “camping it up for decades”. Television show “RuPaul’s Drag Race” is a weekly homage to camp culture.
As I looked over the attendees styled, Grace Jones came to mind many, many times. Capes, dramatic entrances, headpieces, androgyny has been her style for over four decades.
Proceeds from the Met Gala benefit the Metropolitan Museum’s Met Costume Institute. It was in fun. This year all lived up to the occassion.