Before we start, a disclaimer: sustainability at the MET Gala are two unreconcilable, contrasting, parallel concepts. That it, for example, a brand like Gucci claiming “planet neutral” kudos for using left over lace for a one-of-a-kind gown that put in motion an average of 10 intercontinental flights and 300 people is NOT sustainable.
I teach, research, study and speak Fashion and if you are reading this I guess you do too to some extent. So, yes I watch events, red carpets, fashion shows and I find it my duty to dissect what I see, especially the behind the scenes, expose greenwashing, PR stunts, power trips as well as talent, creativity and purpose.
Why was it such a big deal fashion event?
Believe it or not it raised more than $17 mill. Also, you may or may not have noticed through the mayhem of butts and tits, the week before the first ever Conde Nast Union was created. To put things into perspective, behind all the Ritz there are hundreds of uncredited workers whose job security, pay raise, safety, inclusion aren’t protected.
However, we have seen more re-use and vintage on the red carpet and here are my picks.
Quannah Chasinghorse in Prabal Gurung and Antelope Women Designs
Quannah Chasinghorse is a Fashion Model, Climate Warrior, Land Protector. She wore a gown designed by Prabal Gurung that made her “feel seen (while) indigenous have been overlooked and misrepresented people. The piece de resistence, the jewelry, was made with Earth Elements like shells, quills, tanned hide and tipis representing her communities. If you are lost with all these details is because it’s a culture to which we aren’t exposed and it’s generally abused and misappropriated for profit. Nothing wrong with being exposed to it and if I spike some interest in knowing more of it, well, I am glad.
Above are my favorites pieces with a meaning: Christopher John Rogers partnered with SJP beaming the light on the work of Elizabeth Hobbs Heckley a seamstress, designer, social activist, philanthropist of the Gilded Age (more on theme than this), Adut Akech wore a Lacroix vintage piece from Shrimpton Couture archives, Billie Eilish with Gucci’s team made a remarkably spectacular number from deadstock, Amber Valletta being the super model with a vintage Loris Azzaro reminiscing NYC architecture.
Below I have to speak my mind: Emily on Lacroix gets a 6 for effort but 1 for execution , because nobody like Yasmeen Ghauri could pull off that masterpiece.
Gabriela Hearst and Amy Schumer intention was to make a statement about climate crisis, so 7 for effort but I give them 2 for execution as it seemed that each brought an WOC accessory.
