Exciting news has found its way to the fashion world – the dress code and theme for the annual Met Gala this year has been announced. This year’s theme will be an ode to German fashion designer and artist, Karl Lagerfeld. Guests have been asked to dress “in honor of Karl”.
Karl Lagerfeld’s Legacy
Karl Lagerfeld was an infamous German fashion designer, well-known for being the creative director for both the French fashion house, Chanel; as well as the Italian fur and leather goods fashion house Fendi. He is in fact, credited for the creation of the Fendi logo that is used today (with the two F’s). And this year, the Met Gala will be hosted in his honor.
As you may have understood from his accreditation for the modern-day Fendi logo, Lagerfeld was considered to be a “Chameleon of Fashion” and had the special ability to elevate high fashion designs into the modern context.
Aside from these two fashion houses, he has collaborated with many others in various art and fashion projects. He also had his label named after himself – Karl Lagerfeld, for which he created many designs.
Lagerfeld is well-known for his signature look. It included a ponytail, black sunglasses, fingerless gloves, and high, starched, detachable collars. He passed away in 2019.
This Year’s Met Gala: Surprises Await
There are many spins on the Karl Lagerfeld theme that guests at the Met Gala may take. Many fashion commentators speculate that we may see a lot of vintage collections designed by Karl Lagerfeld from designer fashion houses Chanel and Fendi on the Met’s red carpet this year.
Guests may also incorporate elements of Lagerfeld’s designs into their unique designs, or simply have a take on his signature look.
This year’s Met will be hosted by prominent British singer Dua Lipa and Swiss tennis legend, Roger Federer.
Along with Lipa and Federer, Spanish actress Penelope Cruz and British actress Michaela Coel will join the Vogue editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, in hosting the Met. The Met Gala is dated to take place on the 1st of May, 2024.
The Met Gala
The Met Gala is a fundraising event that typically takes place on the first Monday of May every year. It assists in raising funds for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) in New York City.
It is regarded as one of the most prestigious fashion events in the world and millions of people tune in to various news outlets, fashion commentaries, and blogs to view the event. Celebrities from different spheres attend the event and are given a dress code that they may adhere to (though not mandatorily). Each celebrity has their unique haute couture take on the themes every year.
In current times, the Met Gala consists of two main events – a cocktail hour and a formal dinner. During the cocktail hour, guests get to walk the red carpet and view the year’s specially-themed exhibition before being seated for dinner. The infamous photographs we see of celebrities in their extravagant garments and accessories are taken at the red carpet event during the cocktail hour.
This year, in honor of Karl Lagerfeld, the exhibition at the Met Gala will include 150 pieces dedicated to his legacy in fashion. The exhibition is titled “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”.
The event is organized and documented by the fashion magazine company Vogue. British journalist and Vogue editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, who was a great friend of Lagerfeld’s, has chaired and co-chaired the Met Gala since 1995.
