Context:

The Met Gala, known for its extravagant fashion and celebrity attendance, raised a record $31 million for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's costume wing, while launching the 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' exhibition. This exhibition highlights 300 years of Black fashion and history of Black dandyism, yet it carries unexpected political weight due to the current U.S. government's stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Costume Institute, with its history of lacking Black curators, has faced challenges despite numerous D.E.I. initiatives since 2020. Notable attendees included Pharrell Williams, ASAP Rocky, and Lewis Hamilton, with Kamala Harris making a subtle appearance in an Off-White gown. The event celebrated Black designers and stylists, showcasing bold and memorable fashion statements from celebrities like Tracee Ellis Ross and Lupita Nyong’o.

Dive Deeper:

• The Met Gala, an annual fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, coincided with the opening of an exhibition titled 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,' which explores 300 years of Black fashion and dandyism.

• The gala raised $31 million, the highest in its history, but the exhibition's launch was overshadowed by political tensions related to diversity and inclusion policies in the U.S., as highlighted by Vanessa Friedman.

• Despite D.E.I. initiatives post-2020, the fashion industry has struggled to deliver on diversity promises, with the Costume Institute never having had a Black curator.

• The gala was co-hosted by prominent figures including Pharrell Williams and Lewis Hamilton, and attended by celebrities such as Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and Kim Kardashian.

• Kamala Harris, the first Black woman to top a major-party ticket, wore a gown by IB Kamara of Off-White, making a statement despite not walking the red carpet.

• The event was a celebration of Black designers and stylists, showcasing daring and memorable fashion, with standout looks from Tracee Ellis Ross and Lupita Nyong’o.

• New features allowed attendees and viewers to save and share their favorite looks from the evening, enhancing engagement with the fashion showcase.