Students Weigh in on the Met Gala
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@kendalljenner via Instagram
The Met Gala returns with mixed opinions from Marist students. Source: @addisonraee via Instagram
The Met Gala returned on Sept. 13 after being postponed due to COVID. The gala, meant to fundraise for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s costume institute budget, celebrated the new exhibit, “In America: A Lexicon in Fashion.”
“This year more than ever, we need this theme, considering how crazy this past year has been with politics and the pandemic,” said Delaney O’Toole ‘23. She felt a day meant to celebrate American fashion could be unifying and uplifting.
Celebrities attempted to embody American fashion to the public’s delight or criticism. Some expressed excitement for the event’s return while others complained about the frivolity of it, especially amid a pandemic, leading to the question of whether anyone still cares about it.
Many Marist College students concluded that although they are not super excited for the Met Gala every year, it is still fun to pay attention to it and see the different outfits.
“It’s good to see people go out and do these normal events,” said O’Toole. She felt that this popular event taking place was a good thing as pandemic restrictions begin to decline and was able to participate by viewing most of the looks on social media. According to Ryan Thompson ‘23, the postponement of the event from its original date in May made it even more exciting considering the VMA’s were the day before, allowing the public to see back-to-back looks from different celebrities.
On the other hand, Carlos Castro ‘24 said he does not look forward to the Met Gala and can understand why some people have criticized it. “I don’t think it’s outrageous that they had it,” he said, “but maybe they should have at least come out with some statement about COVID.”
Tommaso Konzen ‘25 said he could see both sides of the argument stating that some could say that, “fashion is an art and we should always try to have art, even in the worst of times” while others may think the event is “selfish” considering all of the money going into making the extravagant clothing during a pandemic.
Konzen went on to say that he thought the American theme was interesting, but “a lot of the outfits didn’t relate.” He didn’t like Addison Rae’s outfit in particular, a red dress by Tom Ford for Gucci, stating it was “boring.” Thompson agreed, saying that influencers attending seemed “stupid,” but she did like how at least Dixie D’Amelio took a risk with the big feathered headpiece that topped her Valentino look.
Castro also commented that some of his least favorite looks were from men who decided to wear plain black suits instead of something more interesting. “A more specific theme could have given more creative opportunities,” said Castro.
Still, there were some favorites mentioned. O’Toole said she loved celebrities that embraced the theme, such as Kendall Jenner who wore a Givenchy gown that was sheer with bejeweled star details throughout, a nod to Aubrey Hepburn in “My Fair Lady”.
Konzen also liked Grimes’ curving laser-cut Iris Van Herpen dress complete with a sword. Thompson and Konzen both also appreciated the quilted look A$AP Rocky wore designed by California-based designer, Eli Russel Linnetz. The quilting is a clear nod to the American craft, and also supports a smaller American designer, making it one of the successful and unique on-theme outfits.
Despite many not necessarily having an interest in the Met Gala, the opinions that many students were able to provide proves that it still has a strong cultural influence, for better or worse. During the pandemic, many have hypothesized that the status of a celebrity is not as important anymore, but perhaps it has just shifted. Now, more than ever, the public is willing to criticize celebrities. There is an expectation for everyone to be their best selves and the fashion at the Met Gala has proven to be no different.