01of 49
May 2023: Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty
Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty
The2023 Met Galais set to celebrate Karl Lagerfeld, whodied at age 85in 2019. The accompanying exhibition will showcase the German designer’s creations from his lifetime’s work with brands like Balmain, Patou, Chloé, Fendi and Chanel.
“Why is THIS who we celebrate when there are so many AMAZING designers out there who aren’t bigoted white men? What happened to everyone’s principles and ‘advocacy,’ " she wrote onInstagram. “You don’t get to stand for justice in these areas, and then attend the celebration of someone who reveled in his own public disdain for marginalized people.”
02of 49
May 2022: In America: An Anthology of Fashion
Getty
Lively entered the event in an rose-tinted copper Atelier Versace dress, but as she climbed the Met steps, the actress revealed that her look was reversible. The fabric unfolded into an aqua train that flowed behind her on the carpet.
She cited the Statue of Liberty asthe inspiration for her look. “I thought instead of looking to fashion to influence the dress, I looked to New York City architecture and the classic buildings,” Lively told reporters on the red carpet.
03of 49
September 2021: In America: A Lexicon of Fashion
In the fall of 2021, the Met Galareturned after a two-year hiatusdue to COVID-19 restrictions. Instead of restarting on the first Monday of May, the event made up for lost time with somewhat of a double feature in September 2021 and May 2022.
04of 49May 2019: Camp: Notes on FashionKylie Jenner, Kendall Jenner.Neilson Barnard/GettyThe Met’s 2019 exhibition explored clothing through the lens of Susan Sontag’s 1964 essay “Notes on Camp.” Sontagdefines the term “camp"as “love of the unnatural, of artifice and exaggeration.” Camp, the essay explains, doesn’t explore “beauty” but instead considers “the degree of artifice, of stylization.“Stars brought their more outlandish outfits to the red carpet to fit the theme in 2019. Kylie andKendall Jenner, for example, paired up as a flashy duo in their vibrantfeathery Versace looks.
04of 49
May 2019: Camp: Notes on Fashion
Kylie Jenner, Kendall Jenner.Neilson Barnard/Getty
The Met’s 2019 exhibition explored clothing through the lens of Susan Sontag’s 1964 essay “Notes on Camp.” Sontagdefines the term “camp"as “love of the unnatural, of artifice and exaggeration.” Camp, the essay explains, doesn’t explore “beauty” but instead considers “the degree of artifice, of stylization.”
Stars brought their more outlandish outfits to the red carpet to fit the theme in 2019. Kylie andKendall Jenner, for example, paired up as a flashy duo in their vibrantfeathery Versace looks.
05of 49May 2018: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic ImaginationAndrew H. Walker/REX/ShutterstockKaty Perryadded adivinely inspired accessoryto her all-gold outfit: a pair of angel wings.“I will just say she will definitely make an entrance!” Perry’s stylist Jamie Mizrahi told PEOPLE prior to her grand entrance at the celestial event. “I mean you know Katy, how much she loves dress up and theatrics and kind of a production, so I think that is the joy in that.”
05of 49
May 2018: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination
Andrew H. Walker/REX/Shutterstock
Katy Perryadded adivinely inspired accessoryto her all-gold outfit: a pair of angel wings.
“I will just say she will definitely make an entrance!” Perry’s stylist Jamie Mizrahi told PEOPLE prior to her grand entrance at the celestial event. “I mean you know Katy, how much she loves dress up and theatrics and kind of a production, so I think that is the joy in that.”
06of 49
May 2017: Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between
Neilson Barnard/Getty
07of 49May 2016: Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of TechnologyJamie McCarthy/FilmMagicSparkles and metallics abounded at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the first Monday of May 2016. TheManus x Machina themeinspired visions of futuristic fashion, and Lupita N’yongo stood out as particularly forward-thinking from head to toe. TheBlack Pantherstar wore a seafoam green Prada dress that glittered and fell into a sheer skirt. Her hair was styled into a towering, sleek statement look.
07of 49
May 2016: Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology
Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic
Sparkles and metallics abounded at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the first Monday of May 2016. TheManus x Machina themeinspired visions of futuristic fashion, and Lupita N’yongo stood out as particularly forward-thinking from head to toe. TheBlack Pantherstar wore a seafoam green Prada dress that glittered and fell into a sheer skirt. Her hair was styled into a towering, sleek statement look.
08of 49
May 2015: China: Through the Looking Glass
Charles Sykes/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
Five years later, Rihanna shared that she washardly as confident as she seemedupon arrival at the 2015 event.
“I remember being so scared to get out of that car because I felt like, ‘I’m doing too much.’ I was driving past the red carpet and I was just seeing gowns,” she toldAccessHollywoodin 2020. “I was like, ‘Oh my god, I’m a clown, people are gonna laugh at me. This is too much.’ I thought that. I circled like three times, I’m not even joking. Finally it was like, whatever let’s just go.”
09of 49May 2014: Charles James: Beyond FashionDimitrios Kambouris/GettyFor one of her bestMet Gala looks, Beyoncé went above and “beyond fashion” an all-black Givenchy ensemble with a plunging neckline and sheer, slitted skirt. Her dress championed the same revolutionary vision for which mid-century designer Charles James was known.
09of 49
May 2014: Charles James: Beyond Fashion
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty
For one of her bestMet Gala looks, Beyoncé went above and “beyond fashion” an all-black Givenchy ensemble with a plunging neckline and sheer, slitted skirt. Her dress championed the same revolutionary vision for which mid-century designer Charles James was known.
10of 49May 2013: Punk: Chaos to CoutureLarry Busacca/GettyThe 2013 Met Gala was made for risk-takers like Miley Cyrus, who wore a long-sleeved mesh Marc Jacobs slip. “I want to wear this every day,” she gushedthe night of.
10of 49
May 2013: Punk: Chaos to Couture
Larry Busacca/Getty
The 2013 Met Gala was made for risk-takers like Miley Cyrus, who wore a long-sleeved mesh Marc Jacobs slip. “I want to wear this every day,” she gushedthe night of.
11of 49May 2012: Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible ConversationsLarry Busacca/Getty ImagesPer usual, the annual event pushed attendees to consider the principles of art and fashion as they dressedfor the night out. In a flouncy, tiered Alexander McQueen look, Florence Welch brought complexity to couture.
11of 49
May 2012: Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations
Larry Busacca/Getty Images
Per usual, the annual event pushed attendees to consider the principles of art and fashion as they dressedfor the night out. In a flouncy, tiered Alexander McQueen look, Florence Welch brought complexity to couture.
12of 49
May 2011: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
Dimitrios Kambouris/FilmMagic
13of 49May 2010: American Woman: Fashioning a National IdentityRabbani and Solimene Photography/WireImageThe Metropolitan Museum once again explored the diverse and evolving styles of American women in 2010. Among the elegant attendees wereOprah Winfreyand her date, designer Oscar de la Renta.
13of 49
May 2010: American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity
Rabbani and Solimene Photography/WireImage
The Metropolitan Museum once again explored the diverse and evolving styles of American women in 2010. Among the elegant attendees wereOprah Winfreyand her date, designer Oscar de la Renta.
14of 49May 2009: The Model As Muse: Embodying FashionFairchild Archive/Penske Media via GettyInstead of centering a certain designer or era in fashion history, the 2009 Costume Institute Gala was all about the modeling icons of the 20th century.“Models are not just faces and bodies. They have brains.” Donatella Versace toldThe New York Timesat the event. The designer dressed herself and runway star Cindy Crawford in long Versace gowns in shades of turquoise and blue, respectively.
14of 49
May 2009: The Model As Muse: Embodying Fashion
Fairchild Archive/Penske Media via Getty
Instead of centering a certain designer or era in fashion history, the 2009 Costume Institute Gala was all about the modeling icons of the 20th century.
“Models are not just faces and bodies. They have brains.” Donatella Versace toldThe New York Timesat the event. The designer dressed herself and runway star Cindy Crawford in long Versace gowns in shades of turquoise and blue, respectively.
15of 49May 2008: Superheroes: Fashion and FantasyDimitrios Kambouris/WireImageKate Bosworth’s colorful Chanel dress looked like it belonged in a couture comic book. She shared a moment with Karl Lagerfeld, then the creative director of Chanel, as they entered the party.
15of 49
May 2008: Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy
Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage
Kate Bosworth’s colorful Chanel dress looked like it belonged in a couture comic book. She shared a moment with Karl Lagerfeld, then the creative director of Chanel, as they entered the party.
16of 49
May 2007: Poiret: King of Fashion
The 2007 exhibition looked back at the styles of Paul Poiret. According to formerCostume Institute curator Harold Koda, the early 20th-century designer “pioneered a seductive modernity based on woman’s self-confident femininity, and envisioned a ‘total lifestyle’ that extended from how she dressed and what fragrance she wore to how she decorated her home.”
17of 49May 2006: AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British FashionSarah Jessica Parker celebrated the British dress code alongside U.K.-born designer Alexander McQueen. Her date designed both of their outfits, which celebrated “AngloMania” with tartan fabric and, on McQueen, a kilt.Years later, Parkerreflected on the eveningin conversation withVogue. She shared how McQueen was an extremely shy date, and she was fixated on his feelings throughout the event.“It wasn’t a fun night. It was, but it wasn’t. Because I was so nervous. I just wanted him to be okay,” theSex and the Cityalumna said of her fashion-forward date,who died in 2010. “He knew how I felt about him, and there was so much affection and such a deep admiration and everybody loved him because he was such a touching person.”
17of 49
May 2006: AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion
Sarah Jessica Parker celebrated the British dress code alongside U.K.-born designer Alexander McQueen. Her date designed both of their outfits, which celebrated “AngloMania” with tartan fabric and, on McQueen, a kilt.
Years later, Parkerreflected on the eveningin conversation withVogue. She shared how McQueen was an extremely shy date, and she was fixated on his feelings throughout the event.
“It wasn’t a fun night. It was, but it wasn’t. Because I was so nervous. I just wanted him to be okay,” theSex and the Cityalumna said of her fashion-forward date,who died in 2010. “He knew how I felt about him, and there was so much affection and such a deep admiration and everybody loved him because he was such a touching person.”
18of 49May 2005: The House of ChanelPeter Kramer/GettyThe Costume Institute paid tribute to another famed design house in 2005, and Karolina Kurkova’s ball gown brought the love.This was the first year the Met Gala happened on the first Monday of May, which has continued as a tradition ever since.
18of 49
May 2005: The House of Chanel
Peter Kramer/Getty
The Costume Institute paid tribute to another famed design house in 2005, and Karolina Kurkova’s ball gown brought the love.
This was the first year the Met Gala happened on the first Monday of May, which has continued as a tradition ever since.
19of 49April 2004: Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th CenturyGettyAmber Valletta aptly channeled Marie Antoinette in a corseted gown with a busy, colorful skirt. Her look encompassed both the refinement and the indulgence of the theme.
19of 49
April 2004: Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century
Amber Valletta aptly channeled Marie Antoinette in a corseted gown with a busy, colorful skirt. Her look encompassed both the refinement and the indulgence of the theme.
20of 49April 2003: Goddess: The Classical ModeGettyThe Gala took another year off in 2002, returning the following year with a divine theme harkening back to styles of antiquity. Victoria Beckham fashioned herself in a glittery, sheer minidress that glowed in front of flashbulbs at the exclusive event.
20of 49
April 2003: Goddess: The Classical Mode
The Gala took another year off in 2002, returning the following year with a divine theme harkening back to styles of antiquity. Victoria Beckham fashioned herself in a glittery, sheer minidress that glowed in front of flashbulbs at the exclusive event.
21of 49April 2001: Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House YearsEvan Agostini/GettyThe Met skipped the year 2000 and kicked off the new millennium in April 2001, entering a new era of spring-timed galas. For the exhibition, the Costume Institute borrowed Jackie Onassis’s closet staples from the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, putting her real wardrobe on display for museum-goers to see.Hillary Clinton paid homage to her fellow former first lady in a leopard-print gown draped over in shiny bronze fabric.
21of 49
April 2001: Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years
Evan Agostini/Getty
The Met skipped the year 2000 and kicked off the new millennium in April 2001, entering a new era of spring-timed galas. For the exhibition, the Costume Institute borrowed Jackie Onassis’s closet staples from the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, putting her real wardrobe on display for museum-goers to see.
Hillary Clinton paid homage to her fellow former first lady in a leopard-print gown draped over in shiny bronze fabric.
22of 49
December 1999: Rock Style
23of 49December 1998: Cubism and FashionRichard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via GettyArt and fashion once again shook hands at the fashionable gathering in 1998, which marked the50th anniversaryof the annual gala. Claudia Schiffer wore a color-contrasting dress with a square hemline. Her date, magician David Copperfield, wore muted colors on his glossy shirt and tie.
23of 49
December 1998: Cubism and Fashion
Art and fashion once again shook hands at the fashionable gathering in 1998, which marked the50th anniversaryof the annual gala. Claudia Schiffer wore a color-contrasting dress with a square hemline. Her date, magician David Copperfield, wore muted colors on his glossy shirt and tie.
24of 49December 1997: Gianni VersaceGettySalma Hayek made her Met Gala debut in 1997, and she immediately made an impression in a one-shoulder gown with a high slit. The look fit the fearless yet luxurious mood of the night’s honored designer,who was murdered earlier that year.
24of 49
December 1997: Gianni Versace
Salma Hayek made her Met Gala debut in 1997, and she immediately made an impression in a one-shoulder gown with a high slit. The look fit the fearless yet luxurious mood of the night’s honored designer,who was murdered earlier that year.
25of 49December 1996: Christian DiorRichard Corkery/NY Daily News via Getty ImagesPrincess Diana only attended the Met Gala once, but she looked like a seasoned expert in an elegant silk John Galliano dress with a lace neckline and straps. She added her signature sapphire pearl necklace to the look, a personal touch that made her stand out in the sea of glamour.
25of 49
December 1996: Christian Dior
Richard Corkery/NY Daily News via Getty Images
Princess Diana only attended the Met Gala once, but she looked like a seasoned expert in an elegant silk John Galliano dress with a lace neckline and straps. She added her signature sapphire pearl necklace to the look, a personal touch that made her stand out in the sea of glamour.
26of 49December 1995: Haute CoutureThe high-fashion theme of 1995 was both straightforward and vastly open-ended. However, there’s little doubt that Naomi Campbell nailed the dress code in an eye-catching, show-stopping sparkly Versace number.
26of 49
December 1995: Haute Couture
The high-fashion theme of 1995 was both straightforward and vastly open-ended. However, there’s little doubt that Naomi Campbell nailed the dress code in an eye-catching, show-stopping sparkly Versace number.
27of 49December 1994: Orientalism: Visions of the East in Western dressIn 1994,Vogue’s Anna Wintour dressed in line with her interpretation of foreign cultures. She arrived at the museum gala in a black-and-white fur coat and lacy pink slip dress. The magazine editor adorned her neck with glowing amber-colored jewels.
27of 49
December 1994: Orientalism: Visions of the East in Western dress
In 1994,Vogue’s Anna Wintour dressed in line with her interpretation of foreign cultures. She arrived at the museum gala in a black-and-white fur coat and lacy pink slip dress. The magazine editor adorned her neck with glowing amber-colored jewels.
28of 49December 1993: Diana Vreeland: Immoderate StyleSonia Moskowitz/GettyThe museum celebrated the late former Costume Exhibition specialist for the second time in 1993. Icons Linda Evangelista and Lauren Hutton were among the partygoers who dolled up for the occasion.
28of 49
December 1993: Diana Vreeland: Immoderate Style
Sonia Moskowitz/Getty
The museum celebrated the late former Costume Exhibition specialist for the second time in 1993. Icons Linda Evangelista and Lauren Hutton were among the partygoers who dolled up for the occasion.
29of 49December 1992: Fashion and History: A DialogueRon Galella, Ltd./WireImageChristy Turlington channeled a timeless look for the Met’s exploration of various eras of style.
29of 49
December 1992: Fashion and History: A Dialogue
Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage
Christy Turlington channeled a timeless look for the Met’s exploration of various eras of style.
30of 49December 1991: No themeRon Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via GettyThe Costume Institute was closed in December 1991, which meant that there was no exhibition to accompany the Met Gala. But the night at the museum went on anyway. Joan Rivers was among the night’s attendees, and managed to look especially chic even without thematic guidance.
30of 49
December 1991: No theme
Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty
The Costume Institute was closed in December 1991, which meant that there was no exhibition to accompany the Met Gala. But the night at the museum went on anyway. Joan Rivers was among the night’s attendees, and managed to look especially chic even without thematic guidance.
31of 49December 1990: Théâtre de la Mode – Fashion Dolls: The Survival of Haute CoutureArnaldo Magnani/Liaison/GettyFormer U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger wore a crisp tuxedo to the French-forward celebration of haute couture. His wife Nancy, on the other hand, went all-out in a neon pink skirt fitted with a black bow. Above the waist, Nancy continued her theatrical look in a sheer polka-dot top with a ruffled neckline.
31of 49
December 1990: Théâtre de la Mode – Fashion Dolls: The Survival of Haute Couture
Arnaldo Magnani/Liaison/Getty
Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger wore a crisp tuxedo to the French-forward celebration of haute couture. His wife Nancy, on the other hand, went all-out in a neon pink skirt fitted with a black bow. Above the waist, Nancy continued her theatrical look in a sheer polka-dot top with a ruffled neckline.
32of 49December 1989: The Age of Napoleon: Costume from Revolution to Empire, 1789–1815Ron Galella/WireImageAnna Wintour attended the Met Gala a few times before she took over leadership in 1995. The style savant was already editingVoguewhen she layered pearls over a sequined metallic top for the Napoleonic soirée.
32of 49
December 1989: The Age of Napoleon: Costume from Revolution to Empire, 1789–1815
Ron Galella/WireImage
Anna Wintour attended the Met Gala a few times before she took over leadership in 1995. The style savant was already editingVoguewhen she layered pearls over a sequined metallic top for the Napoleonic soirée.
33of 49December 1988: From Queen to Empress: Victorian Dress 1837–1877Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via GettyItalian actress Gina Lollobrigida arrived at the Gala looking like fashion royalty at the high-class celebration of 18th-century glamour.
33of 49
December 1988: From Queen to Empress: Victorian Dress 1837–1877
Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida arrived at the Gala looking like fashion royalty at the high-class celebration of 18th-century glamour.
34of 49
December 1987: A Tribute to Diana Vreeland
In December 1987, less than two years before Diana Vreeland died at age 85, the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute celebrated its longtime consultant. Though Vreeland was reportedly unable to attend the evening in her honor, her opulent sense of style was embodied in the many looks of the evening.
35of 49
December 1986: Dance
Rose Hartman/Archive Photos/Getty
36of 49December 1985: Costumes of Royal IndiaDesigner Bob Mackie accompanied Cher to the Met Gala in 1985. The singer wore a new version of her signature sparkly sheer dress, this time revised to fit the vibrant and ornate dress code.
36of 49
December 1985: Costumes of Royal India
Designer Bob Mackie accompanied Cher to the Met Gala in 1985. The singer wore a new version of her signature sparkly sheer dress, this time revised to fit the vibrant and ornate dress code.
37of 49
December 1984: Man and the Horse
Rose Hartman/Getty
38of 49
December 1983: Yves Saint Laurent: 25 Years of Design
Tony Palmieri/WWD/Penske Media via Getty
“‘‘I don’t think of it as an end, but as a beginning,’’ said the French clothing connoisseur, who died in 2008. ‘‘Saturday I start my next collection.’’
39of 49December 1982: La Belle ÉpoqueRaquel Welch paired pearls with her leopard-print sequin gown for the affair, themed in homage to late 19th-century Europe.
39of 49
December 1982: La Belle Époque
Raquel Welch paired pearls with her leopard-print sequin gown for the affair, themed in homage to late 19th-century Europe.
40of 49December 1981: The Eighteenth-Century WomanRon Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via GettyJournalist Aileen Mehle smiled with art heir Paloma Picasso and her husband Rafael Lopez-Sanchez. According totheNew York Times, just more than 700 guests attended the dinner portion of the Gala, which cost $350 per ticket. (Page Sixreported that the 2023 price of admission is $50,000 per person.)
40of 49
December 1981: The Eighteenth-Century Woman
Journalist Aileen Mehle smiled with art heir Paloma Picasso and her husband Rafael Lopez-Sanchez. According totheNew York Times, just more than 700 guests attended the dinner portion of the Gala, which cost $350 per ticket. (Page Sixreported that the 2023 price of admission is $50,000 per person.)
41of 49December 1980: The Manchu Dragon: Costumes of China, the Ch’ing DynastySonia Moskowitz/GettyThe Met kicked off the 1980s with a tribute to the last Imperial dynasty of China, the Qing dynasty, which ruled from 1636 to 1912. Diana Vreeland decorated herself with red accents and gold metal on her shoulders.
41of 49
December 1980: The Manchu Dragon: Costumes of China, the Ch’ing Dynasty
The Met kicked off the 1980s with a tribute to the last Imperial dynasty of China, the Qing dynasty, which ruled from 1636 to 1912. Diana Vreeland decorated herself with red accents and gold metal on her shoulders.
42of 49December 1979: Fashions of the Habsburg Era: Austria-HungaryJackie Onassis (who co-chaired the event in 1976 and 1977) stepped out for the Medieval European theme in a ruffled strapless black gown.
42of 49
December 1979: Fashions of the Habsburg Era: Austria-Hungary
Jackie Onassis (who co-chaired the event in 1976 and 1977) stepped out for the Medieval European theme in a ruffled strapless black gown.
43of 49
November 1978: Diaghilev: Costumes and Designs of the Ballets Russes
44of 49December 1977: Vanity Fair: A Treasure TroveRon Galella/Ron Galella Collection via GettyThe Gala’s attendees wore their most extravagant ensembles in 1977, like Barbara Walters and Estée Lauder, who boldly opted for sparkle and color, respectively. The event paid homage to that year’s elaborate Costume Institute exhibition, which pulled from the museum’s own collection of items.“We want you to imagine you were back in the time of these clothes, not in a thrift shop,” then-curator Stella Blum toldThe Washington Postof the Vanity Fair display. “These were the great clothes of their day and we wouldn’t be telling a perfect story with sweat marks or tears.”
44of 49
December 1977: Vanity Fair: A Treasure Trove
Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
The Gala’s attendees wore their most extravagant ensembles in 1977, like Barbara Walters and Estée Lauder, who boldly opted for sparkle and color, respectively. The event paid homage to that year’s elaborate Costume Institute exhibition, which pulled from the museum’s own collection of items.
“We want you to imagine you were back in the time of these clothes, not in a thrift shop,” then-curator Stella Blum toldThe Washington Postof the Vanity Fair display. “These were the great clothes of their day and we wouldn’t be telling a perfect story with sweat marks or tears.”
45of 49
December 1976: The Glory of Russian Costume
46of 49December 1975: American Women of StyleRon Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via GettyGlowing in a bright white high-neck gown, supermodel Naomi Sims perfectly exemplified the dress code celebrating the country’s stylish trailblazers.
46of 49
December 1975: American Women of Style
Glowing in a bright white high-neck gown, supermodel Naomi Sims perfectly exemplified the dress code celebrating the country’s stylish trailblazers.
47of 49
November 1974: Romantic and Glamorous Hollywood Design
48of 49
December 1973: The 10s, the 20s, the 30s: Inventive Clothes
“Everyone was gay, elegant and totally tuned into the new century,” Diana Vreeland explained inan introductionto the winter Costume Exhibition of 1973. “The world was intoxicated with its new art, new music, new way of life and new clothes.”
49of 49March 1973: The World of BalenciagaBettmann Archive/GettyThe Metropolitan Museum of Art hosted annual events celebrating its Costume Institute during the 1950s and 1960s, but the gala as we know itdidn’t take formuntil Diana Vreeland joined the committee. The formerVogueeditor-in-chief was the one who introduced the concept of themes for each gala, starting with a celebration of Cristóbal Balenciaga’s fashion just one year after his death.
49of 49
March 1973: The World of Balenciaga
Bettmann Archive/Getty
The Metropolitan Museum of Art hosted annual events celebrating its Costume Institute during the 1950s and 1960s, but the gala as we know itdidn’t take formuntil Diana Vreeland joined the committee. The formerVogueeditor-in-chief was the one who introduced the concept of themes for each gala, starting with a celebration of Cristóbal Balenciaga’s fashion just one year after his death.
source: people.com
