The Met Gala, also known as the “Oscars of fashion,” is an annual fundraising event for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Taking place on the first Monday in May, the event is attended by A-list celebrities and fashion icons, with each year featuring a unique theme. The 2023 Met Gala theme is “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” honoring the late designer’s legacy and impact on the fashion industry.
A Tribute to Karl Lagerfeld
The exhibition will pay tribute to Lagerfeld’s most well-known designs and iconic pieces, exploring the evolution of his two-dimensional drawings into three-dimensional garments. Spanning his 60-year career, guests can draw inspiration from Lagerfeld’s extensive
archives, showcasing his stylistic vocabulary from the 1950s to 2019. Despite his reputation as a fashion genius, Lagerfeld was known for expressing unapologetically offensive views, making the theme a bold choice for the Met Gala.
Co-Chairs and Attendees
The gala will be co-hosted by Penélope Cruz, Michaela Coel, Roger Federer, and Dua Lipa. Celebrities who worked with and befriended Lagerfeld, such as Blake Lively, Cara Delevingne, Pharrell Williams, Kristen Stewart, Gigi Hadid, Tilda Swinton, and Helen Mirren, are likely to attend. Chanel brand ambassadors, including Margot Robbie, Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard, Margaret Qualley, Vanessa Paradis, and Sofia Coppola, are also expected to attend, along with Pete Davidson and Kim Kardashian.
Vogue’s May 2023 Issue and Live Stream
Vogue’s May 2023 issue is dedicated to Lagerfeld, featuring ten designers dressing some of his favorite models and sharing memories of the designer. Models Anok Yai, Shalom Harlow, Kendall Jenner, Liu Wen, Adut Akech, Natalia Vodianova, Naomi Campbell, Amber Valletta, Gigi Hadid, and Devon Aoki are expected to attend the gala. The annual live stream of the event will be hosted by Emma Chamberlain, LaLa Anthony, Derek Blasberg, and Chloe Fineman, and will be available to stream on Vogue’s website and social media pages.
Anna Wintour’s Fundraising Success
Chaired by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, the Met Gala is often referred to as the “Super Bowl of fashion.” Wintour’s business savvy and tight grip on the fashion world has helped her raise $200 million for the Costume Institute. Her choice of a Karl Lagerfeld theme for the 2023 Met Gala is a smart fundraising move, ensuring the continued success and growth of the Costume Institute.