The Met Gala holds a gala every year to raise money for the Metropolitan Museum. The theme this year is Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, which honors the style of African Americans during the 1800s.

An overview of the exhibit informs that during enslavement, African Americans would wear clothing that symbolized their “masters’” wealth. Now, the style represents a way for African Americans to express their positions on social and political issues. 

The Met then explains their exhibit and the importance of this theme by stating, “Inspired by Guest Curator Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book ‘Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity,’ the exhibition will explore the importance of sartorial style to the formation of Black identities in the Atlantic diaspora.” This idea of social justice continues from the book and is exhibited in this year’s Met Gala theme. 

“It is something we watch, [the Met Gala] in COMPASS’ fashion classes to review, and I look forward to looking back at everyone’s outfits,” states Natalie Dempsey, COMPASS Senior.

“It could be a redemption, I think it could also just bring up more controversies based on people’s opinions on how people take on the theme and use it,”  Dempsey states.

With the 2023 theme in mind Met Gala, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” which was extremely controversial in the morality of Karl Lagerfeld.

Millikan’s fashion teacher, Ms. Palsgrove, says, “I think there will be a lot to discuss after the show as the theme asks questions about race, identity, class, gender, sexuality, and power. I hope to learn a lot from the show and as always I hope it’s entertaining!”

Will the Met Gala be off-the-shelf? Watch to see these amazing outfits curated by extremely talented fashion designers on E! or Vogue.com this May 5th.