Sleeping Beauties: Met Gala
authored by Jewel Mootz
Hi all, I’m Jewel and have been part of the New to You fam for almost a year and a half. Here at New to You, one of my favorite things is that above all we care about quality and uniqueness in the pieces we take. Recently I went on a girl's trip to NYC and while there were many highlights this experience stood out. These pieces push the boundary of what we think is possible to wear and show that fashion is fun and all about experimentation and finding your own unique look. Let’s walk through some of my personal highlights and learn a bit about the Costume Institute.
The Met Gala, held by the Met’s Costume Institute the first Monday in May, draws eyes from around the world to criticize or praise elites from all facets of high society on their outfits and aesthetic choices. Does their ensemble fit the theme? Who are they wearing and why? All this discourse floods the internet for weeks to come, but what happens inside? The Met Gala is famously known for keeping the main event private, but what we do know is that the guests get a first look at the costume institute’s new exhibit.
This year's offering titled Sleeping Beauties : Reawakening Fashion explores pieces spanning hundreds of years that can no longer be worn, touched, or even put onto mannequins. The exhibit seeks to revive these pieces by using the five senses. Nature motifs are highlighted and used to separate the different collections, some examples include “Dior’s Garden” which explored Dior’s fascination with florals and impressionism and Iris Van Herpen’s collection of aquatic inspired pieces found in Marine Life. Music, Visual aids, Smell displays, and Touch panels were used by curators to truly immerse viewers in the world of these sleeping beauties.
Here are some highlights of the exhibit
Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen
S/S 2011
Painted Feather Butterfly Dress
Dolce and Gabbana
S/S 2023
Red Silk Satin Rose
Rodarte
Spring/Summer 2012
Van Gogh Printed Sunflower Dress
Yves Saint Laurent
Spring/Summer 1988
Van Gogh Irises Jacket
Undercover
Spring/Summer 2024
3D Caged Pink Silk Roses
Iris Van Herpen
Spring/Summer 2020 Haute Couture
“Physalia” Dress
Iris Van Herpen
Spring/Summer 2020 Haute Couture
“Nautiloid” Dress
House of Dior
Autumn/Winter 1949-1950
“Junon” Ball Gown
House of Dior
2014
Mini “Miss Dior” Dress
Callot Soeurs - Pierre Gerber
1930
“The Mermaid Bride”
Sleeping Beauties : Reawakening Fashion is open through September 2nd at the Met’s Costume Institute and is free admission with your Met tickets.
