About Last Monday Night — Rouge Magazine

Every year we look forward to the first Monday of May. This year’s Costume Institute’s exhibition theme was in honor of the late Karl Lagerfeld: “A Line of Beauty,” who died at age 85 in 2019. Despite the controversies surrounding him, many believe he was one of the most “prolific and celebrated designers of all time” and his name is often uttered from the lips of fashion connoisseurs (Harper’s Bazaar). During his career, he designed for Chloé and Balmain as well as served as the creative director for some of the biggest fashion houses in the world including Fendi and most notoriously Chanel. Lagerfeld has revolutionized many fashion houses in addition to his own namesake label and his vision changed the fashion world forever.

At the Met Gala, alongside celebrating Lagerfeld’s legacy, the event also attempted to promote sustainable fashion. It aimed to highlight the importance of environmentally conscious clothing as well as promote awareness on the impact of fashion on the environment. Designers were encouraged to create more sustainable and ethical fashion and many designers and celebrities arrived in stunning sustainable outfits including Cara Delevinge with a look made from recycled water bottles. The event demonstrated that environmentally conscious fashion can be just as glamorous, elegant and voguish as traditional fashion.

In the words of Karl Lagerfeld, "I've always known that I was made to live this way, that I would be this sort of legend" (Harper's Bazaar). His work will span lifetimes and traces of him could be seen all over the carpet as with Thom Browne’s creation for Teyana Taylor for instance.

Photo / Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris

The best Met Gala looks come down to the art of incorporating your own identity in paying homage to another. For example, Kim Kardashian’s look included pearls which are distinct for Karl Lagerfeld's time at Chanel as well as incorporating a risqué corset which is Kim Kardashian’s essence. Doja Cat’s look was inspired by Lagerfeld’s beloved cat Choupette, while also continuing Doja’s approach to manipulating aesthetics as seen in her previous looks with Schiaparelli. Even Asap Rocky’s approach included flannels and kilts which has consistently been a key part of his aesthetic.

The Met Gala this year seemingly had the most on theme looks to date and surprisingly more camp outfits than last year’s “In America: An Anthology of Fashion.” Cherishing Karl Lagerfeld’s work, the 2023 Super Bowl of Fashion showcased some viral and memorable custom ensembles.

Sources

Fisher, Lauren Alexis. “Karl Lagerfeld's Wittiest, Most Iconic, and Most Outrageous Quotes of All Time.” Harper's BAZAAR, Harper's BAZAAR, 2 Nov. 2021, https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/designers/a26405187/karl-lagerfeld-quotes/.

Klerk, Amy de. “Everything You Need to Know about the Met Gala Theme.” Harper's BAZAAR, Harper's BAZAAR, 2 May 2023, https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/a36092219/met-gala-theme/.

Vogue. “Met Gala 2023 Red Carpet: See Every Celebrity Look, Outfit, and Dress.” Vogue, Vogue, 2 May 2023, https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/met-gala-2023-red-carpet-live-celebrity-fashion.

The Economic Times Feb 19, 2019 “When Karl Lagerfeld lost almost 41 kgs to fit into razor-thin suits in early 2000s” https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/when-karl-lagerfeld-lost-almost-41-kgs-to-fit-into-razor-thin-suits-in-early-2000s/articleshow/68065114.cms.

Written by Barbara Edmonds

Copyedited by Marian Mejia and Mary Renfroe

Graphic by Sophie Difusco