In A Massimo Dutti Coat, Kate Middleton Wore Accessories You Can Still Shop Did Victoria Beckham Just Confirm The End Of Skinny Jeans? How To Find Pear-Shaped Jeans That Are Comfortable And Fit Properly All Of The Times Kate Middleton Took Sartorial Inspiration From Princess Diana Kate Middleton Just Wore The Perfect £119 Spring Blouse (And You Can Shop Her Whole Outfit) The Very Best Outfits On Sex And The City That Are Always Worth Remembering Deep Breath – The Corset Is Making A Comeback, All Thanks To Billie Eilish H&M x Brock Collection: The New Designer Collaboration Has Just Been Revealed These Are The Best Summer Dresses Of The Year, So Don't Hang Around by Vic Parsons | “The hallmark of Camp is the spirit of extravagance,” wrote Susan Sontag in her seminal 1964 essay, Notes on “Camp”. “Camp is a woman walking around in a dress made of three million feathers.” Sontag’s essay is the inspiration for this year’s Met Gala theme, Camp: Notes on Fashion, which could give us the most outrageous and over-the-top red carpet yet – though even Rihanna might struggle to wear three million feathers. The Met Gala, held at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, is the grand opening of the annual fashion exhibition at the Met Museum’s Costume Institute. It’s one of the biggest fashion fundraisers of the year, and the theme is the starting point for the red-carpet look of those on the exclusive guest list. Last year, the event courted controversy with Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination, as the theme’s exploration of the relationship between fashion and Catholicism came at a time when the Catholic Church was in the spotlight for child sex-abuse scandals. And it wasn’t the first time that the Met Gala’s theme has provoked tension: China: Through the Looking Glass, in 2015, was criticised for condensing a diverse culture into some offensive stereotypes, seen on the red carpet through a proliferation of dragons, chopsticks, braids and kimonos. Rihanna was one of the few people actually dressed by a Chinese designer – she won the red carpet with Guo Pei’s infamous canary-yellow creation, which subsequently inspired thousands of memes. Rihanna at the Met Gala in 2015 wearing a dress designed by Guo Pei When Sontag’s essay was first published, some in the LGBTQ+ community were critical. It was 1964, before the modern gay-rights movement began – pre-Stonewall uprising, when homosexuality was still considered a mental disorder and long before equal marriage was recognised in the UK – and the relationship between camp and marginalised LGBTQ+ people was such that bringing it to public attention and making it mainstream felt, to some, like a violation. Arguably, it doesn’t get more public and mainstream than the Met Gala. So, with camp and queerness being so intrinsically linked, will this year’s theme be as controversial as the last? Harris Reed, the queer designer-turned-model who started attracting attention last year for collaborating with Harry Styles, and who recently walked for Gucci’s 2019 Cruise show, doesn’t think so. “I think the theme this year, and the people hosting [of which Styles is one] , is really going to make a big and impactful change for the LGBTQIA community,” he says. “This year’s theme could not be more relevant, it could not be more important, at a time when we have people like Donald Trump banishing transgender individuals from the US military, when you have the Sultan of Brunei now legally allowing LGBTQIA people to be stoned to death.” Sontag wrote that “homosexuals, by and large, constitute the vanguard -- and the most articulate audience -- of Camp”. And it is the way the Met Gala will highlight this relationship that Reed says is so important. “Camp is a really deep word and I think that’s amazing, because anything that has that kind of subtext to it, that is so multifaceted, can really open people up to have a conversation – what is this year’s theme? What is camp? What is camp culture? Where did this come from? I think camp is a great window to open people up to queerness and queer culture and what that stands for,” he says. While the Met Gala is one night only, the Costume Institute’s exhibition will run all summer. It follows the evolution of the camp aesthetic from queer subculture to important influence on mainstream culture. The exhibition will feature 175 objects and will open with the 17th-century court of Versailles positioned as a “camp Eden”, looking at the concept of se camper, or “to posture boldly”, in the royal courts of Louis XIV and Louis XV. William Dill-Russell – a designer who cites queer history as an inspiration and who used Fanny and Stella, two 18th-century crossdressers, as inspiration for their first collection – has three garments in the exhibition. “As a queer designer who identifies as non-binary, it is seemingly rare to have such incredible opportunities gifted to you,” they say. “To then also be representing a part of the exhibition that reflects on the history of campness and queer culture is such an honour.” This year’s theme presents an opportunity, too: “I’d love to see people really explore the history of camp and queer pioneers, and if that means them wearing an homage to someone – then great! There are so many incredible people who have paved paths, not just for queer folk, but also for creatives. So it would be interesting to see who relates to certain historical figures and stories.” “It’s obviously also very important to show how valid LGBTQ+ identities and history are in a world where LGBTQ+ individuals are still being marginalised by governments and bigoted people.” Camp, Sontag wrote, is the “attempt to do something extraordinary”. And, if it succeeds in having fun while giving a platform to queer designers and showcasing queer history, it looks like this year’s Met Gala could be on to a winner. Camp is joyous, generous and glamorous – a fitting theme for fashion’s biggest fundraiser. The 700-strong guestlist is, though, a closely kept secret – the big names attending will be revealed on Monday’s red carpet, along with their outfits. “I would, however, love it if Cher attended. Vintage Bob Mackie? !” says Dill-Russell. Amen to that Met Gala 2018 Best Dressed - Grazia 2 of 72 Slide 2 of 73 Shutterstock Amal Clooney Gala co-chair Amal Clooney was one of the first to arrive, wearing a rose print design by Richard Quinn (whose LFW show was recently attended by none other than Her Majesty the Queen, FYI) Shutterstock Bee Shaffer Bee Shaffer, perennially plus one to her mother Anna Wintour, wore scarlett Valentino haute couture fashioned from scalloped layers. Shutterstock Anna Wintour Anna Wintour chose a custom beaded Chanel design in white. Perks of the job, hey? Shutterstock Princess Beatrice of York Princess Beatrice made her Met Gala debut in an appropriately regal shade of purple, complete with tiara. Shutterstock Olivia Munn Olivia Munn's gold chainmail dress (and matching net headpiece, naturally) are from high street favourite H&M. Shutterstock Donatella Versace Donatella Versace made a statement in... Versace, of course. Shutterstock Cynthia Erivo Broadway star Cynthia Erivo chose this purple velvet showstopper - complete with bedazzled eyebrows. Shutterstock Amanda Seyfried Amanda Seyfried opted for a whimsically romantic spin on the theme, pairing this marigold yellow Prada number with an understated tiara (which, in this case, is not a contradiction in terms). Shutterstock Jasmine Sanders Model Jasmine Sanders was the Gala's golden girl in H&M. Shutterstock Lili Reinhart For her first Met Gala, Riverdale star Lili shone in silver H&M. Shutterstock Lily Collins Lily Collins embraced the dark side in ethereal Givenchy Haute Couture. Shutterstock Uma Thurman Uma Thurman kept things simple all in white. Shutterstock Bella Hadid Bella Hadid opted for latex and leather. Shutterstock Kate Bosworth Kate Bosworth channelled bridal chic with an embellished veil and a tulle gown complete with awe-inspiring train, by the design duo at Oscar de la Renta. Shutterstock SZA Fully embracing the theme, SZA looked celestial in tulle and serious embellishment. Shutterstock Zoe Kravitz Zoe Kravitz's high-split lace dress is by Anthony Vacarello for Saint Laurent.<doc-sep>The first Monday of May is nearly here, which means it's time for the Met Gala! The main question pop culture and fashion connoisseur all have is: What theme will the extravagant looks worn by A-list celebrities be modeled after? Looking back on last year's theme, "Heavenly Bodies," celebrities were tasked with executing a high-fashion look without offending the Roman Catholic Church. This year, however, those in attendance will need to define "studied triviality" as the 2019 Met Gala dress code. Each year the Met Gala aims to raise money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. While the dress code is listed as "studied triviality," the official theme of the event and this year's exhibition is "Camp: Notes on Fashion." This year's theme looks to be an ode to Notes on "Camp", Susan Sontag's essay published in 1964. "The 58-point piece bestowed a useful framework to understand the crumbling wall between high art and pop culture at the time, declaring loosely that 'the essence of Camp is its love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration,'" according to a Vanity Fair report. Whether easily deciphered or not, every year's theme is decided upon by Andrew Bolton, Chief Curator of the Costume Institute. "He can sometimes make that decision up to five years ahead," the event's host Anna Wintour said in a Vogue video interview. "The only advice that I really ever give to Andrew is whatever the title of the exhibition is, make sure that everyone understands it immediately." "Although, to be honest, this [year's themed] exhibition has created a little bit of confusion," she added. "I think this year's exhibition, possibly more than any other, is about self-expression and individuality." She concluded: "We're all, I think, most hoping to see is something that is outrageous, this is fun, tongue in cheek. So my guess is that we're going to see a very large amount of feathers on the red carpet." Tune in for Met Gala red carpet coverage Monday on E! from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET.<doc-sep>The 71 st Met Gala 2019, was chaired by Anna Wintour, Lady Gaga, Alessandro Michael, Harry Styles, and Serena Williams. This year’s extravagant met gala took place in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York as always. About 200 artworks and fashion objects dated back from the 17th century was exhibited at the gala. Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas Followed by last year’s theme Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination, this year the established theme was Camp: Notes on Fashion. This idea was inspired by Susan Sontag’s essay Notes on Camp, which created a literary sensation back in the ’60s. For those who are wondering what camp is, here’s our break down of this year's theme. The core idea of Camp is to make something look appealing which is of a bad taste and the celebrities have really stepped up to make it look so. The concept invites a whole different kind of perception about art, fashion, styles and how to regard them. The word “camp” traces back its origin to 1870 at London, where it was first used in the case of a crossdresser Frederick Park, who was suspected of then-illegal homosexual activity. Then the Oxford dictionary included it later in their print with a meaning of exaggeration, theatrical and ostentatious. The Costume Institute's head curator Andrew Bolton of the Metropolitan Museum of Art said, "Camp by nature is subversive, confronting and challenging. In the end, the purpose of the camp is to put a smile on our faces and a warm glow in our hearts." Deepika Padukone Weighing in her thoughts on the theme, the elegant Padmavat actress, Deepika Padukone with her exquisite underworld Barbie outfit defined camp as something very personal and how everyone has their own interpretation of the camp. The actress said,” It’s theatrical... sort of over the top and you want do it in an elegant and respectable way.” Nick Jonas and his wife, actress Priyanka Chopra wearing Dior stated, "Camp is an idea which lets you do whatever you want. It's about playing with the idea of not taking yourself too seriously and having some fun with it.” Harry Styles Harry Styles who made his debut in the Met Gala is also one of the co-chairs of the event. To him, camp meant enjoyment, fun and no judgment as people are free to be who they are. Kim Kardashian who attended the met with her partner Kanye West said that the only word to define camp is “Manfred Thierry Mugler” who is a known for his fetishistic fashion and spectacular Broadway shows.<doc-sep>
THIS has to be the most outlandish and open ended theme of all time The first Monday of May is here and our excitement levels are through the roof. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is set to celebrate it’s famous MET Ball in New York City tonight. It is one of the most prestigious fashion events of the year, one can also call it the Oscars of fashion. The black-tie fundraiser sees the who’s who of the industry in the most elaborate and outlandish ensembles. Each of them is focused to make the most out of the theme in their own unique way. Rihanna - MET Gala 2016 It is one of the biggest days for designers and fashion houses where they get a chance to display their extravagant couture pieces. From Hollywood celebrities and models to global music artists, everyone is focused on creating a statement. This is not an easy task when everyone’s agenda is to put their best foot forward. Last year’s theme, Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination saw a little conjecture when it came down to interpretations and executions through extravagant ensembles. While the stars on the red carpet set the bar too high, this year’s theme is here to set new boundaries altogether. Cardi B - MET Gala 2018 - MET Gala 2018 This year’s theme is ‘Camp: Notes on Fashion’. Susan Sontag’s Notes on ‘Camp’ provides the framework for the exhibition, which examines how the elements of irony, humour, parody, pastiche, artifice, theatricality, and exaggeration are expressed in fashion.’ The most crucial element of Camp is it’s aesthetic and we definitely know that the A-list celebrities won't fail to surprise us. According to Sontag,’ It is one way of seeing the world as an aesthetic phenomenon. That way, the way of Camp, is not in terms of beauty, but in terms of the degree of artifice, of stylization.’ While the theme is a bit challenging, we cannot wait to see what is in store for this open-ended theme. We are clearly way too excited and cannot wait to see what this star-studded event has in stored for us. Which celebrity are you most excited to see on the red carpet? Let us know in the comments section below. For more Fashion & Beauty updates: Follow @pinkvillafashion Credits :GETTY IMAGES Read More