The Skills Behind The Met Gala

Every year on the first Monday in May, fashion brands from around the world create the most fantastic garments to show off their skills on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum.

What most people forget is that the money spent ($100,000 just this year, per ticket) on this event goes towards supporting the museum for the next year. It's still a fundraising event for The Costume Institute, a department of the Met Museum, which is entirely self funded. Thanks to this event, the department is able to hold exhibitions that are then much cheaper to attend on any other day.

Before I get into much more of my own thoughts, I want to share this beautiful video Vogue shared about this year's Met Gala:

I want to look a lot deeper at the skills required to make a garment worthy of going up the stairs at the Met Gala.The overall theme was interpreted in many different ways and a lot of people have been sharing their opinions on what is 'good', 'bad', best or worst dressed at the Gala. But they were all just doing exactly what the theme was: Creating art by using fashion as a medium.

But when you look a little closer at the designs, you can see the individual skills that went into creating these works of art. I'd like a share a few designs that I truly adore and you can see just how much care went into creating each piece.

Above: Anok Yai in Balenciaga - Manish Malhotra in his own design - Sinead Burke in Christian Siriano

Above: Lalisa in Robert Wun, Grace Ling in her own design, Yseult in Harris Reed

We can see a huge amount of traditional craftsmanship and delicate embroidery in the designs, mixed with more modern 3D printing and architectural skills being used. From the fully beaded bodice and smooth, matte fabric that flows with the Yseult's dress, to the fully 3D printed aluminium bodice of Grace Ling's design. Check out this Fashionista video to see more about Grace Ling's prep for the Met Gala: HERE

One designer I have really looked up to is Christian Siriano. He has always welcomed bodies of all shapes and sizes, and when I first saw Sinead on the carpet, I was blown away by how beautifully the corset fit her and the style made her look like a warrior. The shoulder pieces and the cape just brought the whole design together. I have seen Christian's designs on aso many runways and he is definitely someone I would love to meet one day.

Manish Malhotra had not only himself but a few celebs wearing his designs on the runway and they all stood out to me as the craftsmanship looked stunning!

Left: Karan Johar wearing this stunning coat with an entire scene embroidered on it created a moment where I wished I could jump through the screen and examine every stitch. Along with Sudha Reddy's Tree of Life dress, Manish Malhotra was able to show the world how India's craftspeople can stun the world stage.

To read more about Manish, check out this Vogue article

Sudha Reddy's Tree of Life gown, in this Vogue article

There were over 250 images in This Vogue article and I've only shown a very small amount here, but the skills needed to create a gown like these are readily available to anyone who wants to put in the time and practice.

Every design here shows the skills of pattern makers, cutters, stitchers, embroiderers, milliners, paruriers, painters, jewellers, 3D artists and everyone who creates the actual garments to be worn on the body. There are so many others involved in the process but not much would happen without the actual garment itself.

Let's find some amazing craftspeople from all over the world who creates couture level garments

Embroidery: A Touch of Houte Couture by Hand London and Embroidery Technique 'Al Aire' by Dutch Couture Academy

Dressmaking: Threads Magazine plus the Dressmaking Techniques free course here in The Atelier

Feathers in Couture: This Womens Wear Daily article

Here is a closer look at the Schiaparelli designs with Daniel Roseberry. I feel like Daniel is a huge lover of how the fashion house utilises it's amazing craftspeople to create some amazing pieces of art.

To end this post, I wanted to share one of the fashion world's most famous stylist Law Roach on how he creates a Met Gala look. I would also suggest his other videos to see from a stylist perspective.

The Met Gala is a great way for a brand to show off just one couture level design without creating a full couture collection to go onto the runway during fashion week. It also helps to support the history of fashion and craftsmanship through the Metropolitan Museum.

Whatever your opinion on the Met Gala, seeing everyone's interpretation of the themes each year can be entertaining and awe inspiring. I am always interested to see new designers showing their skills each year and I hope there will always be an oppportunity for everyone to achieve their creative dreams on one of the biggest runways in the fashion world.

Andi xoxo

Dressmaker - Designer - Sewing Teacher

Bespoke Stitchery Pty Ltd