Met Gala Pivots to an ‘extraORDINARY’ Theme Focused on Everyday Fashion After Backlash to Scrapped John Galliano Tribute
The subtitle of next year's event hints at its elevation of "undersung beauty" and the "allure of quotidian garments."
The Met Gala has shifted its theme for the upcoming spring fundraiser from a tribute to controversial designer John Galliano to a new exhibition titled "extraORDINARY: Fashion and the Poetics of the Everyday." Vogue announced the change on November 5, describing the exhibition as "devoted to the undersung beauty and allure of quotidian garments."
These garments include everyday items such as T-shirts, jeans, raincoats, sweatshirts, and puffer jackets. The exhibition aims to challenge visitors to perceive the everyday in a new light by exploring how designers have elevated archetypal garments into runway-worthy creations and how humble, disposable materials are transformed into wearable art.
The new theme and exhibition were introduced after the Metropolitan Museum of Art announced on August 31 that the Costume Institute exhibition and gala would no longer focus on Galliano's work. Galliano had expressed his withdrawal from the "John Galliano: Horizons" themed event following a strong public backlash to his participation due to his history of hate-filled antisemitic and racist remarks.
Andrew Bolton, the Met curator in charge of the new exhibition, told Vogue that he had no alternative plan in place for the spring ritual. He emphasized the importance of creating an exhibition that was challenging, provocative, and beautiful, just like a show centered around Galliano. Bolton also encouraged visitors to participate by wearing their favorite T-shirt, jeans, or hoodie during the show.
This year's event, themed "Costume Art," was co-chaired by Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and former Vogue editor Anna Wintour.
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