An Untold Story: Why The Met Gala Is More Than Just A Party For Celebrities.

May 07, 2024 12:30PM ● By Oluwadamilola Akindolire

Zendaya at the 2024 Met Gala (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

The Met Gala. The mere mention of it conjures up images of impossibly glamorous outfits, A-list celebrities dripping in diamonds, and a red carpet that could double as a runway for fashion's most outrageous creations. It's a night splashed across social media, a whirlwind of flashbulbs and breathless commentary. But for many, particularly within the Black community, the Met Gala remains shrouded in a veil of mystery. What exactly goes on behind the velvet ropes? What does it all mean, and why should it matter?

From Gilded Age Glam to Sustainable Slumber: A Historical Stroll

Let's rewind to 1948, the year the Met Gala first sashayed onto the scene. Back then, it was a fundraising dinner for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, a far cry from the extravagant spectacle it's become. Fast forward to the 1970s under the legendary leadership of Diana Vreeland, the Met Gala morphed into a star-studded affair, solidifying its place as a cultural phenomenon.

This year's theme for the Met Gala stems from the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's latest exhibition, "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion." This theme, seemingly rooted in fairytales, carried a deeper meaning, particularly for the Black community. "Sleeping Beauties" could be interpreted as a metaphor for the often-overlooked contributions of Black designers and stylists who have long shaped the fashion world. The theme of "reawakening" could symbolize a renewed appreciation for Black creativity and innovation in an industry that hasn't always acknowledged its influence.

Keke Palmer at the 2024 Met Gala: "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2024, in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/ GA/Getty Images)

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Beyond the Red Carpet Spectacle: A Peek Inside the Gilded Cage

Sure, the red carpet arrivals are a sight to behold. From the daringly avant-garde to the impeccably classic, celebrities showcase their personal style statements for the world to see. But the Met Gala isn't just about who wore what and who outshone whom. Inside the hallowed halls of the museum, a different kind of magic unfolds. Imagine a night where celebrities mingle with fashion icons, where aspiring designers rub shoulders with A-list stylists, and where philanthropists and socialites unite for a common cause. It's a night of fundraising, raising millions for the Costume Institute, but also a night of networking, fostering collaborations, and propelling careers to new heights. Exclusive performances by renowned artists add another layer of enchantment, making the Met Gala an experience unlike any other.

Black Excellence Takes Center Stage: A Celebration of Style and Identity

The Met Gala has become a platform for Black celebrities to showcase their fashion prowess and cultural influence. It's a night where Black voices are heard loud and clear, not just through interviews and acceptance speeches, but also through the bold sartorial choices they make. This year, the red carpet was a runway for Black excellence. From Zendaya's custom haute couture look from Maison Margiela Artisanal by John Galliano as well as a surprise archival look — also by Galliano., to Tyla wearing a Balmain gown that was literally sculpted to her body. In a red carpet interview, she said it was representing the sands of time, with her body as the hourglass. Cardi B always brings the drama, and this year was no exception. With a special gown that channeled gothic glamour: Her Black , off-the-shoulder silhouette came with mounds of tulle and a sweeping train. Other Black Celebrities like Keke Palmer, Anok Yai, Damson Idris, Taraji P. Henson, Naomi Campbell, Queen Latifah, Angel Reese, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Colman Domingo, and many others also brought their A-Game to the red carpet.

New York - May 06: Tyla attends The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 06, 2024, in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

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Why Representation Matters: A Shift in the Narrative

The Met Gala, often criticized for its exclusivity, is slowly evolving. Seeing Black celebrities not just attending, but thriving at the event, sends a powerful message: Black excellence deserves a place at the table, even in the most exclusive fashion circles. But it's not just about the A-listers. The Met Gala theme itself sparks conversations about diversity and inclusion within the fashion industry. While the "Sleeping Beauty" theme might have initially conjured images of European ball gowns, the reawakening aspect opened a dialogue about acknowledging and celebrating the often-understated contributions of Black designers throughout history. Designers like Patrick Kelly, Willi Smith, and Zelda Wynn Valdez, who revolutionized fashion in the 20th century, are finally getting the recognition they deserve. The Met Gala can serve as a springboard for deeper exploration and appreciation of Black contributions to fashion.