EVENTS + CAREERS
By Chinazam Ikechi-Uko
Tyla at the Met Gala.
In the final weekend of April, Manhattan, the heart of the Big Apple, becomes the hottest spot for celebrity watching, with enthusiasts hoping to spot their favourite stars. They do this because a star spotted in New York City at this time of the year is definitely in town for the most anticipated fashion event, The Met Gala.
The first Monday in May marks the day of the annual Met Gala, formally the Costume Institute Benefit, formally the Party Of The Year, and popularly called the Fashion Olympics. It's a major fundraising night, raising millions for the Costume Institute's exhibitions and preservation efforts. It coincides with the Costume Institute's annual exhibit, and guests arrive in elaborate outfits that creatively interpret the event’s theme.
The exhibit’s theme differs from the event’s theme; as the former refers to the theme of the items on display within the walls of the Costume Institute, NY; and the latter is simply the dress code for the night.
"Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" was the exhibition theme. This exhibit at the Costume Institute showcased 250 historically significant garments that are too delicate to be worn again. They were envisioned as "sleeping beauties" being awakened. The exhibit also featured designs from African designers such as Torishéju and Thebe Magugu.