It’s MET Gala day! It’s the biggest assembly of stars in one place in the world.
As part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s dedication to fashion, the MET Gala always has a theme or a designer they want to celebrate for the night. This year’s theme proved controversial for many reasons. This year’s theme is based on the late Karl Lagerfeld’s work.
Karl Lagerfeld was a highly influential fashion designer, photographer, and artist who left an indelible mark on the fashion industry. He was most notably associated with the fashion house Chanel, where he served as creative director for over 30 years. During his tenure, he revitalized the brand and established its iconic aesthetic, including the interlocking C logo, the little black dress, and the quilted handbag. Lagerfeld’s designs were celebrated for their mix of classicism and innovation, blending traditional elements with cutting-edge techniques and materials. His work was widely admired for its attention to detail, impeccable craftsmanship, and sense of glamour.
Beyond his work at Chanel, Lagerfeld also collaborated with a range of other brands and designers, including Fendi, H&M, and Puma. He was known for his prolific output, producing not only clothing but also accessories, cosmetics, and home furnishings. In addition to his work in fashion, Lagerfeld was also an accomplished photographer, producing striking images for magazines such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Throughout his career, Lagerfeld remained a major force in the fashion industry, pushing boundaries and inspiring new generations of designers.
However, his lifelong work in the fashion industry has also caused some issues, especially about his opinions.
Karl Lagerfeld was a controversial figure in the fashion industry, known for his outspoken opinions and provocative statements. He was criticized for his comments on various topics, including body size and race. In 2012, he made headlines when he called Adele “a little too fat” in an interview, drawing widespread criticism for his body-shaming comments. He was also accused of making racist remarks, including comments about the suitability of Chinese people to work in high-end fashion. These comments were widely condemned, and Lagerfeld faced backlash from many in the industry.
In addition to his controversial comments, Lagerfeld was also criticized for his use of fur in his designs. He was a vocal defender of the use of fur in fashion, and his shows often featured extravagant fur pieces. This led to protests and boycotts from animal rights activists, who argued that the use of fur was cruel and unnecessary. Despite the criticism, Lagerfeld remained unapologetic about his use of fur, arguing that it was a luxury material that had been used in fashion for centuries.
Anna Wintour and her team continued to work on the MET Gala, despite the controversial choice of theme. Even the Kardashians confirmed attendance, falsifying the rumors that they were not invited to the biggest event of the year!