From the theme to the dress code, to the official hosts and possible guests: everything we know about the MET Gala 2023.
We are approaching the date of one of the most anticipated events – if not the most anticipated event – in the fashion industry: the MET Gala. On the first Monday in May, the Metropolitan Museum of New York will host the highly anticipated event, bringing together celebrities, celebrities and designers. And the theme for this year has already been confirmed.
In previous years we have had themes focused on particular moments in the history of fashion, such as the ceremony of 2022 focused on American fashion in the 70s and 90s. But for this one, the theme focuses on one of the most influential figures in fashion in recent decades: Karl Lagerfeld. The designer, who died on February 19, 2019, left his mark on the fashion world for his work as creative director at Fendi and Chanel, where he spent 36 years, and the creation of his own brand.
Bajor the name Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty, the 2023 Met aims to honor and remember the legacy left by the Kaiser. In addition, the Metropolitan Museum itself will host the exhibition of the same name from May 5 to July 16. It will feature approximately 150 pieces accompanied by sketches and drawings.
Chanel Spring 2014 Redy-to-Wear // Chanel Fall 2013 Couture // Chanel Fall 2016 Ready-to-Wear // Chanel Resort 2015
In addition to famous guests, the event will have some distinguished and particular hosts. Among the hosts this year could not miss Penelope Cruz one of his muses, along with the singer Dua Lipa, the tennis player Roger Federer and the actress Michaela Coel. Also as official presenters of the live broadcast of the gala will be actress La La Anthony, writer Derek Blasberg and actress and comedian Chloe Fineman.
Penelope Cruz photographed by Peter Lindbergh for the April 2019 issue of ‘Vogue Spain’, dressed by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, from the fall/winter 1995 haute couture collection.
This year’s dress code is governed by Lagerfeld’s aesthetics. Guests must “honor” Karl to go along with the dress code of the celebration, seeking inspiration from his designs, photographs, or even his image.
Who was Karl Lagerfeld?
We don’t think an introduction is necessary, but for those unfamiliar with his name, Karl Lagerfeld is considered one of the most important fashion designers of his time. He was born in 1933 into a noble German family and moved to France when he was just 12 years old. There, at the early age of 16, he began working for Pierre Balmain, no less.
In his professional career, he worked for such established houses as Fendi, Patou or Chloé, but undoubtedly his time at Chanel marked a before and after in his professional career. “When I joined the Maison no one wanted to wear their clothes, no one wore Chanel. So I took it as a challenge, I was attracted to the idea of resurrecting something that was dead,” said the German in an interview for Vogue regarding his entry into Chanel.
Karl Lagerfeld after the Chanel Spring 2015 Ready-to-Wear show. Photo credit: Yannis Vlamos // Karl Lagerfeld after a Chanel fashion show. Photo: Jacques Brinon
Karl Lagerfeld’s image is already an icon. He always wore sunglasses – like Anna Wintour herself – and his hair pulled back in a ponytail. He died while still active on February 19, 2019. In doing so, he left a great legacy with countless timeless pieces and bringing the essence of Coco Chanel back to life.
Karl Lagerfeld with his cat Choupette
A curious fact about the designer, is that after his death his cat Choupette was who inherited all his fortune. Lagerfeld felt true devotion to his pet whom he loved like a daughter. There are even rumors that Choupette might attend this year’s MET Gala.
Vogue USA May cover to pay tribute to Karl Lagerfeld // Photo from Karl Lagerfeld’s feature for Vogue. Photography: Annie Leibovitz
On the occasion of the Met, Vogue USA pays tribute to Lagerfeld with its May issue, which brings together ten models and ten iconic looks. The pieces have been reinterpreted by ten iconic designers such as Pierpaolo Piccoli or Donatella Versace who knew the master first hand.
The MET Gala 2023 will begin at 18:00 New York City time, and 0:00 Spanish peninsular time and will take place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth Avenue in New York.
