It’s kind of surprising, right? Elite liberals finding more ways to connect with Central America, especially during the Trump years. That seems a bit predictable, though.
This past Monday, the Met Gala took place—a lavish high fashion event many consider the pinnacle of style. It’s always a spectacle where attendees don bizarre outfits, almost as if they’re celebrating their own superiority in taste. Meanwhile, the rest of us watch, perhaps a bit enviously, as they flaunt their perceived moral and intellectual high ground.
This year’s gala will likely emphasize virtue signaling, especially with Trump in office.
As reported by the New York Times, the event will highlight “designers of color” and explore how black men have historically used fashion as a means of self-expression and resistance throughout American history and the Black Diaspora. The concept of “Black Dandyism” reflects a longstanding tradition where black men wear stunning clothing proudly.
However, the Times also criticized the gala for being a blatant showcase of privilege and extravagant fashion, labeling this year’s theme as ‘resistance.’
It raises a question, doesn’t it? A renowned museum like the Met evolving into a symbol of resistance seems a bit peculiar. Brandis Daniel, who founded Harlem’s Fashion Row, called for exhibitions to support designers of color, pointing out the gala’s glaring contradictions.
So, what’s the best way to make an extravagant event feel relevant? By turning it into a self-congratulatory affair, perhaps? If you thought Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s “Tax The Rich” dress was out there, just wait until you see statements like “Send Elon to Mars” or “Take Kilmar Home.”
Ultimately, though, who cares about the fashion? The Met Gala serves more to remind society of the distance between the elite and the average person. Nothing really shifts, especially during a night dedicated to elitism.
