On Monday, May 6, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York hosted its annual MET Ball, drawing in a crowd of prestigious guests who walked the red carpet. This year’s theme was “Camp,” a nod to Susan Sontag’s essay “Notes on Camp,” which explores the concept of artifice and exaggeration. The theme served as a rich source of inspiration for designers, particularly Alessandro Michele, the Creative Director of Gucci.
Alessandro Michele is no stranger to captivating the fashion world with his flamboyant aesthetic. Last year, his designs stole the show at the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination theme, resulting in a record-breaking 1.6 million visitors to the accompanying exhibition. This year, Gucci’s brand was officially chosen as the sponsor for the event, an honor that was presided over by the influential Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue US.
During the MET Ball, Alessandro Michele played the role of co-host alongside singer Harry Styles, who is also an ambassador for Gucci. Since taking on the mantle of Creative Director in 2015, Michele has not only revolutionized Gucci’s fashion offerings but has also expanded the brand’s creative reach into interior design, fragrance, and cosmetics. Furthermore, Gucci sponsored the after-party, which took place at a gym, and collaborated with Snapchat to provide live coverage of the event.
As the Gucci team walked the red carpet, they were joined by a lineup of artistic figures who embodied the spirit of the brand. Celebrities such as Dakota Johnson, Florence Welch, and Kiki Layne graced the event, showcasing opulent designs that showcased artisanal craftsmanship, including embroidery and featherwork. One notable statement was made by actor and musician Jared Leto, who carried a replica of his own head. This was a direct reference to Gucci’s Fall/Winter 2018/2019 runway show, where models strutted down the catwalk with severed heads under their arms. Leto’s prosthetic face was masterfully crafted by the special effects studio Makinarium.
By sponsoring the MET Ball, Gucci has secured significant visibility for the brand. This highly anticipated event garners extensive coverage in the world of fashion, attracting a star-studded guest list and showcasing an array of creative outfits. Additionally, Gucci’s double impact is evident with a 20% growth in the first quarter of 2019. The brand not only has the opportunity to showcase its ambassadors’ stunning eveningwear on social media platforms but can also promote its line of makeup, including the newly unveiled lipstick range. This seamless integration allows for cross-promotion between the Gucci and Gucci Beauty Instagram accounts, amplifying their influence and reinforcing their presence in the industry.
For further information about the MET Ball and Gucci’s involvement, please visit the following links:
– Vogue – Gucci Spring 2019 Ready-to-Wear
– Gucci – Alessandro Michele
