Trendwatch

Hey, Exeter!

If you read our column two weeks ago, you know that we were anxiously waiting for the Met Gala. This year’s theme was “Camp: Notes on Fashion.” Camp, an ambiguous term, can be interpreted as a mix of pop culture and high fashion — think bold fonts, neon colors and outlandish shapes.

The exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum opened to the public last week and houses over 250 pieces, including garments dating back 400 years. “Camp: Notes on Fashion” explores what camp is, how it came to be, and the people who define the over-the-top aesthetic. But while us normal people were waiting for an inside peek of the gallery, we had to settle for watching celebrities, designers, and models galore strut their camp up the pink runway of the Met.

After looking through nearly every look, we have compiled a list of our favorites, those who missed the mark and our honorable mentions. We’ll start with our favorites — the stars who were not afraid to completely embrace the night’s theme and go crazy with their look.

Broadway actor Billy Porter and Grammy award-winning singer Lady Gaga proved to be the the best dressed everyone will be talking about. Porter arrived in style on a litter with six shirtless men on either side to carry him. His golden outfit complete with 10-foot wings and a 24-karat gold headpiece was a nod to Ancient Egypt. Before the event, Porter gave Vogue an exclusive interview about his look and described what “camp” means to him. “Camp is often used as a pejorative,” Porter said. “What I love about having it at the Met Gala, and contextualizing camp, is [that] it brings honor to a word and genre that can be discounted very often or thought of as cheesy. When it’s done properly, it’s one of the highest forms of fashion and art.”

Next on the carpet was Lady Gaga, with what people are calling “the greatest Met Gala entrance of all time.” Gaga’s 15-minute long entrance showcased four different outfit changes. The singer arrived in a poofing hot pink cape complete with a matching oversized pink bow. Walking up the carpet, Gaga stripped off the cape to reveal a simple black gown underneath. But she wasn’t finished; with her black dress off, she revealed a tight-fitting, long hot pink dress again. Gaga whipped out a retro cellphone — a possible nod to her 2009 pop hit “Telephone.” For the grand finale, Gaga stripped off her last layer to expose black crystal lingerie complete with matching platform boots. Throughout her costume changes, Gaga’s over the top gold lashes definitely beat out everyone else’s makeup for the night. With her entrance, Gaga proved that she is and always has been a “camp” icon.

Now for the stars who didn’t quite get the theme: model Karlie Kloss who rolled up to the carpet in a mini gold tube dress with black puffy sleeves. Kloss, who usually is dressed to the nines, didn’t get the “camp” memo. The model looked like she was ready to head off to a college sorority party — not the Met Gala. Next up: actress Emma Stone. Styled in a Louis Vuitton metallic silver jumpsuit, Stone was dressed for a trip to the moon. With a gold belt strapped across her waist, her outfit was oversized and not in a flattering way.

And to close we have a few who weren’t the best dressed, but also not the worst. “Teenage Dream’ singer Katy Perry was the “light” of the Gala. We don’t really know if we should consider Perry’s chandelier outfit “camp” or part of an electric supply store. We just have a question for you Katy: how did you sit down? Her look was definitely not “lit”. Lastly, everyone’s favorite actress, Zendaya. Always beautiful and classy, Zendaya transformed into Cinderella in a blue ball gown that glowed thanks to Tommy Hilfiger. Normally, we would fast track Zendaya right to the best-dressed list. But, her dress and her idea looked a little too familiar. Flashback to Met Gala 2016 when actress Claire Danes dazzled in a gown by Zac Posen. Both dresses lit up with LED lights and transformed from elegant to exquisite. Well played Zendaya, but Claire Danes definitely won this round.

While we have a whole year until Met Gala 2020, we have more than enough couture and over the top looks to obsess over until then. “Camp” was hands down the best Met Gala theme we’ve seen so far.

Nearing the end of the year, prom is quickly approaching! Stay tuned for our upcoming prom review.

See you on the path!

XOXO

Leah and Ramyanee