Have you heard? The Met Gala was yesterday. And for the evening’s event, the celebrities in attendance wore their best (or at least they tried to) interpretation of the theme celebrating the late designer Karl Lagerfeld. But this newsletter isn’t about the theme or the outfits. For that, you can read Amy O’dell’s great newsletter here or check out the various other round-ups put together in the wee hours of the morning by incredible fashion editors.
I want to talk about the place that sustainability in fashion has in these events. For this year’s gala, the concept appeared in a few select places - the most exciting was activist Maya Penn's upcycled Coach gown promoting the brand’s new circularity initiative. There was also a centerpiece made of recycled water bottles and several archival pieces that got a second life.
These efforts are good, truly. I recently wrote about the impact of red carpet rewears for Popsugar here. The idea is that celebrities have an impact, and therefore promoting longer lifecycles on clothing is a net positive. When it comes to an event about fashion, though, there is value in being more explicit about the industry's impact as a whole.
The Met Gala is a fundraising event, and the draw is seeing all celebrities interpret a theme. Karl Lagerfeld, for all of his problematic opinions on social issues, did speak on sustainability toward the end of his career. “At the moment, sustainability is part of an expression of our times,” he said in 2016. For some reason, that sentiment was not even a whisper while his other ideas were at the forefront. Isn’t it time we start incorporating forward-thinking initiatives when the spotlight is shining so bright on fashion?
I do recognize that the event is about art, and so, of course, the craft is going to be first and foremost. But that craft is the reason for the problems, whether it has artistic value or not. From overproduction to unethical labor practices making clothing can be problematic.
Moreover, that fashion is not taken seriously by people with power outside of the industry. Legislators sometimes don’t consider its impact despite overwhelming reports highlighting waste and labor violations. So this is the time to make known what the problems are. Yes, rewear a gown, talk about the history and importance of certain designs, but also speak on the ways fashion can change.
Fashion is dangerous for workers, so while we marvel at the beauty of a dress (and there were some really beautiful dresses), understand that people risk their lives to make clothing all over the world - and it’s preventable.
I love seeing the fashion on the carpet, good or bad. I like hearing people talk about getting ready and the intricate details of an outfit, but I also want to hear those participating in fashion recognize it for all it is.