The 2019 Met Gala Theme Celebrating Camp: Fashion and Aesthetics, Unveiling Hidden Meanings and Sparking Cultural Debates

“Camp” – a word pregnant with ambiguity and drenched in theatrical excess. This was the theme chosen by the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute for their annual fundraising gala in 2019. What followed was a spectacular explosion of sartorial creativity, with celebrities interpreting “camp” in wildly divergent ways. But beyond the dazzling outfits and flamboyant performances, the event served as a cultural barometer, reflecting shifting notions of taste, identity, and artistic expression.

To understand the significance of this particular Met Gala theme, we must first delve into the murky waters of “camp” itself. Susan Sontag, the celebrated essayist, famously attempted to define this elusive concept in her 1964 essay “Notes on ‘Camp’.” She described it as “the aesthetic of exaggeration,” a sensibility that thrives on irony, artificiality, and theatricality. Think of Marlene Dietrich’s smoldering androgyny, Elvis Presley’s hip-thrusting charisma, or the flamboyant costumes in films like “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

Sontag argued that camp finds pleasure in the “over-the-top,” the deliberately kitsch, and the ironic subversion of societal norms. It celebrates artifice over authenticity, theatricality over sincerity, and humor over solemnity.

The 2019 Met Gala theme challenged attendees to embrace this paradoxical aesthetic, prompting them to explore the boundaries of good taste and question what constitutes “serious” art. The result was a dazzling array of interpretations.

Some celebrities, like Lady Gaga, channeled the theatrical grandeur of old Hollywood with her elaborate, multi-layered ensemble that she transformed throughout the evening. Others, like Billy Porter, embraced a more avant-garde approach, arriving in a custom-made gold bodysuit adorned with feathers and jewels, carried by six shirtless men.

The event sparked a flurry of discussions about the nature of camp itself. Some critics argued that the Met Gala’s interpretation was too commercially driven, sacrificing authenticity for spectacle. Others praised the event for its bold celebration of individuality and its willingness to challenge conventional notions of beauty and style.

Interpreting “Camp”: A Spectrum of Reactions

The Met Gala’s embrace of “camp” elicited a spectrum of reactions from both attendees and observers:

• Celebration: Many lauded the event as a triumph of creativity and self-expression. Celebrities like Cardi B, Zendaya, and Harry Styles embraced the theme with exuberance, showcasing outfits that were both theatrical and innovative.
• Critique: Some critics argued that the event’s focus on high fashion diluted the original meaning of “camp.” They contended that true camp often arises from a sense of outsider status and subversion of mainstream norms, qualities they felt were absent in many of the elaborate, commercially-produced ensembles.

Beyond Fashion: The Cultural Impact of Camp

While the 2019 Met Gala may have been a fashion spectacle first and foremost, its influence extended beyond the realm of haute couture.

• Increased Visibility: By spotlighting “camp,” the event helped to bring this often-overlooked aesthetic into the mainstream consciousness. It sparked conversations about the role of irony and theatricality in art, challenging traditional notions of taste and beauty.
• Empowerment through Expression: The flamboyant, unapologetic nature of many of the Met Gala ensembles served as a form of empowerment for those who identify with the camp sensibility.

It showcased a celebration of individuality and self-expression, encouraging people to embrace their unique tastes and challenge societal expectations.

The 2019 Met Gala theme celebrating “camp” was not merely an extravagant fashion event. It was a cultural phenomenon that sparked conversations, challenged norms, and offered a glimpse into the complex and ever-evolving world of aesthetics. By embracing this often misunderstood sensibility, the Met Gala helped to broaden our understanding of art, identity, and the power of self-expression.