The annual Met Gala took place last night (7th May) in New York City.
The Met Gala is a funraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. It also marks the annual opening of the Institute’s fashion exhibit.
The Gala is renowned for bringing A-listers together and producing iconic fashion moments, some honourable mentions including Rihanna, Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker and Beyoncé.
This year, the theme of the evening was Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination, causing a stir online. Some thought this was appropriation of the Catholic religion, and others opposed the beliefs held by Catholicism.
*NEW COLUMN*
If the Met Gala was Islam or Jewish-themed, all hell would break loose – so why was it OK for a bunch of flesh-flashing celebrities to disrespect MY religion?https://t.co/aXXTl8P5eE pic.twitter.com/MiLLlJFaSu— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 8, 2018
Catholicism isn’t exactly known for embracing homosexuality, in fact, the opposite is true. And as a result, Lena Waithe’s outfit garnered a lot of attention.
The star wore a sleek black suit, draped in a rainbow flag, celebrating her community and her identity as a queer woman.
Waithe is an Emmy award winning creator, working on series such as Master of None and The Chi. This was her first time attending the Met Gala, and she absolutely nailed it.
A display of pride like this is even more necessary in America’s current political climate. Visibility and celebration are what cements the lives of queer people into the public consciousness. Waithe’s outfit isn’t only a look, it’s a statement.
Waithe said to Vogue that:
“When I saw the cape in person, I got emotional, not just because it was so stunning, but I knew we would be making a statement.”
The piece was designed by Wes Gordon, creative director for Carolina Herrera, and made Waithe feel “like a gay goddess”.
Fashion can be an incredible vehicle for politics, and Waithe flew the flag for the LGBT+ community at the Met Gala in the best way she could, by wearing the rainbow with pride.
"I don't want to be White. I don't want to be straight. I don't want to blend in." —@LenaWaithe https://t.co/JwvgoCfDZw #MetGala pic.twitter.com/iKcAMBORou
— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) May 8, 2018
What do you think about the theme of this years Met Gala?
Or, who was your pick for best dressed? Ours is Lena, obvs.
Let us know @gayboybible