The Entire History of The Met Gala
The Met Gala, now held in the Anna Wintour Costume Institute, has a long and storied history, truly beginning as a fund raising event conceived by Eleanor Lambert, it changed the way that the two Lewisohn sisters' collection would be perceived forever. After many many years, many exhibitions and many galas, we saw it grow from simple an in-crowd party to a celebrity filled costume party, but all with the same goal of raising money for the Costume Institute to continue. At this point, the gala is an international phenomenon and loved by many, but for very good reason.
Beauty Channel: / @underskinyt
Patreon: patreon.com/understitch
Most photos used not from The Met themselves or from clearly noted institutions are from Getty images under their fair use for editorial terms. Nevertheless each living photographer was contacted individually also and credited thusly.
Met Costume Institute Archives:
libmma.contentdm.oclc.org/dig...
Affiliate Links for Books/Documentaries Used:
Bernstein (1987) An Actor's Daughter: amzn.to/3VNISBa
Dwight (2002) Diana Vreeland: An Illustrated Biography: amzn.to/49qjPHD
Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel (2011), Directed by Vreeland, Tcheng and Perlmutt: amzn.to/4aOlyaB
Vreeland (2011) D.V.: amzn.to/3PXUKN4
Stewart (2012) Empress of Fashion: A Life of Diana Vreeland: amzn.to/4auidhb
First Monday in May (2016), Directed by Rossi: amzn.to/3xvoZEP
Talley (2020) The Chiffon Trenches: A Memoir: amzn.to/3PX0DdH
Odell (2022) Anna: The Biography: amzn.to/43SyfyS
I truly think that social media has made the met gala bigger than ever. Because everything is immediate and people can see everything quicker.
Oh for sure! We love a good event on socials now
GIRL WAKE UP!!!! UNDERSTITCH UPLOADED AND ITS ABOUT THE FRICKN MET GALAAAAAAA!!!!
OMG I JUST REALIZED IM THE FIRST COMMENT!!! Aaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!!!
Legit!!!!!
Thanks for waking me up for this!
Calm down
I’m up! I’m up!!
I went to the Alexander McQueen exhibit in 2011, i was on line for HOURS. it was so worth it, I loved it so much. He will forever be my favorite.
It really was incredible, I still think to this day it is the best exhibition I’ve ever seen
In my view, the Met Gala and Vogue’s veneer changed when Andre Leon Talley left. He knew the fabrics, designers and era of the gowns when the women were at the foot of the steps and could switch up references in seconds. He was the art history historian to Diana Vreeland’s museum know how. And to replace him with IG stars? Come on.
Wish I could like this more than just once. The optics and feel of the MET Gala truly shifted for me after that too. Nowadays it is all about biggest sns moment, sensationalisation of everything and thus quite shallow impression for me. Yes, there are inspiring/interesting tidbits, but the whole thing seems just more artificial than artful about the fashion/theme...and don't get me start about the decline of originality and being actually on theme.
I also really miss ALT on the microphone, but I also understand that he’s not the most accessible person to the average Joe. So having someone like Liza Koshy or Emma Chamberlain is much more likely to bring in the general public. However, while I say that, I’d like to see Luke Meagher from hautelemode or Mina Le take over something about it in the next few years, because they combine the two worlds really well. Theyre social media but alas fashion history knowledge
@@understitchYT But the Met Ball isn't open to the general public. The Met Ball isn't easy. Its not supposed to be (Great words of Sarah J. Parker). The general participant is a high earning fashion focused or general celebrity. And not all guest get to walk the carpet, so the be interviewed should mean that you be able to speak to someone as knowledged as ALT, Luke or Mina. But I am FULLY with you, Luke and Mina should be logical interviewers at the Met Ball and if celeb has no idea what designer, fabric or seasonal ira they are wearing... maybe don't walk the carpet.
I would LOVE to see Luke & Mina with mics on the carpet - they could really give some much needed light & shade to the event + some depth to the shallowness that's been there in the Kim K era
Agree with you, ALT was very knowledgeable about fashion and spoke accordingly. Relatability in this case is pretty irrelevant because while the event is telecasted for the general public, the event is by the wealthy for the wealthy and never truly “accessible” to begin with. I actually think getting people that are very knowledgeable and don’t speak in “layman’s terms” when it comes to events like this is a good thing because it reminds people of what the event is about and actually for. That no, this millionaire/billionaire is NOT a relatable person and this is not a lifestyle or aesthetic you can realistic aim for if you’re not mega rich. We need those sobering reminders because getting “relatable” influencers who are just as rich is leading people to believe otherwise.
love how you broke everything down in your well researched yet simplistic way. the met gala is the fashion world’s super bowl and we’re all the critics..
Ah thank you so much 🙌 I love fashions superbowl 🤍
Understictch...respectfully the way you fucking edit your videos is life changing. I neeeeedd to know how you do it coz its fucking amazing
Ah you like the style?? Thank you! I tried to step it up a lot in this one
It's really only in the last 5 or 6 years that this was even on my radar, so that sure supports your timeline. It is definitely more of a spectacle now, and if it is all about raising money, then it's a smart direction to go because you get more eyeballs. With more eyeballs, you get more people in that level of society clambering for an invitation, which raises more money...so it all works!
Its definitely a product of its own needs thats for sure. Like if they didnt need their own funds we would have the gala and if they didnt need tens of millions to be in NY we wouldnt have ceebrities on sponsored tables. Really necessity bred innovation and Im here for ut
Yassssss!!!! The gym is going to be goooodt… 35 mins!!! Ok treadmill I see you today!
I love a good YT treadmill session 🙌🙌
I had no idea of Oscar de la Renta's integral involvement ... a fascinating insight as always ..... your research is impeccable ....would love to see a piece on Hussein Chalayan
Hes such an incredible patron of the arts, I respect him so much
This really is how to elevate and communicate about fashion. I love that image of the 'first' mystery couple dressed to theme, they look fantastic. Diana Vreeland yelling at that poor girl "PLEASE DON'T STAND THERE" lives in my mind rent free 🥰
Ah thank you so much
Genuinely needed this
I hope you liked it 🙌
@@understitchYT I did😭✨
Petition to give unterstitch a prime time TV show! I could listen to you for hours...You're amazing 💫
Imagine one day I can make TV documentaries about the history of fashion retailing. Similar to this but with the budget of the BBC would be such a dream
It's always crazy to me that Anna Wintour gets upset when celebrities don't follow the theme, mean while she never follows the theme herself.
Wym she always dresses to theme
Savage Beauty was the first exhibit I remember seeing. It was so crowded you could barely see the designs. Thousands of people baby stepping past gorgeous gowns, unable to raise a hand to their face due to the overcrowding. Great video, great history! Thanks.
UNDERSTITCH TO THE MOOON
🚀
This was amazing! Your research is fantastic and your editing is top-notch! This must've taken a lot of hours, but it is greatly appreciated!
It did take a long time, but I’m really proud of it 🥰 I think a lot of that came from the editing, because it’s new, or heightened quite a lot, but I really enjoyed putting it together and I’m glad you enjoyed it 🥰
Thank you! I had no clue of the gala’s history. Very interesting & thorough. Nice job.
Im so glad tysm 🤍
I watched the whole video, VERY VERY good. I also subscribed as I must watch your other content. Thanks from Tokyo!!!
Thank you so much 🥰 Im so glad you enjoyed it
Diana Vreeland was so interesting!
Wasnt she? An incredible talent
Wow, u did an amazing job! The graphics r a feast for the eye, the amount of detail, knowledge and effort u put in is top notch. U should be very proud of urself! Greetings from Amsterdam! ❤
Ah thank you so much! I put in so much extra effort into editing this time to make it entertaining, so Im glad its noticed
So much more interesting than anyone else on the topic as usual!
Ah Im so glad 🥰🥰
Wonderful video timeline, a revelation for all of us whom did not know the history of The Met Gala in such detail. Fantastic commentary. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Im glad you enjoyed it 🙌
I had just finished watching the utterly sublime Phantom Thread when I clicked on youtube and this video was the first one on my homepage. Serendipity abounds. Thank goodness for you and your channel, I couldn't have wished for a more perfect segue.
Im so glad you enjoyed it!! Also, is Phantom Thread good? Ive not seen it (idk why)
Thank you for the history lesson!
Im glad you liked it 🥰
YES! (I know I'm late, but love this channel, and I'm so excited you did this video!!)
Youre not late at all, just glad to have you 🥰
Fantastic work! Thank you for educating people 💗
Thank you so much
I’ve alwaysss wondered this! Looking forward to watching the video
I hope you like it 🥰
You do Amazing Work !
Thank you 🙌
Saturday morning coffee with Understitch? Yes pls!!!!
I hope you got real nestled in and comfy
Perfect video - I didn’t realise the Gala had such a rich history!
Thank you so much 🤍
thank dear for thisretrospective information, i love the met gala, i dont know so much about the early chears but now i am openedmore and know more , hope to more videos came like this or, i thing designers most succesfull collection in everyway and flop collection or about most expensive couture dresses thatwas very interesting :D have nice day and thankyou for this video
Im so glad you liked it 🙌
This entire thing was so well done like every person really evolved this concept and made it something amazing to what it is now I’m just 🤯 💙💙💙
Im so glad you enjoyed the video, thank you for commenting
I enjoyed this video so much❤
I'm so glad!
Just discovered your channels. Subscribed instantly-they're brilliant! I'm an intercultural marketing consultant, and your analysis is so brilliantly culturally informed, that I am in awe.
Ah thank you so much, I'm so glad you find value in my work. Can I ask which cultures you specialise in?
please make a fashion and beauty podcast!!! i would listen every single day! i really want to learn more about fashion!
I would love to but I genuinely dont have time 🤍
I love your look today, that is a fantastic jacket. I love how you styled it
girl you did it again
Thank you
2018 heavenly bodies will always be my favorite ❤👼🏾
It was so unexpectedly amazing
These edits are everything
Thank you so much, I worked really hard on them 🥰
Im curious about the gala since my favorite artists will attend this year for the first time, everything about fashion is new to me but im so excited!! im just starting to grasp how important this event is
Thats great that it introduced you to fashion, its a very welcoming and warm community 🥰 Who are your favourite artists?
great insightful video
Thank you so much 🥰
This is actually quite fascinating to learn.
Im so glad you think so
Great doc. Thank you.
Thank you
Your videos are lovely. ❤
Thank you so much
@@understitchYT Welcome! They have a magazine-y feel. :)
@@hifellowhumans8393 Oh I love that
I would love for you to do a video on Andre Leon tally. I want to know more about him and I love your video style. Like I literally only want to hear his story from you
I would absolutely love to make that video, Im told his autobiography is quite hyperbolic so itll be nice to dig deeper
Awesome video. ❤
Thank you so much
❤ Nice run-down! 🎉
Thank you 🥰
under skin and under stitch both posted🎉🎉🎉
🤍🩵 Im so proud of both of these videos too
I was an NYU grad student at the Costume Institute for three years and helped install the Napoleon. Ms. Vreeland had already passed away just before we began the installation and the amazing Katell Le Bourhis was the curator in charge of the exhibition. Theatre de La Mode was the next show so it was quite some time after her passing. Met Gala was a magnificent blend of NY glamor and the Met's Mission.
Im glad to have your perspective, I agree that its a good way to have the fundraisers initial motive kept for the modern day, that kind of money just cant be raised on donations anymore, so having it used as advertising (which it would be anyway for the designers) is quite clever
You're godsent by Aphrodite and Athena to give us splendid videos about façon or fashion! And that's a British understatement in work!! I love you 💓 💉🧵💉
Im so glad you enjoy my videos 🙌
important!!!😤💯
thank you!
Thanks!
Thank you so much Gary
Thank you ! Excellent Excellent!
Thank you
2 videos again?! Oh dinner will be splendid tonight
Did you like them both?
@@understitchYT absolutely. Anything for you
Fabulous !
Thank you 🥰
I started paying attention to the Met Gala when Claire Danes wore that blue dress in 2016
Oh the light up one?
@@understitchYT Yes! It was simple, yet perfect for that year’s theme. It’s still one of my favorite Met Gala looks
Woah, I was familiar with the iconic Savage Beauty exhibition at V&A (kicking myself for not going even though teen me really wanted to go) but I had no idea that it originated as a Met exhibition/theme
The Met Gala wasn’t a huge deal back then, I remember much more of a buzz being about the exhibition itself than the gala so I think it was an easy thing to miss
Love Understitch content!!! 🔥 Please consider Salvatore Ferragamo as a topic. 🤩 Thank you! 🙏
🙌🙌
So interesting 😮
Thank you so much
my birthday gift to myself in 2017 was a trip to nyc specifically to go to the rei kawakubo/comme des garcons/art of the in between exhibit at the met. it was fabulous as i was able to see pieces from comme des garcons colllections that inspired me when i was studying fashion design at university. i have mixed feelings though about the gala in its current form… i get that it’s (essentially) a costume party fundraiser, but the fashion purist in me wishes it was a little more intellectual and a little less drag show with whoever’s hot & of the moment. a little more individual style focused and a lot less celebrity stylist driven. however, if the result is hundreds of thousands coming to see these (literal) works of art from some of the greatest creative minds ever… that’s a win.
Literally I had to cancel my holidays that year for a new job and I was so annoyed because I firstly missed this, secondly missed a disney cruise (that I was a guest of so wouldve been free) and thirdly Ive left that job now already 🙄🙄 Im so so so jealous of your trip, very glad you got to make it
lol… 2017 was the “year of bad decisions, in retrospect” for you, no?! 😆 aside from lee mcqueen (which i’m still upset i didn’t see), and maybe a couple others, rei kawakubo is the only designer i’d make the pilgrimage to nyc to see. it was SO worth it.
That brave young lady dressed to theme and took All the hits … now we praise the exaggerations love it 💙💙💙💙
Esp that original couple! I mean, Im sure it goes further than that too as we know that in the interwar period costume parties were really the popular thing (even Coco Chanel, who came to the costume party as herself, famously pushed a tree-dressed Elsa Schiaparelli into candles burning her costume)
no lie rihanna 2015 really makes gala being phenomenally worldwide
It was perfect
🤍 your work
Thank you 🤍
I started keeping up in 2008/2009.. I always thought I had been under a rock before but I guess I was right on time
You were very on time 🤌🤌
18:24 the picture of Christy Turlington was from the 1992 gala not the YSL in 1983.
Yes, someone else said that. Annoyingly a lot of met gala photos were recorded under a few years, different sites/photographers have them as different years (even Vogue gets it wrong often) and so its really hard to be precise. I literally just removed all the ones I doubted, but that photo was so good I risked it
Using this as a background noise while reviewing for midterms exam in may 2nd lmaoo, ill let you know if I do great
Yeeeaaahhhhg get those grades
Thank you for your incredible research!❤. People can complain endlessly about the current state of the Met Gala BUT Anna Wintour stated that the Met Gala needs to reflect the current culture of the times. I think people(myself included) have more of an issue with the CULTURE that is being reflected. It is what it is. She could easily make the Met Gala a super high brow event with industry insiders but that would alienate the vast majority of the general public. She doesn't want it to be like the Oscars where most of the people(at least in America) have never heard of or seen any of the nominated films and has no idea who any of the people being celebrated are. People feel left out and The Oscars have become a "culture war" issue with the elites vs. the "regular " people. Several years ago, l was looking at red carpet looks from some MTV Awards show. I think this is when they started to invite social media personalities. I had absolutely no idea who any of these people were. I didn't care and was not upset but it was very clear that this event was definitely not being targeted for me.
I think thats a really interesting perspective. It would make sense thag the celebrities that are permitted invitations have a following of their own, a connection between the aspirational world and the real world because it actually gets the public interested to go to the exhibition also. Perhaps thats why after the 2019 youtube sponsored gala more YTbers and tiktokkers have been invited
Understitch link to the archive?
Ah sorry! I thought I included it! here is it: libmma.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/search/order/title/ad/asc
@@understitchYT You are the best! Thank you!
I hopped on in 2019 because of Shawn Mendes (I was a huge fan of his and he made his debut there in 2018) so it's kinda cool to know I was only 4 years after everyone else hopped on LOL
People hopped on gradually, there was no mass awakening dw 🥰
Ugh Vreeland ❤❤❤
Can u do Roberto Cavalli pls
I really really want to
31:57 L’wren Scott at Alexander McQueen themed Met gala following the designers suicide. A couples years later she took her own life
I didnt know she had unalived herself, thats really sad
I have a question…am I the only one who noticed the male photographer at the top of the stairs in a sleeveless sequined gown? I thought I was going crazy but I’ve watched several videos and that is definitely a man in a gown.
Lord & Taylor and Dorothy Shaver were everything.
The lord the taylor and the dorothy shaver 😅
23:59 this Gisele picture is from 1999 Gala
Weirdly Giseles pictures over the years are often credited to two or more different galas. It was seen in other people too, but Gisele especially. I did my best to cross reference because of it, but I used a lot of photos, I knew just in odds one might be wrong
@@understitchYT Year, I immediately went to search for this picture, and it indeed appears as the 1995 Gala, but on magazine’s websites they say the dates, so I imagine google just shows it because it’s in the same articles about the 90s galas in general. I only noticed that because I knew Gisele’s international career started more towards the end of that decade.
This video was the slay of the century. Every single detail was phenomenally researched and I loved all your info about Diana. Also you are completely right about people travelling from around the globe to see Savage Beauty, my mom flew us to NYC when I was 13 years old just to see that exhibition and it was life changing. YOU ARE THE MET. Thank you for this wonderfully educational and entertaining video ✨
Ah thank you so much, what a heartwarming comment to read 🤍
Another fabulous compendium of information. Penélope Cruz turned 50 today, so it is only fitting that I mention that she was IMO, hands down, one of the most beautifully dressed at last year’s Met Gala. Looking resplendent in Chanel 🎉😘 Who are you all most looking forward to seeing next Monday night?
Ah thank you so much, Im glad you enjoyed the video. Im really excited to see Zendaya, because shes hosting this year I think shell go hard
@@understitchYT 👍
This viewer loves the idea of having World Class Jazz & Pop Vocalist - Ms. Angelina Jordan as New 2025 Met Gala - New Board Member + Model too...
14:31 it took a Dominican to turn an educational, philanthropic event into a party 😅 we love them festivities 😀
Diana knew how to partyy!!!!
@@understitchYT didn't say she didn't but yay! 😀 Party!
How can a couple invited to such a huge institute party remain unknown…? Does anyone have any inside info on this?
Right? I search so much too
Fashion is history
Absolutely
Was there a particular reason why you snubbed Katy Perry, especially in 2019.
Honestly, I just didn’t think about it, I probably should have. I have nothing against the woman 🥰
Rihanna in that yellow gown is why I started paying attention to the MetGala.
So iconic
I like that Anna W is noticing the negativity of “influencers” on this event, like a Kardashian free gala!
Sometimes negativity can be amazing for promotion
Ingrid Sischy is kind of an unsung heroine
No one was interested in the met gala until there favorites started attending.
Pretty much honestly
You’re watching Understitch✨
📺
🎉🎉🎉
Thank you 🤍
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@@understitchYT Feeding the algorithm one sparkle at a time. 😉
@@elizharber3564 I totally got it and Im very grateful 🤍
Thank you for giving the credit to Rihanna !!!!!
It was certainly a turning point, credit where credit is due 🤷
It’s pronounced Dee-anna… RIP VREELAND! ❤
I always thought that was the american pronunciation
@@understitchYTit is; someone is being obtuse.
shame the wintour + vreeland thumbnail didn't work and you changed it. vogue has a met gala video in which they just gloss over vreeland unceremoniously, when she is who made spectacle out of the exhibits and events out of the galas.
Its already had an uptick in views because I changed the thumbnail 🤷 Id rather people click and maybe learn more about her than dont click and never know who she was or why she was in the thumbnail in the first place
@@understitchYT oh, ms. understitch, that was not critical of you at all. thank you for answering. as i said, i understand that the first thumb didn't work. my comment was just a little lament on the slow erasure of vreeland.
You had me until you said it was china looking through.. was the breaking point ….like it was a cultural zeitgeist from 2009 itself
I think thats the point of what I said, everyone cottoned on to the event at different times, but by China through the looking glass, it was to the point that even my nan would know what it was
I also miss Andre. And I hate the way STRAY KIDS (kpop group from s korea) was treated tonight. Ridiculed by paps. This history would have meant something to me yesterday. American VOGUE should make this right and include the designer
What do you mean they were treated badly? I know the interview was awkward because they dont understand the kpop world and how their idols are meant to behave, but I dont think they meant any malice
Okay Ive since seen the way the photographers were shouting at them. How awfully disrespectful and low key racist and ignorant at the end when they said arigato knowing full well they are Korean 😬 really really awful
Something is up with your audio and made it impossible to watch all the way through :(
Can I ask you to elaborate please? How did it sound off to you?
@@understitchYT there is crackling and the sound mixing is off
@@LavenderLydia Interesting, Ill look into it, thank you so much for the feedback it's really helpful
HELLO!
Hello 🥰
why are new yorkers so obsessed with these sandwiches?
🎉🎉🎉🎉
🙌🙌
“A little bad taste is like a nice splash of paprika"
Its hearty, its healthy 🤍
I don't want to seem stupid but the first time I've heard about MET it's was from the Kardashians.
Its not stupid, theyre wildly popular