This was the first time (in 2023), that I watched the red carpet livestream and I enjoyed it so much. It was invigorating to see the dramatic displays of fashion. Also, I appreciated the expressions of people’s individuality and personalities.
The Met is an annual, themed big bash that brings together a cross-section of artists, sports figures, and according to its host Vogue magazine, “stars, young creatives, and industry paragons” for a dinner and a performance. It’s all a fundraiser for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
I admire Anna Wintour (Vogue/Condé Nast editor) and the way she runs things. Her decisiveness and knowledge are motivating. I admire this event, the way it brings people together, and the creativity it engenders. It’s representative to me of how I think Wintour runs Vogue magazine. She finds the best people to work with, lets them do their jobs and “contribute a verse” — all while establishing a clear, informed vision.
I think we need more of this, more of these kinds of unifying gatherings in our world.
Earlier that day on May 1st in my own life, I experienced a much smaller fashion moment.
I’m pretty sure this means that I’m like Lizzo. 😎
Check out this video of her getting ready for the 2022 Met Gala.
(Although it starts off half-jokingly, be prepared for amazingness at the end of this video. She plays her custom golden flute … and those few notes crept under my own skin like butterflies of possibility.)
I’m personally now seeing and experiencing myself as more and more okay with Being in the world and enjoying that. But it’s a work in progress, and one that hasn’t happened alone.
Yet in some ways, that’s the only way it happens.
I think this so-called, “becoming real”… as in the book The Velveteen Rabbit (where a threadbare stuffed toy finds itself a home, enduring love, and therefore becomes “Real”) is a delicate process. One that balances accepting the (true, safe) love of others, with “Self-love,” with an awareness of an eternal, immutable, personal “Higher Power” Love.
So my mini-fashion-moment: I agreed to model some clothes to feature on Eon Boutique’s Facebook page. Eon is a local shop and a client of Page Public Relations.
At the Gala, it was fun and fascinating to watch people doing their “step and repeats” on the red carpet. They posed artfully for photographs over and over again. Every few steps on the way into the party they modeled their outfits, hair, accessories, and make-up. Those creations themselves were the results of many, many hours of other artists’ work.
I am unbothered to say that I have none of this game! So now my appreciation for professional models and what they do is firmly established. I also know also there are “regular people” who are good at this. Kudos, also. 👏 But this project was fun because of the people involved.
Many Met Gala attendees are professional actors or performers. So in addition to posing, it was interesting to watch them expertly step in and out of their personas. At one end of that spectrum, Doja Cat the rapper (pictured above) maintained her feline persona — with face makeup as a full, realistic cat — even while being interviewed by Emma Chamberlain. She therefore only meowed in response to all questions. 🐈 That’s pretty much the definition of artistic commitment, right there!😄
We’re taught very young to put masks on to get through life. Yet at the same time, we yearn to be really known and accepted as our true selves.
That all starts with accepting the Person in the Mirror. …Not so easy.
To engage in that “work;” the work involved in recovering one’s Self from underneath false definitions that we’ve adopted or that’ve been piled on top of us by others — is the most rigorous, dangerous-feeling, ultimately-rewarding work, ever.
I’m super thankful to each of those in my life whom I’ve encountered in my years so far on this earth, that have offered from the heart, unequivocal support and real, human connection – whether it was for a few seconds, for a season, or for years. I’m super glad also to have been able to do the same, sometimes.
We’re in this together.
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Thank you to Catherine Page Creppon (who made the shoot happen), Nat Boggs (who took the photos), and Ann of Eon Boutique.
Check out Eon Boutique during their open hours on weekends for attractive, comfortable women’s clothes and accessories. While out there on Institute Street, next door you can also visit a barbershop, a bakery and a screenprinting shop. This small block of four stores, harkens back to the days when more businesses existed right in our neighborhoods. Several siblings run three of the shops.
“The most important relationship in your life is the relationship you have with yourself. Because no matter what happens, you will always be with yourself.”
– Diane Von Furstenberg
