Met Gala 2017: My Diary from Inside Fashion Prom
Courtesy of the Subjects1/19Of all the star-studded, red carpet events, the Met Gala is at the top of everyone's list. The exclusive fête marks the grand opening of the Costume Institute’s annual fashion exhibit — and as such, attendees are encouraged to dress according to a designated theme. This year's ball honored Rei Kawakubo, the icon behind Comme des Garçons, known for her avante garde, boundary-pushing pieces.
Celebrities like Rihanna and Gigi Hadid paid homage to the designer in inventive looks, while co-chair Katy Perry took the stage and Kylie Jenner broke the Met Gala's no-social-media rule with one epic selfie.
Needless to say, it was quite the honor to be invited to fashion's biggest event of the year. Four Teen Vogue staffers got to experience the Met Gala's magic for the first time, and every moment played out like the ultimate fashion fantasy. From spotting Selena Gomez and The Weeknd kissing on the red carpet to dancing all night to Katy Perry, here's what it's really like to attend the Met Gala — straight from Teen Vogue editors.
Courtesy of Michaela Oshaughnessy2/19Michaela Oshaughnessy, Social Producer
Going to the Met Gala for the very first time was the most surreal opportunity. To me, the Met Gala is truly iconic. It's an event that I've watched in awe for years, always intrigued to see how some of my favorite celebrities interpret the theme each gala. Last year, I even camped out across the street for five hours trying to get a glimpse of the style on the carpet, but I never dreamed that I would ever get to be there in the flesh.
Courtesy of Michaela Oshaughnessy3/19Luckily, I had a great spot on the carpet, right at the top of the steps so I had the perfect view of everyone walking up. There were so many standout moments, like Kim Kardashian and Nicki Minaj hugging it out right in front of me, or when Selena Gomez and The Weeknd walked right by making their red carpet debut.
At one point, Ruth Negga was right beside me talking to The New York Times and I said "From one Irish girl to another, you look so beautiful" and she held my hand — and I nearly started crying! It was definitely a night I will never forget.
Courtesy of Michaela Oshaughnessy4/19The day got off to a really early start with a hair appointment at Dream Dry. I went with a loose crown braid so that my hair would be out of my face for the entire day and be one less thing to worry about. After running back to the office for a couple of hours of work, I did my own makeup at my desk with the help of my co-workers who made the whole getting ready process even more fun.
Courtesy of Michaela Oshaughnessy5/19I moved to New York from Ireland nearly two years ago so when I was choosing a dress to wear to the Gala, I really wanted to wear something from an Irish designer. Back home, opportunities to have a gown at such a world-renowned event really don't come by too often. On Friday, I reached out to Don O'Neill of Theia Couture via Instagram to see if he would be interested in dressing me, and thankfully he said yes. I chose a red embellished gown that made me feel really special.
Once I was ready, I scrambled to take a couple pictures of the final look before hailing a cab uptown, from which I Face-timed my Mom back home in Ireland. We talked about what a wonderful opportunity this would be and how all of the hard work I had put in since moving to New York was worth it, just for this moment alone.
Courtesy of Michaela Oshaughnessy6/19Once I arrived at the Met, press members were taken to a holding area where we were given our credentials and a tip sheet detailing who was expected on the carpet. It was so crazy being in the same room as reporters from The New York Times, E! News, the Today Show and so much more.
Courtesy of Katie Sapp7/19Katie Sapp, Fashion Market Associate
Four years ago, as a bright-eyed and eager intern, my first Met Gala wish came true: I got to work backstage alongside stylist Sara Moonves to dress an army of badass models for 2013’s PUNK: Chaos to Couture Met. Although I wasn’t in the midst of all the glitz and glam on the red carpet, just being there felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you told me then I would actually get to relive that night in a few years, I totally and completely wouldn’t have believed you.
Fast forward to the first Monday in May, 2017. I not only got to go to the Met Gala again, but actually got to attend. Yes, that means seeing all the insanely cool fashion moments IRL, rocking out to Katy Perry live, and maybe bumping into Kylie Jenner in the bathroom. Follow me through my second, but BETTER (is that even possible?) magical Met Gala experience.
Being a part of this year's event was extra special with the theme and honoring Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons. Rei Kawakubo is such an important and influential designer who rethinks fashion in her own way. In the incredible words of Pharrell last night, “Marc Jacobs once told me, ‘Rei Kawakubo is your favorite designer's favorite designer.” Drops mic.
Courtesy of Katie Sapp8/19Call time for the Vogue team was a little early, but gave us plenty of time to nail the perfect Instagram for the evening. I took this picture in the cocktail hour hall right before I had to man my position. Not pictured: the throbbing pain in my feet from standing in heels for 5 hours.
Courtesy of Katie Sapp9/19Who doesn’t love getting glam and feeling like your best self? I have to admit, I was just as excited to get ready for the Met Gala as I was to go. I love doing my own hair and makeup. I set up a makeshift vanity at my desk and got ready while answering emails and jamming out to Drake.
Courtesy of Katie Sapp10/19The atmosphere inside was breathtaking: sculptures made from thousands of roses, neon pink lighting, and another epic celebrity sighting with every step you made. The large flower in the center was a prime spot for picture-taking.
Courtesy of Sarah Brody11/19Sarah Brody, Fashion Market Editor
Finally, it’s the First Monday in May. This Monday however, is for me, different from the celebrations of Met Galas past, as on this day, we honor the work of creative visionary Rei Kawakubo. A quiet, yet powerful fixture in fashion, her designs speak volumes and I am elated to be present in a space curated around her life's work.
To be honest though, as a Met Gala virgin, it’s a bit to take in. Upon entrance, models adorned in Comme des Garçons archive pieces and elaborate floral headdresses greeted guests; they posed for cameras (including my own) before the event started. They were wearing a collaboration sneaker with Nike, embellished with bows, which also walked the FW17 runway show in Paris. I’m actually hopeful to score a pair next season myself. I couldn't stop thinking to myself, Rei Kawakubo is nothing short of extraordinary.
Courtesy of Sarah Brody12/19Before guests arrive, I posed for a quick photo (okay, maybe 30) in the cocktail area. The Met Gala is a no social media event until the end of the night, but we couldn't miss the opportunity to grab a good shot. All of the female staff wore a version of this Comme des Garçons PLAY shirt, either striped or in polka dots. I chose to pair mine with a red satin and sequin Esteban Cortazar skirt from his SS17 show, white Rag & Bone boots, and my favorite oversized diamante hoops from Area. Joan Smalls complimented my look later in the night. I was feeling very blessed.
Courtesy of Sarah Brody13/19The staircase that serves as the entrance into the exhibit was lit up in a vibrant magenta and lined floor-to-ceiling with dignified floral arrangements in varying shades of pink, totally transforming the space. We raced up for our walk-through, where we very literally walked through the entire run of show, leading to a seated dinner in the wing of the museum noted as the Temple of Dendur. Staff members, including myself, were stationed in each room, to usher guests along the course…and to score some enviable people-watching. I mean, did you see Kendall Jenner’s look?
Courtesy of Sarah Brody14/19After dinner, the staff was invited into the temple for the performance of the evening: Katy Perry. Of course, I tried to contain my excitement… and mediocre singing voice, but to no avail, I was ultimately screaming “Teenage Dream”. After the performance, there was a mass exodus out of the room as we all traced back our steps to the magenta lit entryway. And just like that it was midnight, and already the first Tuesday of May.
Courtesy of Kyle Stiansen15/19Kyle Stiansen, Accessories Market Associate
Everybody, Stay Comme! If there was a year to go to the highly-anticipated and insanely decadent Met Ball, it was this year. For me, the celebrity I had my eye out for was not Kendall and Kylie (although their barely-there dresses did cause double takes), but the designer of the hour, Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons. Do not be fooled by her small stature and quiet nature: this woman is the master behind some of the most bold and inventive looks within contemporary fashion. Rei also has a notorious reputation for minimal commercial publicity (only second to Martin Margiela), so being at an international star-studded event honoring this icon is pretty similar to lightening striking the same place twice. This picture captured the moment I was getting ready at the Teen Vogue offices. I had my outfit steamed and laid out — but had to refresh my memory on tying a tie.
Courtesy of Kyle Stiansen16/19The Vogue staff dressed as Comme-heads and we proudly wore our stripes and polka dots with honor. I couldn’t believe my eyes as I witnessed countless celebrities, designers, and models pass me by in their custom couture. What an enchanted evening indeed. In this photo, I’m all dressed and hanging in the entranceway of the Met. The entire Reception area was transformed into a Willy Wonka botanical-themed garden, and it looked amazing.
Courtesy of Kyle Stiansen17/19The floral arrangements on each model’s head — created by the genius Julien d’Ys — were simply memorizing. Being a flower girl has taken on a whole new meaning.
Courtesy of Kyle Stiansen18/19As I walked through the revamped corridors of the famed Met Museum, I was hit with distinct Comme-isms like graphic, black and white stripes and abstract florals. I can’t help but be in awe of the accomplishments Rei Kawakubo has achieved as well as the subtle ways she has impacted fashion. Her clothes go beyond functionality and into a world of imaginative pieces of artwork — how fitting that it’s being celebrated in a museum. I was stopped in my tracks when I walked passed the main exhibit. It was that beautiful. The exhibit is a fashionable nod to Stanly Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey that you simply must experience for yourself when it opens to the public on May 4.
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