Thread by @Vogueland_

Gilded Glamour: A #MetGala analysis:

"The gilded age"- 1870-1900
The term “gilded age” was actually coined by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner in 1873. The phrase alludes to the fact that though things may be glittery and shiny on the exterior, Corruption lies beneath..

This is the era that brought innovation, railroads and the new age tycoons but filled with a dog-eat-dog mentality. The richer wanted to monopolize everything, while the poor remained very poor. The Gilded age was a time for building, but a time of inequality

Yikes lol, let's talk about fashion. Main components of gilded age clothing: silk, ivory, embroidery, cosetry, velvet, lace, feathers, satin, pleating, sleeves, many variations if the bustle

Embracing a victorian-gothic feel
The clothes would resemble the interior design aesthetics of the time. The clothes were heavy, with an excess of embellishments, fabrics were meant to be draped on. The colors would be rich and dark: deep greens, burgundy, purples, and maroon.

Gilded age hair and Accessories

*Before the iconic spectacle known as the “battle of versailles, in the early seventies American designers weren't on minds rent free. Yes there were notable American designers before the seventies (duh) but it didn't cultivate the same hype like the fashion in Europe.

Americans were heavily influenced by European fashion trends and designs. Charles Fredrick Worth, from the U.K. was a main figure of the European fashion scene, as he was the one who established the modern haute couture system.

Charles Fredrick Worth specialized in tailored, one of a kind garments that exuded opulence and excess. Fredrick organized two two seasonal shows every year, while other Parisian designers would replicate his looks. The gowns that he created are must have archives by museum.

*It also to note, though Americans were turning their backs on the European monarchy in favor of status through labor rather than birthright, the American people still wanted to capture the opulent regal lifestyle that the European elite were known for

There are many ways to interpret this theme but these are the core interpretations:
1. Literal: The garment resembles what notable figures would have worn during the gilded age period. Just with modernized feel.

2. White tie dressing: Extremely formal evening wear, white ties, gorgeous gowns, Upper class societal dressing. *Cue to the Charles James Met theme from 2014

3. Referential: combining the old and the new. Taking the gilded glamor reference apart and interpreting it in an interesting way. *at the same time still paying homage to the period.

Designers who will thrive
Jean paul gaultier
Galliano (for dior)
Christopher john rogers
Vivienne westwood
Christian lacroix
Moschino: Jeremy is a “maybe” because he could focus more on the campier side of gilded glamor which is fine, but the theme is more than shock value

Some more looks that devoured...because why tf not

I would say Gucci by Alessandro, but i'm a little surprised by past gucci looks at the MET (ahem, karlie kloss looking at camp right in the eye lol)
house of Chanel could turn some looks, as this theme is right up their alley in terms of aesthetics (the archives are immaculate.

Predictions
Kim k : alexander mcqueen or balenciaga
Bella H: dior by Galliano
Alexa demie: rodarte
Harry styles: gucci or Gaultier
Tom ford: a black suit lol
Blake lively: zac posen
Doja cat: vivienne westwood
ariana : valentino or christian lacroix
Regina king:LV

Overall, Gilded glamor is supposed to be seen as one phrase, if the met theme was "glamor", it would have been glamor. Whats the point of being invited if the theme will not be followed. Attendees should have studied and learned to understand the references.

Hey bestie, we made it to the end... Thanks for sticking beside me as no one asked for this
As a treat I made a playlist that will get you in the. mood for the Met.
See u Monday and thanks!!!!
open.spotify.com/playlist/7kp53…

disclosure- some of these designs shown from runways may not have been directly inspired by the Gilded era and im aware of that. I just highlighted pieces that take concepts and aspects of the GE and the European dressing of the time. Thanks!