Thread by @USATODAY

💎All eyes are on the #MetGala as designers push the envelope on fashion.

But people also are watching a historically exclusive fashion industry that's proven itself hesitant to push toward inclusion.
usatoday.com/story/entertai…

An invitation to the Met Gala, often selected by @vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, is typically reserved for Hollywood and fashion's most elite. But changes have been made after the industry was hit with accusations of being too exclusive.

To reach inclusivity, high fashion needs a diverse team of people calling the shots, experts argue. Because of the industry's interest in selling an aspirational fantasy, it may not change until standards steer away from thin and white or until new diverse talent is embraced.

Last year, the gala took two steps forward by inviting beauty influencer @jackieaina, who was the first Black content creator ever to attend Met Gala, and YouTuber @NikkieTutorials, who paid homage to LGBTQ activist Marsha P. Johnson with her gown.

But the same event also took one step back as it ignored a handful of Black designers. Formula 1 driver @LewisHamilton publicly corrected the 2021 invite list by paying for the tickets of three Black designers — Edvin Thompson of Theophilio, Kenneth Nicholson and Jason Rembert.

While young minority designers have been overlooked, the gala's legacy designers are ever-present, even after facing diversity and inclusion faux pas within their operations. Follow @usatodaylife to keep up with what tonight's guests are wearing.
usatoday.com/story/entertai…