After following the controversial theme of "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" in 2018 [1], the 2019 edition of the Met Gala will be going in a very different direction. On Oct. 9, the Metropolitan Museum of Art announced that the theme for next year's Costume Institute exhibition [2] will be framed around Susan Sontag's seminal 1964 essay "Notes on 'Camp,'" with Lady Gaga [3], Harry Styles, Serena Williams, and Gucci's creative director Alessandro Michele named as co-hosts alongside Vogue's editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
"We are going through an extreme camp moment," explains Andrew Bolton, the curator in charge of the Costume Institute, to The New York Times [4]. "It felt very relevant to the cultural conversation to look at what is often dismissed as empty frivolity but can be actually a very sophisticated and powerful political tool, especially for marginalized cultures."
But how should one dress for such a momentous occasion? Well, Bolton mentions the idea of surplus — "A bow that's too big, too many feathers, too many sequins" — which perfectly resonates with Sontag's definition of what camp is: the "love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration . . . style at the expense of content . . . the triumph of the epicene style." And as for Gucci's creative director, without whom this exhibition wouldn't have been made possible, camp means one thing: "the unique ability of combining high art and pop culture."
As we patiently and excitedly wait to see how guests will interpret next year's fascinating theme, read on to see why the new co-hosts were the perfect choice, as well as the guests we're most excited to see dress for the occasion.
Lady Gaga at the 2016 Met Gala
In 2016, she took the "Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology" theme to heart, showing off a futuristic Versace corset and embellished jacket.
Lady Gaga at the 2015 Met Gala
In 2015, the theme was "China: Through the Looking Glass," and Lady Gaga [5] wore an stunning Alexander Wang gown.
Alessandro Michele at the 2018 Met Gala
Alessandro Michele has always been a Met Gala fixture, making him a perfect co-host. Last year, he attended the event alongside Lana Del Rey and Jared Leto [6], wearing a white suit with gold embroideries.
Alessandro Michele at the 2017 Met Gala
In 2017, Alessandro made a statement with a Gucci AC/DC jacquard jacket, which he paired with a Comme des Garcons black pleated skirt and trousers.
Alessandro Michele at the 2016 Met Gala
In 2016, he wore a silver suit which he accessorised with a black bow tie and matching loafers.
Serena Williams at the 2018 Met Gala
In 2018, Serena Williams attended her very first Met Gala. For the occasion, she gave us major mermaid vibes with a gorgeous emerald gown which perfectly showed off her growing baby bump.
Harry Styles
This will be the first time we see Harry Styles at the Met Gala, and we already can't wait. The British singer is known for his love of everything Gucci, gender-fluid suits, and boundary-pushing looks, so the theme shouldn't be a problem for him.
Anna Wintour at the 2018 Met Gala
For the "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination" exhibition, Anna Wintour stunned in a custom Chanel gown.
Cher at the 2015 Met Gala
While Cher hasn't attended the Met Gala since 2015, the new theme immediately made us think of her.
Amal Clooney at the 2018 Met Gala
Last year, Amal Clooney was one of the co-hosts of the Met Gala, and she took our breath away in a stunning ensemble by Richard Quinn [7].
Jared Leto at the 2018 Met Gala
In recent years, Gucci has become synonymous with Jared Leto [8], so it probably won't be difficult for the actor to follow the new theme.
Rihanna at the 2018 Met Gala
Of course, the Met Gala would not be the same without Rihanna [9], and we're excited to see how she'll interpret next year's theme. In 2018, she wore a jewel-encrusted minidress by Margiela [10] that showed off her legs, which she accessorised with a matching overcoat and headpiece.
Blake Lively at the 2018 Met Gala
In 2018, Blake wore a gorgeous red Versace gown [11] that featured an intricately beaded bodice. As next year would be her tenth Met Gala, we can probably expect a pretty epic red carpet look.
Kim Kardashian at the 2018 Met Gala
Kim Kardashian [12] might not be one for big bows, but she's certainly never been afraid of some sequins or feathers (remember that Roberto Cavalli dress [13]?). Last year, Kim put her captivating curves on display in a skintight metallic gold gown [14] designed by Donatella Versace, and we can't wait to see what she'll come up with this time around.
