The Met Gala Shows Timeless Beauty Is In, and Fast Fashion Is Out
By Danielle Butcher Franz
On the night of the 2023 Met Gala, celebrities descended on the steps of the iconic museum to pay tribute to the force who revived the Chanel brand in the 1980s. In doing so, they made a statement: classic vintage is in and fast fashion is so out.
Themed for Karl Lagerfeld, the 2023 Met Gala lacked the political posturing and moral grandstanding that have come to define most high-profile celebrity gatherings. Instead, several stars flaunted vintage looks from Lagerfeld’s many decades in the industry. From Gisele Bundchen and Margot Robbie to Naomi Campbell and Dua Lipa, stars overwhelmingly chose vintage or vintage-inspired pieces.
Dua Lipa wearing vintage Chanel and Tiffany & Co. The bridal ballgown was first worn by Cladia Shiffer when she closed the 1995-1996 Chanel runway show
The lifestyles of influencers and celebrities are founded on extravagance and a daring commitment to building personal brands. Therefore, it is not surprising that for every runway or red carpet event, celebrities and their stylists feel compelled to showcase a new look. The chance to seize the spotlight and generate headlines is an irresistible draw, and with so many vying for limited media coverage, opting for an audacious outfit is an easy shortcut – with little regard as to whether or not it truly looks good. Pushing boundaries has long been the trend, but with everyone doing it, is it truly groundbreaking? Shock value has become the crutch our culture uses in place of unique value.
Talita von Fürstenberg stepping out of the Mark Hotel in Oscar de la Renta
Yet, as we saw at this year’s Met Gala, there’s something so beautifully nostalgic and timeless about pulling a look from the vault and reinventing it. Compare Nicole Kidman’s stunning blush-pink gown, one she herself has previously appeared in, to Cara Delevingne’s crass “peg the patriarchy” display of 2021. Off the runway, compare the weddings of Kourtney Kardashian Barker to current it-girl Sofia Richie. Side by side, there is no question which is more inspired and meaningful, which blurs the lines of art and fashion. Even without a keen fashion sense, it's hard to miss the public's reaction to these two weddings reflecting our society's inherent attraction to beauty and poise.
Sofia Richie’s Chanel wedding style in Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes
Stunt-garments simply don’t hold a candle to handcrafted, made-to-last pieces we’ve seen on this week’s red carpet. The renewed focus on honoring what is beautiful over running to what is new is a refreshing change of pace, one that appears to be catching on thanks to the growing fashion influences of Richie over the next generation. The same way Hailey Bieber influenced young women to adopt a “clean girl aesthetic,” it appears that Richie will usher in an era where young women hang up their athleisure in exchange for classic styles. While the brands and labels Richie dons may be aspirational for the fashion girlies of Gen Z, her style is easily replicated with some time spent browsing local second-hand shops – a win for the planet and our wallets.
Kate Moss, Nicola Peltz Beckham, Anne Hathaway, Nicole Kidman, Gisele Bündchen, Margot Robbie, Lilly Colins, Naomi Campbell
There is an elegance and sophistication to fashion that is often lost in the fast-paced world of social media and consumerism. On and off the red carpet, the fashion industry's environmental reputation is far from perfect, with even high-end designer brands contributing to the problem. While the fast fashion industry is notorious for its negative impact on the environment, high-end fashion houses contribute their fair share to the problem, as well. Iconic designers dictate trends that have led to wasteful practices; for instance, Burberry's infamous decision to burn $38 million in unsold merchandise sparked widespread criticism. All the more reason to encourage a culture that rewards lasting, versatile fashion over trend-hopping.
By embracing timeless styles and taking a more sustainable approach to fashion, we can create more conscious consumption habits that cherish the artistry and craftsmanship of the past while reimagining it for the future.
Danielle Butcher Franz is the executive vice president at the American Conservation Coalition (ACC). Follow her on Twitter @DaniSButcher
