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On May 2, the Met Gala, an annual fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, was held in New York City. The theme of this year’s event was the Gilded Glamor, a reference to the Gilded Age, America’s age of rapid economic growth. The fashion event was hosted by actress Blake Lively, her husband and actor Ryan Renolds, and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda. 

The Met Gala is renowned for its often wild costumes and outfits. Some of the most notable outfits this year included Billie Eilish’s custom Gucci ivory and duchess satin corseted gown, complete with a green lace underlay and gathered ivory skirt. Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who wore a purple Altuzarra dress, made a surprising return to the event after 21 years. Model Kim Kardashian also drew numerous headlines with her iconic Marilyn Monroe outfit, for which she had to lose 16 pounds to fit into.

“A lot of my favorite musical artists appeared in the Met Gala,” Doyun Jeong (11), an avid music listener, said. “I particularly enjoyed seeing Olivia Rodrigo, who is one of my favorites due to her youth and vibrant fashion. I loved the different ways musical artists presented themselves through their original styles of clothing.”

However, Met Gala organizers have faced criticism for the theme’s detachment from the current time when many Americans are suffering financially due to the pandemic and soaring inflation. Criticism surged on social media to condemn Met Gala’s extravagance and luxury as the nation’s economy is recovering. 

“I do not regularly watch fashion events, such as the Met Gala, but after hearing about the controversy surrounding this year’s theme, I believe the event’s organizers could have considered the theme more carefully,’ Sean Lee (11), a follower of the latest trend, said. “Since many Americans have struggled to maintain their economic stability, perhaps the Met Gala’s theme surrounding luxury and wealth was not suitable to the current times.”