The Met Gala is arguably one of THE most elaborately orchestrated, complex and closely watched productions every year. Major respect to Vogue’s special projects consultant Sylvana Ward Durrett and director of special events Eaddy Kiernan with the help of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s in-house staff who were responsible for creating a flawless celebration of the acclaimed avant-garde designer Rei Kawakubo with "Art of the In-Between”. The red carpet (well, technically hand painted sisal with royal blue trim) was expectedly glamorous, only this time we were enthralled by shapes not usually seen on it. Seriously, how did Rihanna get in this dress?!?
As event planners, we like looking behind the glamour to see how the largest museum in the US transformed for this momentous evening. Because who doesn’t want to know every detail about the larger-than-life floral installation (first photo above) by Raul Àvila inspired by a single dress? The place settings paid homage to Kawakubo’s Japanese heritage - sake cups and gold-tipped chopsticks - love!
Those sake cups were placed on the table for good reason! Ginjo and wine flowed freely throughout the evening with Japanese-influenced cuisine. The menu was all things luxurious from Caviar with Lobster and King Crab to Matcha to Coconut Mango, and Yuzu Citrus Mochi dessert. This year’s menu gave us serious hunger pains!
We may still be thinking about Rihanna’s dress or the countless hours it must have taken Raul's team to complete the floral installs, but one thing is certain: this year’s Met Gala was another one to remember and a fitting celebration of Rei Kawakubo.
Here's to the next first Monday in May!
-DTE Team
Photo Credit: Vogue
