Lagerfeld’s Ladies
At the 2023 Met Gala, the echoes of Karl Otto Lagerfeld's indelible mark on fashion reverberated through the glitzy halls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Costume Institute Benefit isn’t just your average soirée; it’s a dazzling fundraiser linking the past and the present, and this year it spotlighted the flamboyant genius behind Chanel’s legacy.
With a theme aptly titled “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” celebrities and fashion elites dressed to the nines in designs that whispered of Lagerfeld’s storied past. The event shimmered with black, white, and iconic tweed as guests channeled the essence of Lagerfeld’s haute couture. From Naomi Campbell to Cara Delevingne, the presence of Lagerfeld’s former muses added a nostalgic touch, mingling together like a rolling tide of style.
However, as we soak in the glamour, a weighty question lingers in the air: can we celebrate an artist while grappling with their controversial beliefs? Lagerfeld was not just the king of high fashion; he was also a polarizing figure whose views on body image, religion, and social movements ignited heated debates. Having stated that, “One cannot – even if there are decades between them – kill millions of Jews so you can bring millions of their worst enemies in their place” [1], in 2017, his discrimination reaches other ethnicities seeking asylum. The late-designer was known to oppose the #MeToo movement, a view that is harrowing given the environment models face. The pressures and demands of the job force many in dangerous situations, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and harm. Instead of empathizing with those who had to face such traumatic events, Lagerfeld was outraged by the cause: “It’s unbelievable. If you don’t want your pants pulled about, don’t become a model! Join a nunnery, there’ll always be a place for you in the convent” [2]. Many designers are said to have cherished women, but Karl Lagerfeld just might not be in the ranks of Christian Dior or John Galliano.
Dressing up in his aesthetic feels a bit like putting on a beautifully embroidered cape that, while stunning, carries a few frayed threads. As admirers and critics alike navigate these waters, the gala transformed into more than just an homage to Lagerfeld's contributions; it was a stage for introspection on morality in the realm of art. So, as we strut through the memory of Lagerfeld’s opulent creations, the question remains: to what extent does a designer’s legacy comprise the entirety of their identity? Is the fabric of brilliance still beautiful when it’s stitched together with controversy? The 2023 Met Gala was a feast for the eyes, but also served a hearty helping of moral complexity. Cheers to the fashion we adore, but let’s also chew on the conversations that keep us grounded.
