"Camp: Notes on Fashion" at The MET

This year’s Met Gala theme was probably one of the best ones ever, in my opinion. In May, I wrote a post on my favorite Met Gala looks for the first time — the pink carpet was truly a show and I couldn’t help but weigh in. But this was actually the third year in a row that Kailena and I have caught the Met’s annual fashion exhibit in person (see my recaps from 2018 and 2017).

This year’s “Camp: Notes on Fashion” theme is based on the 1964 essay “Notes on Camp” by Susan Sontag. In the essay, Sontag describes camp as “love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration.” The style is believed to be created by drag culture and embraced heavily by hip hop culture and black street style. Think dramatic, bold, and ironically tacky.

Although the exhibit didn’t give a clear definition of camp, it did go through some of the history of drag and how the art of outrageously over-the-top garments eventually made it’s way onto runways. The exhibit had tons of pieces by Moschino, Gucci, Schiaparelli, and more. From giant tulle gowns to rainbow platform sandals to a purse that looks like a trash can — it was epic.

To get in the spirit of the theme, I wore a pink velvet mini dress (Forever 21) with a pink velvet skirt (Target) layered over it. I paired it with floral sneakers (ShoeDazzle) and a novelty bag that looks like a slushie cup (Aldo). It was a really fun day and I really recommend checking out the exhibit if you’re in NYC. It will be open through September 8. But, if you can’t see it in person, check out my gallery of photos below!