The Met Gala: Fashion’s biggest night of the year. A night to adore the creations of some of the most celebrated designers across the globe; a week to spend marvelling at celebrities in their finest; an event that provides worthy gossip across social media.
This high society event has not been without its scandals. From Solange attacking Jay Z, to Kim Kardashian wearing Marilyn Monroe's dress, the Met Gala would, perhaps, not be the Met Gala without its controversy.
However, the recent announcement that next years theme will be: 'Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty' is sure to be one of the most scandalous.
There is no doubt the German designer has a long lasting legacy within the fashion industry, as creative director of Chanel and Fendi. But, as the fashion world moves towards inclusivity and diversity, Lagerfeld’s comments about the MeToo movement, migrants, plus-size models and LGBTQ rights are a dark force dragging the industry back.
Lagerfeld was active in hiring only super skinny models saying “no one wants to see curvy women,” and has openly criticised models who came forward with allegations of sexual assault, saying “If you don’t want your pants pulled about, don’t become a model!” Urging those who didn’t want to model to join a nunnery.
The controversial designer didn’t stop at comments about the fashion industry. He condemned Germany’s choice to open its borders to migrants, in extremely Islamophobic and anti-Semitic comments. As well as not believing in gay marriage, gay adoption or the idea that homophobic violence even exists.
The choice to celebrate Lagerfeld, through the acclaimed Met Gala, rather than bring attention to his problematic comments, brings attention to controversial beliefs that the entire fashion industry is based on. And, although his comments on the fashion world are hateful and ignorant, Lagerfeld is simply reiterating the beliefs of the whole industry.
His Islamophobic, racist, misogynistic and fatphobic beliefs should have never been ignored, and they should certainly not be ignored now. Not even for the sake of a high fashion event, such as the Met Gala.
Edited by Madelynne Flack