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The origin of the Museum of Costume Art
Originally created as a costume collection, that could be used by designers for inspiration, by Irene Lewisohn, her sister Alice Lewisohn Crowley, and designers Aline Bernstein, and Lee Simonson. With a growing collection of over 8,000 costumes, they were eventually incorporated into the MET as the Costume Institute. -
The merger of the Museum of Costume Art and Metropolitan Museum to The Costume Institute
This marked the begging of the MET costume department, which had to raise its own funds. -
The first MET party
Legendary Fashion publicist at the time Eleanor Lambert, famous for launching New York Fashion Week and founder of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, created the Costume Institute Benefit which was a party meant to raise money and awareness for the Costume Institute. New York’s elite were invited to the “party of the year” for only $50 dollars at the time. -
"Fine Feathers" Themed Party for the MET
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The boom of the MET Gala
Diana Vreeland, freshly fired ex-Vogue editor, joined the Costume Institute as a special consultant. With her specific insight into the fashion world, and her connections to celebrities, politicians, and designers, she transformed the Gala from a yearly party for gaudy New York socialites to the MET Gala we know now full of extravagance and campiness. She also created the first theme, The World of Balenciaga, celebrating designer Cristobal Balenciaga, thus making the theme system for the Gala. -
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Vreeland Era
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"From Queen to Empress: Victorian Dress 1837-1877" Themed MET Gala
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Vreeland’s death
The impact that Vreeland had on the MET Gala cannot be overstated and she truly is the reason why the Met is known how it is now. Between the years of her joining the Institute and her death, she helped with 14 shows, with notable themes like “Romantic and Glamorous Hollywood Design” (1974) and “Vanity Fair” (1977). She also introduced key celebrities like Cher, Andy Warhol, Diana Ross, and more to the Met party. -
"Diana Vreeland: Immoderate Style" Themed MET Gala News Clipping
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Anna Wintour joins the fray.
After Vreeland’s death, Vogue editor Anna Wintour joined the planning for the MET Gala. She injected the money, fame, and influence of Vogue into the party, transforming it into a world wide spectacle. Wintour continuously gives the world new and interesting themes, and now invites the most famous actors, musicians, politicians, and celebrities. -
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Wintour Era