Summary and Review: ‘Camp’ Exposition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC

***Review originally written for VIM Magazine

It seems to be that May of every year, people from all over the country get excited for one of the highly anticipated events of Spring: The Met Gala

If unfamiliar, The Met Gala is an extremely exclusive event where invited guests dress in the most exquisite outfits according to a theme, in order to raise money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Stars such as Gigi Hadid, Kim Kardashian, Nick Jonas, and of course, the legendary Rihanna are only some of the celebrities the public look forward to seeing every year, and according to Business Insider, the cost of the ticket, table, and appearance has raised more than $13 million dollars in just 2018 alone.

The theme is one of the most important parts of the Gala. It can range from Goddess (2003) to Punk (2013), and this year just so happened to be Camp.

According to Vogue, Camp is an adjective that was previously used in the 19th century as a term for sexuality, however now, it’s considered a big “question mark.” It explained to have derived from the French word “camper” which means “to flaunt,” however there is not a definitive definition. It’s meant to keep people thinking, “What is ‘Camp?’” And they’re ultimately supposed to make their own meaning to the word.

The Metropolitan’s Costume Institute’s Spring Exhibition dedicated its entire exhibit to, unsurprisingly, Camp: Notes on Fashion.

Walking into the exhibit is quite an exciting experience. You’re immediately hit with the color pink from all angles, while multiple display windows have statues, paintings, and costumes to present the history of Camp.

What was really great about the exhibit was showing the influence of world renowned people who contributed exorbitantly to the creation of Camp, that many would’ve never knew of. For example, three outfits of Oscar Wilde (famous author of The Picture of Dorian Grey and The Importance of Being Earnest) was on display. One of his ensembles included a velvet jacket, silk stockings, leather slippers, and satin knee breeches. While the outfit might sound ordinary, he was inspiration for fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent, in his autumn/winter line (1993-94), 112 years after Wilde originally wore the outfit. It proves to show that while back then, he may have seemed “outrageous,” his uniqueness transferred to what is seen on the runway in our very own generation.

Continuing through the exhibit, you see other influencers of previous eras, and even more striking, the painting inspired dresses, such as Any Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans painting.

Once understanding a little bit more about the history, you are invited to the best part of the entire thing.

The room is dark, but bright colorful light filled boxes shine from every which way, immediately drawing you in. Your eyes catch diamonds, feathers, and tulle in every box, making your breath stop and having the feeling of being slightly overwhelmed with awe. It’s every fashion lover’s dream.

To say the least, the costumes were absolutely incredible. Each one was genuinely unique, exemplifying Camp in every way. They were beautiful, they were sparkling, they were mystifying, and they were truly pieces of art.

Overall, the exhibit exceeded all expectations. It not only gave you more an understanding of what it means to be Camp, as a person and in the fashion, but it also gave insight on the history behind it and those who risked their reputations to dress the way the wanted, as fabulously as they possibly could.

It was the perfect way to show that fashion is truly an outlet for all types of people. You don’t need to fit in with everyone else or follow the trends of right now. You should be you, dressing the way you want no matter how “outrageous” your outfits may be compared to the crowd. That’s what makes you spectacular, courageous, an icon, and of course…

Camp.