Rethinking the Red Carpet - Are Fashion and Film's Biggest Events Still Relevant Today?
While scrolling on social media a few weeks ago, I noticed quite a lot of backlash against celebrities and influencers attending the Met Gala. The public criticized them for being out of touch, making me wonder: are the most anticipated events of the year outdated now?
The Met Gala, officially known as the Costume Institute Gala, began in 1948 as a fundraising dinner for the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. It supports the preservation and celebration of fashion as an art form, providing educational insights into fashion history and cultural significance. Media coverage highlights fashion as artistic expression and cultural dialogue. Over the years, the event has grown significantly, raising a record-breaking $17.4 million in 2023! Today, in the 21st century, do we need that amount of money to preserve costumes?
As society’s values evolve, can this influential event, with tickets ranging from $30,000 to $275,000, align more with contemporary values of sustainability, diversity, and social responsibility? Emphasizing environmentally conscious fashion and partnerships with humanitarian organizations could enhance its impact!
We can also talk about the Oscars, officially known as the Academy Awards. Created in 1929 by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to honour outstanding achievements in the film industry, this event has grown from a modest 270-guest dinner to a global spectacle watched by millions.
Despite significant cultural and political moments like Marlon Brando's refusal of his award in 1973, protesting against Hollywood's portrayal of Native Americans, and the "Oscars So White" controversy, highlighting the lack of diversity in nominations, much remains to be done in terms of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
While the Oscars are not primarily philanthropic, the AMPAS engages in charitable activities, supporting film-related educational and cultural projects. However, the event has become overly commercialized, focusing more on spectacle and less on artistic merit, overshadowing smaller, deserving films. Is it worth watching hours of elitist peoplexeating and drinking while talking about their achievements? The decline in television ratings in recent years also raises concerns about its future and suggests it might be time to evolve.
We can’t deny that these events stand as a testament to the power of fashion and cinema to bring people together in celebration of artistic innovation and achievement. However, there is still a long way to go in terms of diversity, sustainability, and inclusivity. I truly believe these events must evolve and adapt to reflect our changing world.
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