Heavenly Couture: The Met Gala's Holy theme for 2018
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For many, Vogue Magazine is a fashion bible so it seems only fitting that The Metropolitan Museum of Art's next big Costume Institute exhibit is titled, "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination." While it may seem controversial for The Met to take on Catholicism, the theme has more to do with fashion design's interpretation of religion and its use of religious iconography within the world of style and couture.
Andrew Bolton, curator of the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, who has worked closely with the Vatican on the exhibit had this to say about it: "The focus is on a shared hypothesis about what we call the Catholic imagination and the way it has engaged artists and designers and shaped their approach to creativity, as opposed to any kind of theology or sociology. Beauty has often been a bridge between believers and unbelievers.”
Mr. Bolton traveled to Rome eight times before the Vatican "signed off" on the exhibit. The Sistine Chapel sacristy Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff gave the "blessing" for this show to occur. They were receptive to the idea from the start but needed to be cautious and respectful of the Vatican garments that would be on loan to The Met, especially since some of the pieces are still in use by the Pope.
Along with Anna Wintour, Mr. and Mrs. Schwarzman, Donatella Versace, Amal Clooney and Rihanna will be the honorary chairs opening night of the Met Gala.
