As the global anticipation builds for this year’s highly anticipated Met Gala scheduled for Monday, May 6, the unveiling of its theme, “The Garden of Time,” and the accompanying 2024 Costume Institute exhibition, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” has ignited widespread excitement. Fashion enthusiasts eagerly await the spectacle of renowned ensembles that will grace the red carpet, as the Met Gala serves as a dynamic platform where the realms of art and fashion seamlessly converge. With its aim to delve into the multifaceted tapestry of fashion history, exploring its cyclical nature and forecasting future implications, this year’s gala will showcase approximately 250 rare pieces from the esteemed permanent collection of the Costume Institute and adopts a theme that can also be seen by travelers from across the globe on New York City’s Broadway stages.
This year’s Gala theme not only captivates the fashion elite but also resonates with travelers worldwide who frequent New York City’s iconic Broadway stages. The theme’s essence, echoing the passage of time and the evolution of fashion, finds its parallel in the transformative nature of Broadway productions. Indeed, there’s perhaps no better stage to witness the resurgence of fashion than on Broadway, where threads from diverse eras intertwine to form intricate ensembles. Just as the Met Gala reinvents classic looks from bygone years, Broadway productions, including those featured in The Broadway Collection over the years, consistently reimagine historical fashion trends, infusing them with a contemporary twist.
In 2018, The Cher Show, a dynamic production chronicling Cherilyn Sarkisian LaPierre Bono Allman, better known as Cher, opened on Broadway to depict her journey from dreamer to Oscar-winner. The musical’s triumph stemmed from its remarkable costume designs as Bob Mackie, Cher’s dedicated designer, contributed significantly to the visual spectacle of the show with a range of fabrics from glittering sequins to rich satin. Cher’s style under Mackie was innovative and her unique silhouettes attracted attention, from bell bottoms of the sixties to daring high-thigh-slit gowns. Cher’s style aligns well with this year’s Gala: a celebration of fashion’s evolution, the incorporation of fresh perspectives, and carrying the legacy forward.
Currently playing on Broadway to rave reviews from travelers of all ages, SIX presents an innovative take on Henry VIII’s wives, portraying them as pop divas. This musical revolutionizes history with captivating costumes mirroring each queen’s story, such as Anne Boleyn’s scandalous green dress to Catherine of Aragon’s golden-black ensemble – think Tudor puff sleeves paired with a high-hemmed dress and headpieces reminiscent of 15th-17th century paintings. Reflecting the 2024 Met Gala, SIX seamlessly merges past and present trends, demonstrating fashion’s power through traditional elements in modern ways.
One of the newest shows coming to the Broadway stage, The Great Gatsby transports audiences to the vibrant Roaring Twenties with designs by renowned costume designer Linda Cho. With Cho’s expertise by blending original period pieces with modern elements, audiences can anticipate a revival of flapper dresses, feathered headbands, cloche hats, and sleek suits echoing the fashion of the era. The Great Gatsby offers a contemporary reimagining of 1920s trends, reflecting the innovation often witnessed during the Met Gala each year.
