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Exploring ideas, stories, and opportunities in culture, fashion, and entertainment that awaken people's passions.

🕺 The history of the Met Gala

AND: Product drops from Frank Ocean & Travis Scott

shaan

Aug 20, 2021

Welcome to issue #038. The Met Gala is around the corner. But honestly, I’ve never paid attention to the event. This year, I decided to dig in and see what it’s all about. And I came across a cool and unique story on how the Met Gala came to fruition. From simply being a dinner, turned full-scale event… the story behind its creation might surprise you.

We’ve also got some really great product drops this week. Don’t forget to check those out!

contents:

brand of the week
met gala
what’s in my closet
threads
what’s on the coffee table
aesthetically pleasing
upcoming product drops

interested in advertising? click here

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“We believe in good times and doing good for the planet.” - Ronald Akili, Founder

WASTED COLLECTIVE

Wasted Collective is living up to its name. Creating beautiful products that are sustainable without compromise. But what’s unique about Wasted is what they dub as the “Art of Recraft.” They consistently turn ocean plastic into fashion. And they’ve created some really unique pieces.

My favorite part about Wasted is their Washi cotton. And that’s because they’ve taken a 1400-year-old practice and spun it in a way where the products are highly durable and eco-friendly. It’s created in Japan, using tee bark fibers. It only needs a small percentage of the land required, compared to traditional cotton farming.

items I’ve got my eye on:

Bali Waffle-knit Short →

Traveler Pant →

Washi Summer Buttondown Shirt →

It’s 1948. Fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert, who launched New York Fashion Week, called herself to create a project called the Costume Institute Benefit. At the time, it was simply a midnight supper. Eventually turning into a powerhouse event, now known as the Met Gala.

The event aimed at raising funds to support The Costume Institute. But since then, the benefit has grown in size, scope, and profile. And it still remains important, as it is the main source of funding for the department’s expenditures. Things like exhibition improvements and acquisitions.

Eleanor Lambert had a prominent history of creating world-renowned events. She created the CFDA and also developed the annual Vanity Fair best-dressed list. But the Met Gala was the event that showed her true genius.

She would invite a selected group of individuals in Manhattan high society at the Waldorf Astoria. Back then, the Met Galas small and simple event would blend into an annual philanthropic event.

In the early 1970s, former Vogue editor-in-chief Diana Vreeland would join the Costume Insitute as a consultant. And the event would take shape for what we know it as today. She courted Hollywood celebrities like Andy Warhol Diana Ross and Cher, to come to the event… moving away from the Manhattan high society. The event would become worldly known and a major player in both the social and art worlds. Even folks like Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Pat Buckley served as co-chairs during her tenure. Vreeland would also establish a themed dress code. Which would lead to famous themes like Ballet Russe, Royal India, and Yves Saint Laurent.

Anna Wintour would then take over the event in 1995. It would evolve to include boundary-pushing stars in fashion, entertainment, and politics. And some of the best red carpet highlights have come from the Met Gala. Like Diana Ross in Gucci (2003), Cher in Bob Mackie (1995), and Rhianna in Guo Peri’s cape (2015).

This year, the Met Gala is themed around American designers along with cultural, social, and political events that occurred during the pandemic. The event will take place on September 13th of this year.

👜 Satchel → Placing great emphasis on functional beauty, Japanese bag maker master-piece lives up to its name with its impressive catalog of well-designed everyday carryalls.

👕 Festival tee → When it comes to innovative sportswear, no brand does it better than Nike.

👞 Paisley shoe → TAFT was born out of a mutual love for uniquely designed and well-made products.

Tissue used by Lionel Messi during Barcelona departure conference is being sold for $1 million USD READ MORE HERE
Supreme’s growth hasn’t uprooted its history READ MORE HERE
The fashion industry says it’s more open, but is it really? READ MORE HERE
Is this cult sportswear brand primed for a big return? READ MORE HERE

Popotin pot → Ceramic vase, high-shine orange glaze. Can be used plant pot, vase, or stationery holder.

Mickey Mouse porcelain tray → Mickey and a bandana-inspired paisley print bring classic Americana style to a porcelain tray that's an elegant way to bring some Disney magic into your home.

Art in the streets → The most comprehensive book to survey the colorful history of graffiti and street art movements internationally.