Tonight is NYC’s famous Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Kicking off this year’s event is the exhibit Charles James: Beyond Fashion. This splashy celebration always has our tongues wagging as many of our style icons take this opportunity to dress the part for the Costume Institute Gala. The past two events have embodied an edgy & individualistic flair but with familiar themes. Last year at PUNK: Chaos to Couture we loved the detailed accessories like faux nose rings and spiky pant suits. Two years prior for Savage Beauty, we saw an ode to the late designer Alexander McQueen with guests wearing the namesakes’ dramatic couture frocks. This year, many people are probably wondering who the heck is Charles James and what can we expect on the red carpet?
Charles James was a pioneer in the fashion industry and widely considered America’s first couturier. His work was so ahead of the curve that he is often considered to have lived TOO early to actually get credit for his fashion breakthroughs. He opened his first millinery shop in 1926 at the age of 20, something that was unthinkable for a member of the middle class at that time. At his shop he created his hats directly on his clients’ heads. He was an avante-garde tailor and the first to introduce “off-grain” cuts, displaced seams, as well as asymmetric draping that eliminated darts and zippers in the backs of dresses. He designed outfits with adjustable fits, the first prototype of the sports bra and even the down jacket. My favorite of course is his invention of the infinity scarf, a trendy silhouette that is now starting to gain momentum in mass markets. Just imagine seeing one in 1940!
Beyond the designer’s talents it seems his quirky personality and failed economic status is why Charles James seems to be so unknown today. Many designer houses have continued to operate to this day, which is why they are house hold names: Dior, Halston, Chanel, etc. So what can we expect to see on Monday? We would love to hear your guesses or even some costume suggestions in the comment section below!
photo credit: http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2014/charles-james-beyond-fashion