The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York has unveiled the theme for the 2027 MET Gala: "extraORDINARY: Fashion and the Poetics of the Everyday." This decision follows the withdrawal of John Galliano, who was initially set to be the event's central figure, after his participation was called into question due to his 2011 racist and anti-Semitic comments. The controversy led to concerns among some donors that they might withdraw their support.
The Costume Institute's upcoming exhibition will shift its focus to the creative potential of everyday items and clothing, showcasing how designers reimagine and transform familiar objects and materials to challenge viewers' perspectives.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual MET Gala is scheduled to take place on the first Monday in May, specifically May 3, 2027. The accompanying exhibition will be open to the public from May 9, 2027, through January 9, 2028. Inspired by the 2026 Costume Institute exhibition, the upcoming event was conceived by Andrew Bolton and will explore the relationship between people and clothing through everyday interactions, movement, and touch. The exhibition will highlight the artistry and craftsmanship that transform ordinary garments into extraordinary works of art through innovative construction, material experimentation, and conceptual design.
The upcoming exhibition will feature a diverse collection of 200 to 230 pieces, with approximately 40% sourced from the Metropolitan Museum's historical archives and the remainder courtesy of prominent contemporary fashion firms. The exhibition will be divided into two distinct themes: the first will explore the reinterpretation of timeless fashion archetypes, showcasing how classic garments such as cowboy attire, shirts, and coats are reimagined as high-end fashion pieces. The second theme will highlight the creative potential of discarded materials, featuring designs crafted from everyday items like paper, aluminum, and tablecloths.
Notable fashion highlights include a trompe l'oeil leather jeans design by Matthieu Blazy for Bottega Veneta in 2023, a grunge collection by Marc Jacobs for Perry Ellis in 1992, a pen coat created by Charles James in 1930, and a series of metal spoon art pieces by Cate Blanchett's label, Hodakova.
Bolton expressed a desire to see celebrities reimagine everyday items like sweaters, jeans, and shirts from a luxurious perspective, with the aim of inspiring visitors to reevaluate their own wardrobes and develop a greater appreciation for the value and care that their clothing deserves.
