The Deeper Meaning Behind the 2025 Met Gala Carpet
The carpet's motif—a narcissus flower, more commonly known as a daffodil—came from artist Cy Gavin. In an interview with Vogue , Gavin says he became fascinated with the spring perennial growing outside his upstate New York studio. To many, the bloom symbolises the arrival of the new season—and since the Costume Institute fundraiser takes place on the first Monday of May, he felt a synergy existed between the two.
Then there was the flower's scientific name, which stems from the Greek myth of Narcissus. Though Gavin admits there are many interpretations of the tragedy, he honed in on one facet: when Narcissus sees his reflection for the first time in the pool of water. 'I became interested in that moment of self-recognition and appreciation,' he says. Such a sentiment struck him as powerful amid this season's exhibition, 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style', which examines Black dandyism and identity. 'It's very easy to not see yourself clearly because of all the selves that other people tell us we are—and I was struck by the poignancy of that being also a sort of punishment,' he adds.
He took all of this and channeled it into a painting, 'Untitled (Sky),' where the narcissus flowers are made to resemble stars in a night sky. (The painting will be projected in the Temple of Dendur during the gala.) Meanwhile, set designer Derek McLane and event planner Raúl Àvila took Gavin's motif and translated it into the sprawling carpet that covered the stairs of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. And although it will be removed after the Met Gala is over, its meaning lives on in the thousands of photos taken by photographers as stars from Pharrell Williams to Savannah James made their way up to fashion's biggest night.
Article originally published on Vogue US
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tatler Asia
5 days ago
- Tatler Asia
Christian Louboutin's Hotel Vermelho is a bold Portuguese hideaway for design lovers
Every room is a one-of-a-kind sanctuary Above Each of Hotel Vermelho's 13 rooms boasts a distinct personality and story. (Photo: Instagram / @hotelvermelho) Each of Vermelho's 13 accommodations boasts a distinct personality and story. The crown jewel, the Matinha Suite, features whimsical handpainted pastel frescoes by Greek artist Konstantin Kakanias, a longtime friend of Christian Louboutin. One mural even depicts an angel playfully flaunting knee-high boots. Throughout the property, guests discover inimitable antique furnishings, custom Portuguese azulejo tiles and artworks personally selected by the designer himself, making every stay feel utterly unrepeatable. A glittering bar crafted by artisans Above The bar is made from hammered and embossed silver leaf. (Photo: Instagram / @hotelvermelho) The Vermelho Bar stands as the hotel's social epicentre, dominated by a bar front crafted from hammered and embossed silver leaf. This glittering masterpiece was created by Orfebrería Villarreal, a renowned Seville workshop that traditionally crafts religious items for churches and processional ceremonies. The space is anchored by hexagonal red floor tiles—a nod to Christian Louboutin's signature scarlet soles—creating an atmosphere that perfectly embodies the hotel's philosophy of 'la vie en rouge'. A culinary love letter to the Alentejo region Above Restaurant Xtian celebrates authentic Portuguese cuisine using seasonal ingredients sourced from Alentejo producers. (Photo: Instagram / @hotelvermelho) Restaurant Xtian represents the very heart of Louboutin's vision, born from his desire for a perfect local dining spot in Melides. Under chef Emanuel Machado's direction, the kitchen celebrates authentic Portuguese cuisine using seasonal ingredients sourced directly from Alentejo producers. The commitment to local craftsmanship extends beyond the menu, with dishes served on handcrafted crockery made by artisans from Melides village itself. Vermelho's restaurant has become such a destination that it attracts diners travelling from Lisbon specifically to experience its offerings. Well-appointed spaces for renewal Above With intricate tilework, the spacious bathrooms are private retreats for renewal. (Photo: Instagram / @hotelvermelho) Featuring intricate tilework and high‑quality finishes, the generously proportioned bathrooms at Hotel Vermelho transform ordinary bathing into a spa-like ritual. Rainfall showers, plush robes and slippers and premium bath products from brands like Kama Ayurveda and Anne Semonin create a private retreat for rest and renewal. Meanwhile, Vermelho's spa is built with stones once part of ancient churches, said to imbue the space with calming energy. Walls of transparently tiled alabaster sourced from Luxor—a nod to Christian Louboutin's Egyptian heritage—allow golden light to filter into treatment rooms. The spa's wellness philosophy blends Indian mindfulness techniques, particularly Ayurveda, with luxury French cosmetics, creating a holistic approach to restoration. An outdoor art gallery for a pool Above The swimming pool is adorned with baroque-style sculptures. (Photo: Instagram / @hotelvermelho) The naturally heated swimming pool, nestled within lush gardens designed by French landscape architect Louis Benech, transcends typical hotel amenities. Baroque-style sculptures by Italian artist Giuseppe Ducrot transform the poolside into an enchanting open-air gallery. Guests can bask in the Alentejo sunshine surrounded by local flora while enjoying complimentary Saturday morning yoga classes. Intentionally low-tech for ultimate relaxation Above Hotel Vermelho encourages guests to disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with the simple pleasures of contemplation. (Photo: Instagram / @hotelvermelho) Hotel Vermelho deliberately champions analogue luxury. Televisions are notably absent from rooms unless specifically requested, while digital key cards have been replaced with charming leather keyrings handcrafted by Christian Louboutin's Parisian team. This approach extends throughout the property, encouraging guests to disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with the simple pleasures of conversation, contemplation and genuine human connection. The birth of a designer coastline Above Apart from Hotel Vermelho, Christian Louboutin has plans to open more luxury boutique properties in the area. (Photo: Instagram / @hotelvermelho) Hotel Vermelho is only the beginning of Christian Louboutin's ambitious vision for the region. Along this stretch of coastline, the designer is creating a collection of retreats that reflect his signature style. Vermelho Lagoa, a 10-room property overlooking the Melides lagoon, is set to open in spring 2026, and a third hotel nestled in the nearby pine forest is reportedly in development. Together, these projects aim to establish Melides as a distinctive luxury destination shaped by Louboutin's discerning touch. Credits This article was created with the assistance of AI tools
Vogue Arabia
18-06-2025
- Vogue Arabia
The Rise of Playful Proportions: Inside the World of Fashion's Most Joyful Silhouette
Gone are the days when minimalism reigned supreme and proportions played it safe. As Coco Chanel once said 'fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions.' And In 2025 that architecture is being reimagined – through asymmetry, drama and deliberate imbalance, fashion is finally shedding its obsession with restraint and symmetry. The message? Proportions are no longer a matter of balance but of boldness. From voluminous sleeves that seem to float midair to sharply exaggerated tailoring which borders on the theatrical, the fashion world is embracing a new aesthetic vocabulary – playful proportions. This isn't just a passing trend – it is a bold reimagining of elegance, where individuality takes centre stage and maximalism is no longer a rebellion. Tracee Ellis Ross in Marc Jacobs at the Met Gala Amina Khalil in Rami Kadi at Cannes At the MetGala 2025, Tracee Ellis Ross's striking Marc Jacobs ensemble, featuring exaggerated wide legged trousers and a sculptural satin bow at the waist was the perfect example of how a voluminous silhouette transforms classic tailoring into high fashion drama. At Cannes 2025, Amina Khalil, wore a custom Rami Kadi gown with a sculpted bodice and cascading feathered tiers, a striking balance between softness and structure. On the runway On recent runways, fashion houses took to inflating silhouettes and a touch of playfulness. From YSL's sloped and elongated shoulders and voluminous ball gowns to Schiaparelli's carefully engineered construction of silhouettes. Rami Al Ali's Spring/Summer 2025, was an architectural marvel with geometric motifs which disrupted the symmetry of the otherwise sleek silhouettes. Ashi Studio's immense Balloon skirt created an intentional imbalance and exaggerated volume in a theatrical way. They show that awkward proportions and layering doesn't have to be over the top – they can be elegant and wearable too. Why is fashion leaning into this imbalance? At first, playful proportions might look like just a fun and impractical trend. But if you look closer, it's a natural reaction to the visual fatigue of minimal, plain fashion. It's less like a trend and more like a philosophy. Now, after the pandemic and the quiet luxury trend, people are moving back towards bold styles that show personality, creativity, and joy. The desire to break free, advocating for fun and expressive fashion and the appetite for emotions, personality, and visual excitement is definitely knocking our doors. High street brands are replicating the look with unexpected creativity – ballooned sleeves, wide cut pants, trapeze shaped coats, they are making fashion fun again for the average consumer. The desire to reject perfection and embrace individuality reflects how people, especially Gen Z and social creators, want to stand out and celebrate their complexities. Fashion creators' search history probably reads like a modern style manifesto: oversized jackets, statement sleeves, layered looks. This shows that fashion creators are looking for more volume, drama and excitement. It helps them break traditional fashion rules, turning garments into bold statements of identity and creativity. It does not only amplify one's volume but demands attention allowing for personal expression which says more is more.
Vogue Arabia
11-06-2025
- Vogue Arabia
What To Wear to a Gala To Look Chic and Timeless
What to wear to a gala is an ever-evolving question—as is the quest to find the perfect gala gown. Is your summer social calendar suddenly blossoming with glamorous events? Black-tie affairs, over-the-top birthdays, a grand night at the ballet, or a glitzy charity function? Getting inspired for evening wear that turns heads as much as it sticks to sometimes strict fête dress codes can feel quite overwhelming. It doesn't have to be all about the ball gown or a salary-slashing investment dress this side of the century—these days, short and midi dresses can also fly in certain circumstances too, and there's plenty of ways to go glam that don't break the bank. Gala attire, too, has gotten with the times. Whether you are on the hunt for a dress to wear to that next grand charity function or deducing what the dress code even means—we've called upon some of the most well-dressed gala attendees Vogue knows to give their glitz-busting advice. Below, the the Vogue guide for what to wear to a gala, to keep you feeling chic, timeless, and comfortable while fêting whatever the night calls for. A toast! Know your gala Heading to a charity ball, an art gallery dinner, or the opening season of the New York ballet? It's important to consider the cultural landscape of the room you're dressing for. 'Like all things in life, galas require context,' advises Vogue 's Lilah Ramzi-Goettemann, who knows her way around attending and dressing for a gala event. 'A black-tie fundraiser at the Whitney Museum of American Art? One might dabble in the artful and avant-garde. A medical benefit for breast cancer research? Save the fashion stunts—this is a night for reverence and restraint.' 'There is no shame in looking up a dress code,' says Elle McPherson-Yoon, an expert in dressing timelessly and chicly for a night gala-ing. She points to iconic etiquette and social behaviour resources like Emily Post and Debrett's for some further reading. 'Then, I'd say read and understand your invitation well!' she adds. 'The style of the actual invitation should reflect the tone of the event, and tell you about the host, purpose of the event, and season. I would also look up the venue and images from years past if possible.' How to dress for dress codes In need of gala dress code tips? What exactly is gala attire? Well, it can vary. But most broadly and commonly: Black tie Simply, it's a step above cocktail attire and one below 'white tie.' (More on that later). When it comes to 'black tie,' you can generally assume, most simply, that means a long dress for women. But make sure yours comes in an evening-worthy fabric, like lace, chiffon, tulle, or velvet. If the event feels a bit more relaxed, a short dress could cut it if it feels formal and elevated enough, but for peace of mind, we suggest a floor-hitting look. For men (or anyone who wants to wear the more masculine style, really), consider a tuxedo and white dress shirt, and a black bow tie with your dinner jacket. White tie While black tie has overwhelmingly replaced the white tie dress code, it can crop up—just like it did for the 2022 Costume Institute Gala, 'In America: An Anthology of Fashion.'
