Met Gala Goes Virtual, But That Doesn't Put A Damper On The Pageantry
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The annual Met Gala is an extravagant celebration of fashion and it's the biggest party of the year in the Big Apple.
But because of the coronavirus pandemic, Monday night's event was virtual.
CBS2's Ali Bauman has more on the costumes that were still on display.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art shows us the most jaw-dropping, eyebrow-raising, over-the-top apparel at the Gala, every year on the first Monday of May. However, because of COVID-19, this year the Costume Institute's traditional fundraiser left the met steps and stepped into social media.
"Pick an iconic Met Gala look from years' past and recreate it in your home," actor Billy Porter said.
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
- Resources, Hotlines, Unemployment & Covering Bills
- Remote Learning Tools For Parents Teaching At Home
- Ask Dr. Max Your Health Questions
- How Make Your Own DIY Face Mask
- How To Safely Remove Disposable Gloves
- Tips For Parents To Help Kids Cope
- Chopper 2 Over Empty NYC Streets, Landmarks
- Complete Coronavirus Coverage
Celebrities like Mindy Kaling dressed as Jared Leto. Adam Rippon took a bright page out of Rihanna's book.
But unlike other years, Monday was not an A-list event. Organizers encouraged everyone to join in with the hashtag #metgalachallenge.
And people sure got creative, in some instances using trash bags as black dresses, chandeliers as, well, chandeliers. One father even helped his daughter recreate all four of Lady Gaga's costume changes.
"I think that's what fashion should make you feel like. It should make you want to dream," said Alex Badia, style director for Women's Wear Daily.
CORONAVIRUS: NY Health Dept. | NY Call 1-(888)-364-3065 | NYC Health Dept. | NYC Call 311, Text COVID to 692692 | NJ COVID-19 Info Hub | NJ Call 1-(800)-222-1222 or 211, Text NJCOVID to 898211 | CT Health Dept. | CT Call 211 | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
No Met Gala is complete without editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who hosted the party virtually from her home.
"This is a time of grief and of hardship for millions and the postponement of a party is nothing in comparison," Wintour said.
After nearly two months of isolating, dressing up was just one way to help people feel like they're not alone.
"I think that's the power of fashion. It can transport you with your own creativity to a different place," Badia said.
The clothes may not have been as expensive as years' past, but perhaps they're more valuable than ever.
The Met's spring exhibition is rescheduled for October after the museum reopens.
