What is Camp? Inspired by an essay written by Susan Sontag in 1964, this years Met Gala theme Camp: Notes on Fashion had many questioning, “What exactly is ‘Camp’?” From Punk to Catholicism, the Met Gala themes have always been pretty transparent. So with this years theme, many were left wondering, “How would you describe Camp Fashion?” Simply put, Camp is art. It’s ironic, in your face, exaggerated and over the top extravagance. Some may describe it as tacky while others may see it differently.

Fashion has always been a form of expressing one’s self. We live in a time where things aren’t just black and white anymore. Over the years we have learned to break the boundaries of what is considered “normal”. What does society usually expect from us? Must we live by its “standards”? Do we need to fit in to what our society thinks we should be? No. We are far past from being told what’s right and what’s in or what is expected of us. In today’s culture, it’s all about pushing boundaries and with fashions biggest event of the season, what better way to show and get that point across? So well this years theme was an excellent way to break that barrier, Camp showed us it’s ok to go outside our boundaries rather than what society expects from us.

So with a questionable theme this year leaving many confused, many wondered “How do you display an over the top piece in the most elegant way?” Remember the armadillo heels designed by Alexander McQueen that Lady Gaga made extremely popular? Or the Marjan Pejoski swan dress Bjork wore at the 73rd Academy Awards in 2001? How about the Platform Croc Balenciaga introduced in their SS18 collection? Just like what fashion should be, camp is empowering and complete fun. You can bring your fantasy to life. There are no rules in fashion only endless possibilities.

What would you consider “camp fashion?”

Camp: Notes on Fashion is currently on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City until September 8, 2019. Admission to the museum is $25 which includes access to all exhibitions within the museum.