Every year, audiences of all ages gather around to watch celebrities travel down the red carpet in what would later be known as the year's wildest fashion choices. Long velvet cloaks, one in a million designer pieces, extravagant headpieces, and outfits that seem like they are more a performance than an article of clothing quickly take over the headlines of each major news outlet across the country.

The Met Gala marks one of the most artistic yet controversial days of the year.

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But beyond the flashing lights, what do teens really think about the Met Gala? To better understand their perspectives, I interviewed numerous high school students with varying backgrounds and asked them the same question:

"What are your opinions on the Met Gala, those who choose to attend, and the message it sends? What impact do you think it makes on society?"

Savannah, 16 years old, responded with, "The Met Gala, especially the most recent one, was so inspiring to me because growing up as a mixed girl whose parents refuse to talk about culture or what it means to be black - well - this was like the first time ever I got to learn and see what black excellence is."

Serenity, 16 years old, responded with, "The Met Gala is nothing but our society's way of flaunting privilege over others."

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Moby, 19 years old, stated, "It's weird and a thing that celebrities use to flex their money - through their ugly outfits - and it's really just something people attend to show their status. It's weird."

Sarah, 16 years old, explained, "It's like Halloween for celebrities and rich people, and instead of candy, they get fame and attention. It's an excuse for people to go and dress up as weird and dramatic as they want, and everybody would still hype it up. Like Kim Kardashian when she wore all black. The theme was literally "American Fashion" and "Identity" and she pulled up in a black body suit. (. . .) It's like, If you showed me each person's outfit and told me to guess the theme, I wouldn't be able to tell you."

Aamna, 17 years old, said, "It distracts people from real issues like Israel attacking Gaza the same evening of the Met Gala."

Akif, 16 years old, responded with, "The Met Gala feels repetitive, lacking creativity, surprise, and true fashion innovation."

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Noor, 18 years old, expressed, "Honestly, I have very mixed opinions about the Met Gala, like I appreciate the concept of it as a fundraiser for the arts and an appreciation of culture... but I feel like the execution kind of ruins it. Like the guest list just being rich people makes it just a televised celebrity party, and the purpose is kind of lost... imagine if [fashion students] were actually able to dress people for the Met Gala, like I feel like it would do the themes way more justice and actually be supporting artists... It's just celebrities wearing designer; it's just a weird display of wealth and elitism."

Selena, 16 years old, said, "I don't really get what the Met Gala is for, but it's nice to see the variety of unique designs."

Vildan, 16 years old, responded with, "Just modern-day Hunger Games outfits."

Sarah and Elisha, each 17 years old, stated, "It's cool and all, but it's giving The Hunger Games and the Capitol. It's too much and there are better things we could be focusing our money on. It's just people showing how much wealth they have. Even though I do appreciate the arts, the Met Gala is it's own form of artistry, but there should be a limit. And it's like, you're only inviting celebrities, but you're trying to raise as much money as possible."

Reflection

These responses, gathered from students reflect a wide spectrum of opinions. Some, like Savannah, found the Met Gala inspiring - an opportunity to feel cultural pride and artistic expression in a way she hadn't before. Many others, however, saw it as a tone-deaf display of wealth and privilege, particularly during times of global crises. A few teens even criticized the lack of authentic creativity and how far the event has strayed from its original purpose.

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Several students discussed a desire for the event to be more inclusive and meaningful. Noor and others pointed out the potential of involving aspiring fashion designers, like students, who could bring fresh ideas and reflect the actual passion of artistic innovation the event claims to celebrate. Many also mentioned the disconnect between the extravagance of the outfits and the real-world issues that often go unacknowledged, the same night.

Perhaps the solution to these opposing views isn't to end the Met Gala altogether, but to change it for the better. What if, instead of inviting only celebrities, the Met Gala also opened its doors to fashion students, giving them the chance to showcase their talent on a huge world stage? What if a budget limit were put in place to reduce overconsumption and emphasize creativity over luxury?

And instead of focusing solely on museum funding, why not also donate proceeds to causes that address bigger issues, such as war relief funds, housing justice, or disaster recovery? Why not take the opinions of the new generation and improve? Why must we pick between celebrating art and acknowledging reality when both can coexist?