Manus x Machina

The Met Gala is one of the most extravagant events in fashion history as it is held every year in New York during spring. Formally known as the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute, a new theme is implemented each year and is typically displayed until the end of summer. The theme this year was Manus x Machina: Fashion in the Age of Technology. Andrew Bolton, the curator for the exhibit, choose the theme after drawing inspiration from current events within the fashion sector and various mediums.

There is a balance between hand crafted and machine-made fashion, which is not a new revelation as the 170-piece exhibition features items dating as far back to the 19th century. Bolton created this showcase primarily based off of Diderot's Encyclopedia of the Arts, Sciences, and Crafts, where the book credits fashion and manual labor to the same status as arts and sciences. He also drew inspiration from the movie Metropolis, where machines are depicted as the rivaling force.

One of the main reasons Bolton chose this theme is because in fashion, prêt-à-porter is looked down upon as it is not regarded as prestigious as haute couture. There is a preconception that machine made products lack quality and craftsmanship compared to haute couture. The negative connotation associated with machine-made fashion is because it is mass produced. Some people believe fashion is about wearing the most luxurious garments, designed specifically for them in order to maintain an elite social status. With prêt-à-porter there is an element of inclusivity. The consumer feels as though they are in power as have various options to choose from and deciding which trends will stay for the season. Consumers are also able to customize and curate their own style to their liking without the pressures of a fashion house judging them.

The exhibit enforces the idea of how technology is capable of producing couture worthy pieces. The fashion industry should not look down on machine made ready to wear garments. High end designers such as Marc Jacobs have shifted towards the ready to wear model and are able to reach out to an entire new niche in the market for those who cannot afford to spend thousands on couture pieces. Designers should take the initiative to incorporate advanced technology such as 3D printing and laser printing into their collection. This has the potential to cut costs and possibly the time it takes to create a garment.