Derek Blasbergformer livestream presenter
I only hosted for one year and I loved it because you get to ask everyone the questions that are on your mind when you look at the slideshow the next day: How long did it take to get done? Who designed your outfit? How much input did you have? Do you feel comfortable? Do you feel uncomfortable? Are you glad you’re uncomfortable because you know it’s worth it? But the downside to hosting the live stream is that it is live. Last year we were waiting for someone to arrive who was notoriously late, so the downside is that you’re often waiting and trying to fill the time.
Sally singerformer Fashion creative digital director
My first time attending American Fashion, it was the ‘Rock Style’ exhibition year in 1999. I went to the flea market and bought a yellow sequined poncho and a matching pair of long bootcut yellow pants with yellow sequins for $60. I had my friend Mario give Nico extensions, which I terribly exciting, like an extended ponytail. I thought I was pulling a Cher. I thought I looked great, as did all the other women who worked there Fashion were wearing so much jewelry that they had guards around them. I thought, I don’t know if I got this right.
Virginia Smith, Fashion fashion director
I must say, if I all Fashion guys and girls lining up as you walk up is so great. It’s so sweet and it always makes me emotional when I come in and see everyone all dressed up. They are so happy to be there.
Tony Goodman, Fashion sustainability editor
The Vreelands were friends of our family and I was in a relationship with Nicky at the time [Vreeland, Dianaâs son]. So I had a double life when I worked at the Met. I would go to Yellow Fingers with Nicky and then I would install a mannequin of Mrs. Vreeland. I was really a worker bee. I actually installed the shows and loved it. I absolutely loved it. And the big reward was that you had a great party where everyone attended and everyone was happy.
Nancy Chiltonformer head of external affairs at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The lost and found department is very busy the next morning. We get a lot of emails about people who have lost jewelry, etc.
Andrew Boltonthe Wendy Yu Curator in Charge, the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
I remember one experience very clearly: during the exhibition ‘Punk: Chaos to Couture’ and it brought tears to my eyes. Anna [Wintour] had arranged for these models to stand on either side of the grand staircase, dressed as punks. I remember they were given special instructions not to smile and not to engage with the guests, and suddenly there was an explosion of applause: all the models clapped. And I remember thinking, oh no, they’re going to get into trouble like this because they’re not supposed to do anything. And it was Vivienne Westwood who had just arrived. They clapped for the queen of punk.
Jessie Heyman, editor-in-chief at Vogue.com
I remember my first Pre-Met Party in 2015: the party Fashion hosts the weekend before the Met Gala. It was quite amazing to see Fashion descend on such a place. I then thought: are you famous or do you work on the side? Fashion? Don’t know! I had recently attended Fashion for a few months everyone was mingling with celebrities. One editor was at Em Rata and I was so confused: How do you know each other? Involve people Fashion Really interact with celebrities, like on a regular basis?!
