The way Luke has done a WAY BETTER job conveying the importance of the Costume Institute, than any publicity around the Met Gala, speaks volumes of the true appreciation of fashion as an art form needed by the people running the show.

The themes never make sense once people start showing up 😂

Flowers…for Spring. Groundbreaking.

so glad for this guide so that I can loathe everyone properly

Kardashian wearing that dress (and ruining it) was a crime against both fashion and history. She should never have been allowed with a mile of that priceless gown.

Sooo ready for all of the celebrities to not follow this awesome theme 😭 Except Zendaya of course, never you honey

Fun fact: it's not just UV that will degrade fabric and other materials. Over time light exposure will cause changes in color or stability even if there is no UV present. As a lighting designer we are always targeting low levels even if no UV is present. Some objects need less than 3 footcandles/30lux while others can take brighter levels. Some exhibits will use brighter light levels but for a shorter period of time. Same for art exhibits, especially works on paper!

Oh, that exhibition is totally shade to Kim. Living for it

I truly believe the exhibition was chosen to spite Kim Kardashian. Her wearing of Marilyn's dress was downright offensive to the very reason the costume institute exists, the core purpose, and I think they wanted to go out of their way to demonstrate *exactly* why what she did was so unacceptable.

The amount of education in this video is insane. Science, art, history, pop culture and more, all perfectly woven together while still being engaging and fun to watch. 12/10 Luke! 👏🏽👏🏽

At least two people are going to show up in sleeping beauty dresses/costumes.

As a former costume curator, I was SO delighted to see a fashion vlog tackle the topic of conservation! Thank you so much!!!

Luke: giving 21 more minutes of investigation and curation of the theme of this year's Met Gala than 99.9% of the attendees and designers will. Alas, it will be a clusteringeff of people wearing something fancy that may or may not vaguely speak Theme, and designers hanging their latest runway whatevers on whoever is happy to be their hanger for the evening. Kudos, Luke, for these 21 minutes. If I could get to the Sleeping Beauty exhibit I would spend ages there. And any shade, even two year old shade, thrown at KK for wearing Marilyn's gown is always a good thing.

I'm Japanese, so here are some ideas for if I would go: 1) A plain dress covered in household conservative work, such as darning, patches, sashiko, dying over stains, etc. I'd especially focus on kogin-zashi type of sashiko work, embroidery that made clothing more durable and warmer in winter. A patchwork dress made from pieces gifted from a hundred, hundred-year-old people would also be a cool reference to the traditional Japanese custom of making baby clothes out of patchwork scraps from elders, hoping the baby would live a long life. It would play with the idea of traditional human practices trying to ward off the inevitably of death, as well as giving pieces of old clothing new life by working it into a new garment and thus conserving that piece of fashion history at least. 2) A reference to conservation efforts in other fields, art, archeology, etc. Maybe an example would be a design referencing a painting under a painting that has recently been discovered to have been altered by later generations? Or perhaps incorporating the motiefs from a European tapestry noted in Japanese historical documents but thought to have been lost to time, recently pieced together from it's use as decoration on a Japanese palanquin. Maybe reference Taro Okamoto's modern art from the 70s, which used innovative materials, but because of that is deteriorating fast, like the exhibits from the 1970s world expo in Osaka Japan. 3) Cherry blossoms, as they're symbols of the inevitably of life fleeting away. Maybe a dress that has decorative elements that look like flower petals, slowly breaking down or tearing away in the wind like tissue paper, until only a plain dress is left. Kind of like the Banksy art that went through the shredder?

I would love a version of this video where he pulls different dress/outfit suggestions that fit the met gala theme

This is a good example of why I love Luke's channel......he knows his business!

As a professional conservator and restorer, I'm INTERESTED Also, for me, fabric (and clothing) are art, so it is art conservation :)

A recreation / re-interpretation of the chemise à la reine as worn by Marie-Antoinette would be so on theme, it hardly gets more rare than this ! A style inspired by ancient Greece, worn by a french queen aspiring to a "simpler" life and to play pretend peasant in her fake garden/farm. She was painted in it for a portrait that got revised to a more suitable attire. Of course, as a fashion icon, she launched the trend and it became ubiquitous. Many women of the time got painted wearing a variation of the style after her, but since it's cotton there's like maybe 2 in the world now.

Bernadette Peters mentioned (in one of her videos on corsets) that many clothes we look at from history have a “survivors bias” meaning that the clothing that has survived history was never worn hence why it was able to survive. So our view on historic clothing can be skewed a bit. So this theme would be an exciting way to highlight clothing that wasn’t able to survive throughout history. Loved the video ❤ always appreciate these in depth analysis of the MET themes. I’m excited to see what Zendaya wears as a host!

This should be required viewing for all Met Gala guests.

Archives Tech here. This is why the garments are (or should be) in a micro environment (behind glass). Conservation is important. Thank you for the informative ramblings😊🇨🇦

I’ll never get over what Kim did to the legacy of her dress. VILE.

My cousin is an archeological conservator and her stories about stabilizing, storing, and displaying items are fascinating. While she works with just about everything *except* textiles, paper, and paintings (so. many. pot sherds!), all the same issues are involved to greater or lesser degree. You gave an amazing overview of what preservation involves and why it matters. I doubt we'll hear anything near as informative (or as passionately persuasive) in the next few weeks. 👗🌹💯

Luke should co-host Met Gala. He actually knows what's he's talking about and is passionate about fashion unlike many celebrities attending Met, wearing outfits that have nothing in common with its theme.

When I think of "The Garde of time", I think of traditional costumes (folkorian clothes). All over Europe you can find traditional costumes, where they make beautiful gowns and are historical clothes. Handicrafts from linen, wool, and fine embroidery, colorful fabrics, jewellery. Iam myself from Latvia, which is in Europe, people In Latvia wear national costumes during the Song and Dance Festivals that take place every four years in Riga. It is common to wear national costumes on Midsummer Night (23rd June), which is the most popular national holiday in Latvia. Costume shows not only ethnic features, but the social and marital status, age and wealth of the individual wearer, traditions. For me this is fashion, we must also remember those designers who are not so popular just normal people/crafters who makes beautiful and detailed gowns from one string.

I think the theme is more of past fashions that at their original time were not considered exceptional but through the lens of time is now appreciated. Hope to see more of that instead of Disney.

I’m disappointed it isn’t a Vivienne Westwood tribute but looking forward to seeing how they tackle this theme nonetheless

I hope it doesnt become a race to find the best archival pieces and wear them... Because we know people misinterpret the theme every year....and in the end they make the damage conservators are trying to prevent... I know i know im a pessimist

That was not just a met gala theme video, that was a lesson in fashion, the preservation of clothing and the importance of it. Thank you!

ill love looking for historical references and vintage clothing BUT if i dont see a single well pulled off crystal flower outfit concept i will cry 😢

I imagine designs that play with the signs of decay like embellishments that look like mold, moth holes, perishing and stains. I feel so inspired, I could start designing right away!

Thank you for explaining in even more detail why wearing the Marilyn dress was so completely heinous. I live for it.

I had no idea the Met Gala was named "The Garden of Time" after an older short story, or the plot. It totally changes my perspective in terms of all the fantastic clothing that could be worn and apply to the story. Thank you so much, Luke. Also, thank you for educating people on the fragility of clothing from our past and the gentleness needed to handle pieces from past generations. So few people really understand, or understand why it is important, and I love that you do. *I do wish you would take this entire video, from the beginning to about **13:30**, and save it as it's own titled video as a handy & quick explanation of the mechanics, fragility and importance of clothing conservation. You succinctly explain all the different reasons why & how clothing can deteriorate (including environmental, atmospheric, insect and human interference), and why conserved clothing is presented to us for show the way it is when it is, and why the work done to continue such conservation is not only time consuming and detailed but also a huge source of information and education. Thank you so much, Luke.*

I think if KK did a replica in her size and skin tone it would have sold the fantasy and was more respectful but then it would generate less press and she can't have that boohoo

ONLY A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE EVER SHOW UP ON THEME!! AND I TRULY BELIEVE THAT 'THE GARDEN OF TIME ' THEME WAS CREATED TO BROADEN THE LOOKS; BECAUSE NOBODY EVER GETS IT RIGHT!! HOW CAN THESE PEOPLE WHO ARE INVITED,SO FREAKING GULLIBLY CLUELESS

luke makes the whole met theme for this year feel like a throwing of shade at the trashcanians.

This video is making me so excited about the exhibition, probably more than the gala outfits lmao

Maybe I’m delusional, but I have a feeling at least ONE designer, attendee, or intern watched this video and said “ohhhhh that’s what that means…”

Thanks for this detailed back story, loved it! As a librarian, it's so cool to learn how similar the preservation concerns and solutions are between archival clothing and archival volumes. It's all about light, temperature, and humidity with books too but also very much so oils from the hands. That's why library archivists must always wear special gloves when handling materials. Maybe we'll see some good glove moments, if any of the stylists delve deeply enough into preservation and want to incorporate that perspective.

Every influencer attending The Met Gala this year should watch this.

I see a lot of rose, daisy and petal dresses going up that red carpet along with a bunch of clock suits. I wonder if anyone will show up in the scarf from Dr. Who (that would be hilarious tbh). I love that this exhibit will be pulling from the archives of time...wish I could go to NY to see them in person! One thing about the linen they found in the cave in Georgia, it was preserved in a soil layer and it was spun and dyed. The distinction between making cordage(finger twisting) vs spinning (using a spindle) is a major breakthrough for the beginnings of making cloth (weaving).

"the molecules. We can't fix 'em" hahaha oh I laughed out loud at this. This was a truly amazing video on this topic, you did a great job! 💖

Just wish everyone gets to see this video to fully understand the theme before they make or pick their outfits.

Thanks for talking more in depth about the museum and the difficulty of fashion conservation

This is by far the most informative/helpful explanation of this year's Met Gala & exhibition themes. I absolutely LOVE your explanation/interpretation of "the garden of time" being a designer's collection over the years and "picking" pieces from the past like flowers!!! Thanks, Luke!

From now on, I’ll always watch your video explaining the Met Gala theme before ever looking at reviews the following day. Your explanation of the theme adds so much to the viewing of the clothes the next day. Fascinating content. Thanks for the time and expertise that went into this.

This is the kind of exhibition that I'm very interested in. I've always liked history and very interested in conservation since multiple conservators and museums started releasing videos about the conservation process.

Love hearing you geek out about garment preservation! I’m here for it!!

I have to pause and come back to this, but I have to comment about the depth and intelligence of Luke’s analysis here. I feel like i’m in the mist interesting classroom lecture ever. A true professional and expert.

So “sleeping beauties” is just a clever phrase chosen by the researchers. Sounds like something that academics like to do 🤭. I appreciate your explainer video!! If my pipe dream of being super famous comes true and I get invited to the gala I’ll make sure to make my team watch your videos each year. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Excellence of content and care of conservationists. Celebrities’ motives such as Marilyn Monroe’s/Kim Kardashin ‘s aside, I look forward to your Met ‘24 review Luke…thank you for calling Kim to a higher standard. I would love to see Reese Witherspoon wear her Legally Blonde pink suit!

i adore your narrative AND that shirt!

More than your reviews and rosts of various events this type of commentary and discussion imo is what defines your channel. Thanks 🙏 I look forward to the Met in a way that tbh I haven’t before

Looking forward to this theme. Hoping to not be too disappointed.

KK should have been fined for ruining the dress

As a nerd I loooooooooooove the masterclass I just got for free Ty!!!!

Thank you for this piece, Luke. I really appreciate you taking the time to explain (not only this year's theme) but the real purpose of the MET Gala as well. Fashion conservation is just as important as preserving historical documents because they offer us a window into our collective past. Granted, the event is often boiled down to a flashy celeb event desperate for click-bait, but the fund raising aspect is still critical to this important archival work. I would love to see more videos from you about historical fashion discoveries and preservation (the Bacton Alter Cloth of Queen Elizabeth I is just one example). Love your videos! Again, thank you!

Best video ever. You obviously put so much work into it. If you aren’t already, you should be giving classes at FIT. You are amazing. Thank you.

Yknow what I want to see? someone in an absolutely DISTRESSED dress that's dang near FALLING apart.

I thank you for saying explaning this cuz we need to realize that thrifting and vintage is and taking care of it is new to me and learning to fall in love with it

im still not over how kk ruined the dress

The costume institute is my favorite historical preservation effort, and Id love to go spend a day with their preservers to see all the work they do.

personally, i would LOVE to see someone wearing the dark blue and pink gown with flowers from dangerous liaisons or at least one inspired by It.

Thank you so much for talking with such compaction for textile conservation its such a knobble yet disregarded field.

Luke, you are a legend to bring sense within the world of MET gala fashion understanding. Especially ahead of time! ❤

Excellent, excellent episode! You continue to blend historical fashion education with modern commentary. I loved the preservation information❤ Please continue to enlighten and educate with your great sense of humor! Once again-loved it❤

Sweat , hair , toxic perfume , hair spray and makeup that Kim would of worn . Not to mention the many hands that had to stretch the dress over her .

Love this video. So interesting, thanks for breaking down the history, giving your interpretation of the book, connecting it to the current zeitgeist. My expectations are high for the looks now 😂

Thank you for this ❤️ My dad is an archaeologist and most don’t understand how delicate fabric is and how significant it is to find items. PS would love to see you talk about Otzi the Iceman’s clothing or the items found on Bog Bodies.

So I always design a dress of what I would wear if I was attending the met, I think this year I would go for a dress inspired by Greek statues or even one inspired by the regency, where they themselves drew inspiration from the Hellenistic Greek era, with a lot of draping and flowing fabrics in a speckled gray fabric. Then some 3d elements with nature motifs as a reference to the book where the couple are turned into statues and with the passage of time the garden would overtake the statues themselves. Or drawing from Thiery Mugler or Robert Cappucio

Seeing the Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty exhibit years ago was unbelievably amazing

Its so fun to see you so engaged and energetic in a video!! Content like this really show just how passionate you are about fashion at a much deeper level than just reviewing outfits!! Love it!! 💗💗💗

Loved how well researched this is, wish it had been released early enough for the guests to do some in-depth analysis

Your Chanel has made me fall deeper in love with fashion, especially the intellectual part of it. Always excited to watch your roast and reviews 💚

Would honestly love to hear you talk more about clothing conservation

I would love to see a piece inspired by insectivores! Fighting pests biologically is such a cool consept.

Absolutely loved this video, definitely one of my new faves from the channel. Great discussion, presentation, and analysis!!!

This is the best video you have done, that I have seen. Thank you. That was a legitimate pleasure to watch.

Hi Luke- Thank you for your extensive research (including an array of lovely archival pictures and footage) regarding the importance of textile and clothing conservation and its importance in further exploring and capturing historical themes. This was an absolutely entertaining and excellent post and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it... twice. Thank you for your 'deep dive' behind the scenes and illustrating the importance of, and the hard work that conservation staff do in order to preserve artifacts.

The best video I’ve seen of you for now Luke ! This was extremely interesting, thank you 😊

You’re always the best Luke, keeping KZfaq still worth opening!

As a sometimes preservation person, I DEEPLY appreciate your ramblings, as they are a super brief course in "no you can't touch that" and "why we pay people with training to touch that" and "why the institute exists"

They should include this video with the invitation so they are educated on the theme!

Luke this was an excellent video. I appreciate your time, attention and dedication to fashion.

Luke, you are a class act. Since subscribing to your channel I have learned more about fashion than I did in my previous 60 years. You make fashion fun and interesting and that is a fantastic way to get people listening and paying attention. I have always loved fashion but since I found sewing a total snore and have really never been able to afford top fashion I have basically loved it from afar and have not learned a whole lot. So now I am getting some education along with enjoying the fashion you show. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and your opinions and keep up the good work!

Luke! Awesome! Love your deep dive into preservation of textiles! Deeply interesting! Thank you!

Thanks for all the information. People don’t understand how much work goes into preserving art, especially textiles. I’m an art handler so I’m grateful to you for educating the masses!

Amazing video Luke. Thankyou for all of your research and explanations!

Really appreciate you taking the time to explain the importance of this year's theme 🙏🏾

Thank you! I learned so much. What an incredibly researched and integrated presentation!

I think this is one of your best videos explaining to lay people exactly how important conservation in general and the Costume Institute in particular. Also your shirt is great too.

Love how you give context to important pieces of fashion. Makes me appreciate some pieces I initially dismissed as simply “weird”. Great job.

You coverage of the Met Gala is always so impressive to me. Your knowledge of fashion is on full display. And you are the only person I go to for Met Gala reviews. Because your opinions are very much supported by your vast knowledge of fashion and fashion history. Thanks so much for your hard work and can’t wait for your coverage of this years Met Gala.

Fascinating stuff, beautifully explained. Bravo, Luke!

Thank you!!! Great posting!💜

Great discussion. Extremely informative. Thank you😊

such a complete work, thank you

I love your posts, so knowledgeable, interesting and entertaining. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and insights 😊

THIS was so fascinating!! ive been a long time lurker but now im subscribed. I love how you go into depths of conservation and exhibition practices.

Thank you for the video ❤