What Is Gilded Age Fashion? - The Met Gala 2022

Even though the last Met Gala was, it feels, only a handful of months ago, we find ourselves back for the 2022 event, this time once again on the first Monday in May. Often called the biggest night in fashion, The Met Gala brings together celebrities, designers, philanthropists, journalists and photographers all ready for a night of fun and, of course, slight judgement. It wouldn’t be a fashion event without a critic or two now would it! 

For 2022 the theme is ‘America: An Anthology of Fashion’. Sound familiar? That’s because the 2021 theme was ‘America: A Lexicon of Fashion’, and they are pretty much the same. However, thankfully Anna Wintour and her team have made one distinction this year, asking guests to dress in one specific category: Gilded Glamour. 

If you watched the recent HBO series ‘The Gilded Age’, then you’ll already be familiar with this period of fashion. For those who are not, the gilded age took place between c. 1870-1890, predominantly in New York. During this time high society was everything, with many wealthy (as in, richer than the actual US treasury wealthy) families trying to seem the richest, most connected and most elegant. During this period, white tie was all the rage, so we should expect some guests to take inspiration here. 

A white tie is a step up from a black-tie event and is the most formal dress code, often interpreted as full-length gowns for women, tails for men and, where applicable, tiaras. White tie is the definition of glamour! 

Left: 1875 fashion plate. Right: 1882 fashion plate.

This period of fashion history saw quite a few subtle changes in silhouette. 1870s evening gowns had large bustles, with dramatic overskirts which were often adorned in flowers and bows. However, the 1880s saw the bustle reduce in size as gigot sleeves began to take favour. We can expect off the shoulder necklines, corseted waists, silk satin fabrics with lace additions as well as embroidery and sequins. Petticoats and hooped crinoline skirts were imperative to creating the desired shape, so it’s a given that we’ll see some nods to this. 

Daywear was vastly different to evening gowns, with a far more modest approach including high necklines and neutral colours. Given this is the Met Gala, I’m not sure anyone will be taking their inspiration from relatively plain day wear! 

Of course, some people like to misinterpret a theme, so don’t be surprised if some guests decide to be inspired by Bridgerton or other recent period dramas from other time periods. And, it goes without saying, that many people will just wear bog-standard modern clothing…a bit boring, to be honest. 

The Met Gala has seen, in recent years, a delightful play from many guests of switching typical gender fashion stereotypes. So, don’t be surprised to see a woman in a top hat and tails and a man in a corseted evening gown! 

In the past, a Met Gala with a solid theme or category has oft produced some of the best looks so here’s hoping.