Melissa Rivers on the Met Gala and the Need for Fashion Critics

Why this matters: Fashion criticism, according to Rivers, is essential for interpreting and understanding fashion as an art form. The Met Gala, in particular, is meant to push boundaries, and honest feedback helps contextualize these creative choices.

The 2025 Met Gala's theme, 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,' paid homage to Black dandyism and its influence on fashion. Melissa Rivers observed that while the men largely succeeded, many women's outfits missed the mark, appearing suitable for any red carpet rather than the Met Gala's unique stage.

Rivers highlighted the difficulty in critiquing fashion today, noting the absence of shows like 'Fashion Police' due to fear of backlash. She argued that the Met Gala, as a celebration of fashion as art, needs critical voices to contextualize and analyze the often-outlandish creations.

Despite the challenges, Rivers praised those who embraced the theme, like Tracee Ellis Ross, who, in her opinion, understood the assignment perfectly.

Because "everyone's too scared" to offer honest critiques without fear of backlash.

While she thought Zendaya looked perfect, the outfit lacked a distinct "Met spin" and could have been worn on any red carpet.

Tracee Ellis Ross, Janelle Monáe, and Mindy Kaling.

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