It’s no secret that the Met Gala, an annual fundraising gala to the benefit the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City, is one of the biggest nights of the year for both fashion and event decor. Event designer Raul Àvila always awes and inspires us, taking each year’s theme and creating something unimaginable. This year, the theme was Manus x Machina, a celebration of technology and its impact on fashion. Here is a look at the 2016 decor:
The event always includes a large-scale installation in the Great Hall. This year, to honor technology and science, it was a DNA double helix in the colors of red, pink and white. The 65 foot vortex is made out of 200,000 red silk roses and laser-cut white lace. The information desk below the grand structure is covered in 80,000 real red roses.
Aside from the double helix installation, the great hall was lined with large urns containing pink, white and red branching arrangements. The helix pattern continues throughout the floor, creating an interesting “red carpet”.
Compared to past years, the table settings were a bit more modest. However, rich red and purple flowers complement the beautiful place settings. We spy some gorgeous anemones! And wow! I love the dinnerware!
Let’s not forget to mention that 2016 is a year that promises to be all about candles. The florals are paired with ivory pillars atop gorgeous vintage athena candleholders.
The low-key centerpieces allow us to see the beautiful backdrop behind the tables, walls made entirely of pink roses and greenery.
And a grand archway for stars to enter and exit the room!
Raul Àvila never disappoints us with his vision. Let’s take a look back at past decor:
2015’s theme was China: Through the Looking Glass and featured a large Chinese urn made entirely out of flowers, and a lovely hanging floral ceiling.
2014 Charles James: Beyond Fashion featured a giant dress form made entirely out of white and orange roses and again, some lovely branching arrangements in urns lining the Great Hall.
2013 Punk: Chaos to Couture featured a grand chandelier made entirely out of razorblades and floral walls in the shape of English and American flags.
2012 Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations featured giant floral lips, and some bright and colorful place settings complemented again, by beautiful anemones!
Last year’s display, the floral ceiling, reminded us of a few of our own installations over the years (see below from the Sayles Livingston Design team)!
