[Behind the Scenes of the Met Gala: Preparation, Pressure, and Performance]-[the fashion olympics, a talk with jared ellner [video]]

anything goes with emma chamberlain · B2 · 2024-05-09

📋 Summary

The Calm Before the Storm

In a candid conversation two days before the Met Gala, the host and her stylist, Jared, reflect on their preparation process. Unlike previous years, which were often characterized by last-minute, high-pressure fittings, the pair feels remarkably "calm this year" because they are "quite locked in." They emphasize that while the event is "cringe and weird" to take too seriously, they acknowledge that they do take it "really seriously" because of its extreme visibility. This year’s preparation is further complicated by the fact that Jared is managing multiple clients, a departure from his usual routine of focusing solely on the host.

The Evolution of Red Carpet Stress

Reflecting on their journey, they identify their "first one" as the most chaotic, largely because "neither of us knew what was going on." The host notes that the Met Gala is uniquely intimidating because, unlike other red carpets, it demands significant "mental work" to ensure the look remains perfect throughout the event. This leads to the "smoke and mirrors" nature of the red carpet, where the host worries about technical mishaps, such as a dress not sitting correctly, even though there are people on hand to help. The host admits to a constant, low-level anxiety, "waiting for something to go wrong," though she notes that, fortunately, no major wardrobe malfunctions have occurred yet.

The Challenge of Reinvention

Beyond the fashion, the host discusses the pressure of her role as an interviewer. She expresses a desire to avoid monotony, asking herself, "what can I bring to the table that's maybe a bit new?" However, she acknowledges the difficulty of trying to "reinvent that wheel" when the interview format is largely dictated by the fleeting time she has with guests. To mitigate this stress, she participates in a "table read" at the Vogue office, where she is briefed on who is attending and what topics are off-limits, ensuring that everyone involved feels "comfortable and safe and loved."

Vanity and the Fear of the Unexpected

Finally, the conversation turns to the inherent vanity and physical anxieties associated with the day. The host candidly shares her worries about superficial factors, such as whether her "skin is going to be good that day" or if she will be "retaining water" due to her cycle. When asked about the "worst thing that could happen" on Met day, they joke about extreme scenarios—ranging from getting sick to being "hit by a car and having memory loss." Despite these fears, the host remains committed to the event, stating, "I would go anyway," highlighting the intense dedication required to navigate one of the most high-pressure nights in the fashion calendar.

🎯Key Sentences

I feel calm this year.

we have had much more time this year.

we are so prepared.

Lots of people do that.

We take it too seriously.

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📝Key Phrases

two days out from

locked in

first fittings

bring to the table

reinvent the wheel

Expand All

📖 Transcript

So let me set this scene for you right now.

Well, not for me.

No, no, you're here.

Yeah.

OK, so we're two days out from the Met Gala.

We're sitting on the couch in the hotel room.

Or study on the web version →