Camp fashion dominated the 2019 Met Gala, leaving many confused. What exactly does “camp” mean in the context of fashion? This article delves into the meaning of camp, exploring its origins, characteristics, and iconic examples from the Met Gala and beyond.
Camp is an aesthetic that embraces irony, exaggeration, theatricality, and artificiality. It challenges traditional notions of beauty and good taste, often mocking or subverting them. It can be humorous, outrageous, and even grotesque, but always intentional. The term “camp” originates from the French verb “se camper,” meaning “to pose in an exaggerated fashion.”
Historically, camp has been associated with marginalized communities, particularly the LGBTQ+ community, as a form of self-expression and resistance. Camp allows for the playful appropriation of mainstream culture, turning it on its head and reclaiming power through style. Think drag queens, flamboyant performers, and over-the-top personalities. Key elements of camp include:
- Irony: Camp often involves a knowing wink and a nudge, embracing the absurd and the unexpected.
- Exaggeration: Think larger-than-life silhouettes, excessive ornamentation, and bold colors.
- Theatricality: Camp fashion is performative, demanding attention and inviting interpretation.
- Artificiality: Camp celebrates the fake, the synthetic, and the constructed, rejecting naturalism in favor of artifice.
The 2019 Met Gala, themed “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” showcased a wide range of interpretations of this complex aesthetic. Some attendees embraced the theme wholeheartedly, while others missed the mark. Successful examples of camp at the Met Gala included:
- Lupita Nyong’o: Her afro adorned with golden combs and her exaggerated eye makeup paid homage to drag icon Divine.
- Joan Collins: Her opulent feathered gown epitomized the over-the-top glamour associated with camp.
- Janelle Monae: Her Picasso-inspired ensemble was a playful and intellectual take on the theme.
- Katy Perry: While polarizing, her chandelier costume embraced the theatricality and extravagance of camp. (Even if it wasn’t universally loved!)
While camp can be subjective and open to interpretation, its core lies in challenging conventional notions of beauty and taste. It’s about embracing the artificial, the theatrical, and the exaggerated, Ultimately, camp is a celebration of individuality, creativity, and the power of self-expression through fashion. It asks us to question what we consider “good taste” and to embrace the joy of the absurd.
