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Going to a "Starter" Gala

Going to a "Starter" Gala

Going to a "Starter" Gala

You don't have to be wealthy to go to a black-tie gala, you just have to find the right event, and celebrate life!

The Gala Girl

Feb 12, 20214 min read

Anchor 1

I love renting gowns because I get to try so many looks. But there is that moment when I’m not sure if it’s going to work. #rtrpartner #blacktie #gala

I love renting gowns because I get to try so many looks. But there is that moment when I’m not sure if it’s going to work. #rtrpartner #blacktie #gala

I always have a backup. But I seldom need it. And I loved this one from Rent the Runway! #rtrpartner #awardshow #style

I always have a backup. But I seldom need it. And I loved this one from Rent the Runway! #rtrpartner #awardshow #style

Impractical gowns. Unforgettable evenings. #awardshow #rtrpartner #style

Impractical gowns. Unforgettable evenings. #awardshow #rtrpartner #style

I’m not one of those people who has to stay to the very end. I would much rather say my goodbyes and leave on a high note than feel exhausted driving home. And that turns out to be fine. #gala #rtrpartner #timetoleave

I’m not one of those people who has to stay to the very end. I would much rather say my goodbyes and leave on a high note than feel exhausted driving home. And that turns out to be fine. #gala #rtrpartner #timetoleave

For me the reception never lasts long enough because I always meet the most interesting people and have the most interesting conversations. #gala #rtrpartner #conversation

For me the reception never lasts long enough because I always meet the most interesting people and have the most interesting conversations. #gala #rtrpartner #conversation

The Met Gala is the first Monday in May. And if you want to know how the Met Gala works, watch the film Ocean’s 8, it gets the Gala right. I wrote the story about it. #Metgala #oceans8 #annehathway #helenabonhamcarter #costumeinstitute

The Met Gala is the first Monday in May. And if you want to know how the Met Gala works, watch the film Ocean’s 8, it gets the Gala right. I wrote the story about it. #Metgala #oceans8 #annehathway #helenabonhamcarter #costumeinstitute

At the Met Gala this year, the theme is “costume art” and the dress code is “fashion as art” which leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Which would you wear? #metgala #costumeinstitute

At the Met Gala this year, the theme is “costume art” and the dress code is “fashion as art” which leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Which would you wear? #metgala #costumeinstitute

The Met Gala is the first Monday in May. And if you want to know how the Met Gala works, watch Ocean’s 8. It gets the gala right. #metgala #oceans8

The Met Gala is the first Monday in May. And if you want to know how the Met Gala works, watch Ocean’s 8. It gets the gala right. #metgala #oceans8

The sweet conversation between Sandra Bullock and Heidi Klum in Ocean’s 8 takes place not just at the Met Gala, but at galas everywhere. Watching the Met Gala entrance on May 4. #metgala #oceans8

The sweet conversation between Sandra Bullock and Heidi Klum in Ocean’s 8 takes place not just at the Met Gala, but at galas everywhere. Watching the Met Gala entrance on May 4. #metgala #oceans8

This one makes no apologies.

The color shows up before anything else does. The skirt takes up space. The headpiece makes it clear this is not meant to blend in.

This is not about the evening.

This is about the entrance.

You can see it in the way the fabric moves, in the way the light hits it, in the way everyone behind fades out. The whole look is built for that moment on the carpet when the cameras are pointed in one direction.

And it works.

But this is not what I would wear to a gala.

This is what I would wear if the invitation said: Met Gala. #fashionasart #Metgala

This one makes no apologies.

The color shows up before anything else does. The skirt takes up space. The headpiece makes it clear this is not meant to blend in.

This is not about the evening.

This is about the entrance.

You can see it in the way the fabric moves, in the way the light hits it, in the way everyone behind fades out. The whole look is built for that moment on the carpet when the cameras are pointed in one direction.

And it works.

But this is not what I would wear to a gala.

This is what I would wear if the invitation said: Met Gala. #fashionasart #Metgala

I looked at these two and realized they’re doing two completely different things.

The first one is built for the entrance. It’s structured, exaggerated, and a little difficult. You can see it before you even think about it. It’s meant to be photographed, not lived in.

The second one still carries the theme, but it lets me stay inside the evening. I can walk, sit, talk, and be part of what’s happening instead of standing apart from it.

Both belong at the Met Gala.

But only one of them belongs after the stairs.

DM me with a ticket please. #metgala #fashionasart

I looked at these two and realized they’re doing two completely different things.

The first one is built for the entrance. It’s structured, exaggerated, and a little difficult. You can see it before you even think about it. It’s meant to be photographed, not lived in.

The second one still carries the theme, but it lets me stay inside the evening. I can walk, sit, talk, and be part of what’s happening instead of standing apart from it.

Both belong at the Met Gala.

But only one of them belongs after the stairs.

DM me with a ticket please. #metgala #fashionasart

I saw this and realized something.

This is what the Met Gala theme actually asks for.

Not a beautiful gown.
Not even an interesting gown.

Something that makes it clear, the moment you look at it, that this is not just clothing.

The fabric carries the image. The structure holds it in place. It feels like something you would see on a wall, not something you would sit down in for dinner.

And that’s the difference.

At most galas, I get dressed to spend an evening with people.

At the Met Gala, they get dressed to be seen for a moment.

That moment happens on the stairs.

Everything after that is a different kind of night. #metgala #fashionasart

I saw this and realized something.

This is what the Met Gala theme actually asks for.

Not a beautiful gown.
Not even an interesting gown.

Something that makes it clear, the moment you look at it, that this is not just clothing.

The fabric carries the image. The structure holds it in place. It feels like something you would see on a wall, not something you would sit down in for dinner.

And that’s the difference.

At most galas, I get dressed to spend an evening with people.

At the Met Gala, they get dressed to be seen for a moment.

That moment happens on the stairs.

Everything after that is a different kind of night. #metgala #fashionasart

It isn’t a transaction, it’s an event. And for me, there’s a lot of joy and just being there. The conversation alone is worth it. #gala #rtrpartner #conversation

It isn’t a transaction, it’s an event. And for me, there’s a lot of joy and just being there. The conversation alone is worth it. #gala #rtrpartner #conversation

The whole point of sitting at round table at a gala is for conversation with others at the table. Not with somebody far away, only accessed through a screen. Put the smart phone away. #gala #rtrpartner #conversation

The whole point of sitting at round table at a gala is for conversation with others at the table. Not with somebody far away, only accessed through a screen. Put the smart phone away. #gala #rtrpartner #conversation

There’s always a moment when everyone sits down and realizes it.

No one at the table knows anyone else.

I don’t wait for someone else to fix that.

I introduce myself to the person on my left and the person on my right, and the conversation starts there.

It doesn’t take much.

That first sentence changes the entire table.

Follow for more moments like this.#gala #rtrpartner #conversation

There’s always a moment when everyone sits down and realizes it.

No one at the table knows anyone else.

I don’t wait for someone else to fix that.

I introduce myself to the person on my left and the person on my right, and the conversation starts there.

It doesn’t take much.

That first sentence changes the entire table.

Follow for more moments like this.#gala #rtrpartner #conversation

The Night Ministry held their 50th anniversary gala at the Geraghty. it was well done! #gala #rtrpartner l

The Night Ministry held their 50th anniversary gala at the Geraghty. it was well done! #gala #rtrpartner l

The Night Ministry is a Chicago-based organization that provides housing, healthcare, and human connection to unhoused individuals and those struggling with poverty. Lovely gala! #Gala #semiformal

The Night Ministry is a Chicago-based organization that provides housing, healthcare, and human connection to unhoused individuals and those struggling with poverty. Lovely gala! #Gala #semiformal

I have learned that sometimes a last-minute invitation is the best one! Just throw on a gown and go. #gala #blacktie

I have learned that sometimes a last-minute invitation is the best one! Just throw on a gown and go. #gala #blacktie

Some galas have great receptions. At others the dinner is better. I pay attention to the food as well as the gowns. #gala #style #horsdoeuvres

Some galas have great receptions. At others the dinner is better. I pay attention to the food as well as the gowns. #gala #style #horsdoeuvres

Gov. Pritzker spoke. Hilton Chicago was the venue. Over 1,000 attended. This was a big event. The annual Equality Illnois gala. #blacktie #equalityillinois #gala

Gov. Pritzker spoke. Hilton Chicago was the venue. Over 1,000 attended. This was a big event. The annual Equality Illnois gala. #blacktie #equalityillinois #gala

Some actors are aloof, or uncomfortable on the carpet. But Elle Fanning is upbeat, open and engaging. It’s part of her appeal. #astrafilmawards #awardshow

Some actors are aloof, or uncomfortable on the carpet. But Elle Fanning is upbeat, open and engaging. It’s part of her appeal. #astrafilmawards #awardshow

One thing I love about Rent the Runway: they take care of the cleaning bill! Of course the rental cost is also a fraction of retail. #rtrpartner RTRXEELLIS will get you a discount.

One thing I love about Rent the Runway: they take care of the cleaning bill! Of course the rental cost is also a fraction of retail. #rtrpartner RTRXEELLIS will get you a discount.

Of course I was born ready. But I love that moment shortly after the doors open, before the ballroom fills, when I can just enjoy being present. #gala #blacktie #ballroom

Of course I was born ready. But I love that moment shortly after the doors open, before the ballroom fills, when I can just enjoy being present. #gala #blacktie #ballroom

I used to feel like I had to bend a bit to talk to shorter people. But dont don’t do that! Occupy your space! #gala #rtrpartner #style

I used to feel like I had to bend a bit to talk to shorter people. But dont don’t do that! Occupy your space! #gala #rtrpartner #style

The red carpet photo is the tip of the iceberg. Many people work hard to make them happen. #awardseason #rtrpartner #astrafilmawards

The red carpet photo is the tip of the iceberg. Many people work hard to make them happen. #awardseason #rtrpartner #astrafilmawards

I love it when I run into a good friend at a gala. It lifts the evening. #Gala #rtrpartner

I love it when I run into a good friend at a gala. It lifts the evening. #Gala #rtrpartner

The Geraghty is a nice venue in an industrial area on the near southwest side of Chicago. Fun place for a gala, former paper mill. #Geraghty #gala

The Geraghty is a nice venue in an industrial area on the near southwest side of Chicago. Fun place for a gala, former paper mill. #Geraghty #gala

No, semi formal does not mean casual. Elevated fabrics, elegant styling, yes. #gala #style #semiformal

No, semi formal does not mean casual. Elevated fabrics, elegant styling, yes. #gala #style #semiformal

This is what Gala organizers hope for! A reception in the silent auction area, where everyone is happy and engaged. It makes for more bidding.#gala #silentauction

This is what Gala organizers hope for! A reception in the silent auction area, where everyone is happy and engaged. It makes for more bidding.#gala #silentauction

You can’t be in two places at once, and if you’re on the cell phone, you’re really not at the table. #gala #rtrpartner #cellphone

You can’t be in two places at once, and if you’re on the cell phone, you’re really not at the table. #gala #rtrpartner #cellphone

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