On the fashion calendar, the annual Met Gala always draws a stellar guest list to ascend the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in an extravagant sartorial display. 

This year was no different, with a theme dedicated to the legacy of Karl Lagerfeld, a German fashion designer, co-hosted by Anna Wintour, Dua Lipa, Michaela Coel, Roger Federer, and Penélope Cruz. The event welcomes stars, young creatives, and industry paragons, a person regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality. Interpretations spanned throwbacks to some of Lagerfeld’s most famous designs plucked from the archives, looks from the storied fashion houses he helmed, nods to his signature style, his name adorned across accessories – and a few homages to his iconic dresses. However, there were other standout moments on the red carpet, including pregnancy reveals from Serena Williams and Karlie Kloss, live costume changes, plus family photo opportunities from the Kardashian-Jenner clan, A$AP Rocky and Rihanna, and Kate and Lila Moss.

Problematics Lagerfeld’s interviews and arguments make him a controversial choice as a Met Gala theme. People on both sides of the Lagerfeld debate are using the international fashion event as an argument for — or against — honoring the fashion designer’s legacy. 

Throughout his life in the fashion industry, Karl has created a long list of controversies, that could be viewed as racist, sexist, antisemitic, and fat-phobic. For example, the Chanel designer was known for criticizing non-thin bodies: “Eating disorders like anorexia were nowhere near as dangerous to one’s health as eating junk food”, he commented. Karl said too that he was “fed up with the Me Too Movement which is a social movement and awareness campaign against sexual abuse. 

After the Met gala event, general criticism against Lagerfeld gained momentum. A Large swath of journalists, activists, and fashion lovers have questioned the decision to highlight the designer at the biggest fashion event of the year, knowing his problematic legacy.