Camp for the Every Girl
Blazer || Cami || Skirt || Heels || Clutch || Earrings || Necklace
Since moving to New York, I’ve found a whole new appreciation for going to museums, art museums in particular. We didn’t have very many in St. Pete, but my wedding reception was at the Museum of Fine Arts, so I guess that love has always been there. This year, David and I decided to become members at the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) and we are definitely getting our money’s worth. Since it’s only a block away, I love being able to pop in after work or pretty much any time I want. There’s so much ground to cover, I always end up seeing something brand new.
The latest art exhibit at the Met, that has really caused quite a stir is Camp: Notes on Fashion. I’m sure you’ve heard a lot about it from the annual Met Gala. Let me tell you, this exhibit was absolutely amazing! It’s equal parts surreal and mesmerizing, but left me with so much inspiration. Better still, it was incredibly informative. I walked away with a better understanding of what camp is and what camp is not.
The exhibit is based on the 1964 essay by Susan Sontag. In it, she outlines 58 key points on the matter. Ultimately, for something to be camp, it should fun and “anti-serious.” As Sontag said, “Camp is walking around in a dress made of three million feathers.”
I highly suggest coming to New York sometime before September 8th, so you can see the exhibit for yourself. If you can’t, I’ve shared some of my favorite highlights on my Instagram page.
Now, you may be asking yourself, “What does this mean for me? Can I add a little bit of Camp to my life?” I’m neither a fashion nor art expert, but I want to say that the answer is yes!
My favorite example of Camp, and I think of the easiest to add, is the fruit motif. Think Carmen Miranda. You’ll even see one of her fruity headpieces at the exhibit. They also sell some fruity jewelry from Bauble Bar right in their gift shop like this pair of watermelon drop earrings or orange slice stud earrings. And how perfect is this chunky charm bracelet? I decided to give it a try for myself with this watermelon midi-skirt from Anthropologie. Camp is about taking the not serious too seriously (and vice versa) I added a professional white blazer from J. Crew to give a whimsical skirt a grown-up touch.
Since Camp is all about extravagance and being over the top, feathers and rhinestones are always welcome. In fact, the more the merrier! It’s an element that is seen all throughout the exhibit. You can opt to add feathers in a subtle way, like these striking earrings from Tory Burch or handbag from Loeffler Randall. Adding an element of practicality, this feather trimmed sweatshirt is a splurge, but such a conversation starter!
Judy Garland is Camp. In fact, she is mentioned several times, and Somewhere Over the Rainbow can be heard throughout the exhibit. Camp has often been synonymous with gay culture and the rainbow symbol is at the heart of it. Especially since it’s pride month, rock the rainbow to show your support. This ‘equality’ tee is a simple way to make quite a statement. If you are wanting something a little less obvious, I absolutely ADORE this maxi dress from Alice + Olivia. Trust me, it is even prettier in person! For an equally bold sundress, without the steep price tag, either this dress or this dress would make for a great option.
I think the best thing about Camp is that it is entirely open to interpretation. In all honesty, there isn’t really a right way or wrong way to express yourself. If they say that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, then the same can probably be said about Camp. Make your own interpretation by visiting this exhibit at The Met in person by September 8th, if you can. If you’ve already visited, let me know your thoughts!
Love from NYC,
Katie
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