by Marvel Gyamfi-Asante
The Met Gala is one of the biggest nights in fashion. An annual event held on the first Monday in May to raise funds for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, it’s where celebrities and designers alike come together to celebrate the intersection of fashion and art.
Each year has a different theme, and attendees dress according to it, often pushing the boundaries of creativity. However, despite the variety over the years, there's one that fashion lovers, especially on social media, have been begging for: a horror-theme.
Fashion and horror might seem like an unlikely pair at a high-profile event, but horror aesthetics offer a chance to push boundaries in ways that other themes simply can’t.
Horror allows designers to play with darker themes, strange textures, and unsettling visuals. Think of dramatic fabrics like leather, latex, and metal, or even unusual patterns that make us rethink what fashion means. A red carpet filled with glamorous yet creepy looks invites creativity to flow in unexpected directions.
Some designers already explore this in their collections, such as Mugler, making a horror-themed Met Gala seem like a natural fit.
Alexander McQueen is a standout example, with
collections like The Horn of Plenty (Autumn/Winter 2009) and The Golden Shower (Spring/Summer 1998). These designs pushed the limits of what’s considered beautiful, blending elements of mystery and chaos into fashion.
The Horn of Plenty, for instance, was filled with black feathers, oversized shapes, and dystopian vibes, while The Golden Shower played with a darker take on fashion, using latex and heavy rains to change the runway into something almost terrifying.
Other designers have also dipped their toes into horror-inspired fashion. More recently, Robert Wun’s Spring/Summer 2024 Couture collection brought a futuristic twist to horror, featuring sharp silhouettes and alien-like aesthetics. These designs would look right at home at a horror-themed Met Gala.
There’s something about horror that draws people in, and it’s not just about being scared.
Psychologists say that people are fascinated by horror because it lets them explore fear in a controlled way. At a horror-themed Met Gala, that same appeal could play out in the world of fashion, allowing attendees to step into something both thrilling and unfamiliar.
The idea of “controlled fear” could be experienced through horror-themed looks, installations, and performances that let the audience experience fear in a creative space. I mean, could you imagine how good Lady Gaga performing at a horror Met Gala would be?
This fascination with horror is why every year, people take to social media, calling for a horror twist on the Met Gala.
Fans imagine celebrities walking the red carpet in horror-inspired couture, from gothic Victorian gowns to modern-day sci-fi horror looks. The demand is there, and fashion has the perfect tools to bring this concept to life.
Beyond the fashion, the Met Gala could be turned into an immersive horror experience. The grand staircase could feature flickering lights and spooky sounds as guests go up. Foggy corridors could create a haunting atmosphere, with ghostly images projected on the walls.
Additionally, the event could include performances inspired by classic horror films or folklore.
With celebrities known for their boldly gothic fashion choices, like Jenna Ortega or Billie Eilish, this concept could lead to unforgettable moments. Such appearances would elevate the gala, creating a mixture between fashion, art, and storytelling.
Horror has long had a place in fashion history, and many archives have documented this relationship. The Fashion Institute of Technology’s Museum in New York has previously explored dark fashion trends in its “Gothic: Dark Glamour" exhibition, while the MoMu Museum in Antwerp is home to many collections that showcase the gothic side of couture.
These archives remind us that the connection between fashion and fear runs deep.
There’s also the legacy of designers like John Galliano and Thierry Mugler, who included spooky elements into their collections.
Galliano’s Autumn/Winter 2008 collection comes to mind, having used Victorian influences and ghostly white makeup to create a haunting effect, while Mugler’s Spring/Summer 1998 collection also illustrates the point through its exaggerated shapes and a futuristic edge.
Whether it’s Dior’s Fall/Winter 2008 gothic style or McQueen’s unique view of beauty, horror-themed fashion can really grab our attention and make us think.
With the growing demand for a spooky twist on the Met Gala, perhaps it’s time to turn the night into a fashionable fright fest. After all, fashion, like horror, is all about transformation, so why not embrace the fear?
Edited by Emily Duff