As Apple continues its efforts to break into the fashion scene, it was today announced that the company will sponsor the 2016 Met Gala. For those unfamiliar, the Met Gala is an event held every year in New York to benefit the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute. Each year has a different theme and the 2016 theme will be “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology,” with Apple sponsoring the event and Jony Ive serving a co-chair alongside Taylor Swift.
Vogue explains that the event will focus on the “dichotomy between handmade haute couture and machine-made fashion.” Andrew Bolton, curator of the Custom Institute explained that the line between the two spectrums has become increasingly blurred over recent years:
Apple’s Chief Design Officer Jony Ive will serve as a co-chair for the event, alongside other moguls such as Taylor Swift, Idris Elba, and Anna Wintour. Karl Lagerfeld, who wears an Apple Watch with a gold Link Bracelet, will serve as an honorary chair.
The 2016 Met Gala will showcase more than 100 pieces of fashion, both haute couture and ready-to-wear. The event will also showcase 3D printing and give attendees the opportunity to see who the designers take shape.
It makes perfect sense for Apple to sponsor the 2016 Met Gala. The company has had a growing interest in the fashion market since the announcement of Apple Watch. The device was available at launch from a variety of high-end fashion retail locations. The device was also showcased by Vogue two separate times.
The 2016 Met Gala will take place on May 2nd.
