The First Monday in May

Intriguing look behind the scenes of the Met Gala and an amazing exhibition.

'First Monday in May' is a behind the scenes look at the Metroplitan Museum Gala that honors fashion and its history. This gala raises millions of dollars for the museum, and it is through the hard work of Anna Wintour and her group that the gala comes together. Andrew Bolton is the genius behind the gala. His design experience as the Fashion Curator for the museum brings his exquisite expertise to the fore. Bolton was promoted to Head Curator of the Museum, soon after the 2015 gala.This gala had as its theme, 'China: Through the Looking Glass'. This gave a look at traditional Chinese fashion as well as the dialogue between West and East clothing and iconography, and as Anna Wintour says, " fashion can create a dream, create a fantasy". Through the long months we follow Wintour and Bolton as they circumvent the designs and answer questions put forth by all who were concerned with the theme. The Asian influenced designs chosen were brought to life by Chinese designers and others such as, John Galliano, Jean- Paul Gaultier and Karl Lagerfield.And, then, the gala itself, explodes with such beautiful designs and the famous clientele who wear the gowns of the designers. They are interviewed, the gowns shown in all their glory. The behind the scenes show us how the recipients of invitations are given their seating assignments. The problems with the head entertainer, and the amount if key she expected to be paid for this charity. An a Wintour handles this all with diplomacy and expertise. She is shown in a more human light, and always with a large Venti Starbucks. In fact the Starbucks is shown so many times, they may be a contributor to the gala.This is a glorious and beautiful event. After viewing this documentary, you will have a much better idea of the Met Gala, and the work inherent.Recommended. prisrob 05-18-16

Gorgeous, magical, fantasy-world of fashion. This film highlights the 2015 Met Museum's costume exhibition: "China-- Through the Looking Glass." The exhibition presents 150 glorious and dramatic costumes by world-class (including a few Chinese) designers. A strong point in this film is the focus on Andrew Bolton, the driving force behind this event, and a Met costume curator. His vision for fashion as art is a major theme here. Also making an appearance, Anna Wintour, Vogue's Editor-in-Chief, and the most important figure in the fashion industry. Her powerful influence and sharp skill of inviting celebs and pop icons to the 2015 Costume Gala helped raise $12.5 million for the Met Museum.Most beautiful in the film is a tour of the exhibit with fine musical accompaniment during the scenes. The viewer is taken on the journey where East meets West and the gorgeous Chinese-inspired costumes take your breath away.Another scene to watch for is Anna Wintour's own daughter prepping for the Met Gala. Her exquisite, Chinese-inspired dress is divine and watching Anna take in the moment of her grown daughter looking poised for the Gala is touching. It's an intimate moment where Anna beams at her gorgeous daughter and it seems almost too special for the audience to view.Though perhaps unintentionally, this film reminds us of the importance of art museums-- the Met especially. Some people make it their life's work to selflessly and painstakingly preserve art and present it to the public as a service-- even a duty.Kid Factor: Clean. 2 f-words, one inaudible. A couple of sultry dresses worn by female celebrities at the event.

This is a truly beautiful documentary. So many magical moments. Alicia Keyes and Gaultier discovering a dress from one of his early collections, The late Karl Lagerfeld talking about Coco Chanel, George & Amal Clooney as newlyweds. Amazing costumes by Galliano, Guo Pei (including Rihanna's entrance gown), Alexander McQueen and many others make this a historical and cultural tour de force. (After the Gala, which raised $12.5M for the Institute, this event was eventually attended by over 800K people). Filmaker Wong Kar Wai as a consulting artistic director and Anna Wintour as steady linchpin ably guide Andrew Bolton and a staff of hundreds through this project. and an insightful look at New York society and American celebrity. Most importantly it provides a wonderful glimpse into the creative process of fashion design and the impressive process of fashion preservation. Highly recommend

I am not one who wears the latest fashion but I have seen every episode of Project Runway. I always marvel at the news reports of this event when it happens. Didn't know it was the same every year.I really saw the true art and why so many love fashion.

If you love fashion and love seeing historic fashion, this one is for you. The inner workings of how the Met Gala and the exhibition are put together. The ins and outs, negotiations and walking a thin line to keep everyone from the Metropolitan Museum to in this case the Chinese happy all the while putting together what appeared to be a beautiful exhibition. I love the clothes of course and seeing the embroidery on some of the garments is swoon worthy. It was wonderful to see John Galliano and his beautiful work (approve of him or no, he has a vision no one else does). Andrew Bolton is the youngish man in charge. Seeing his creativity and vision and the care and respect he has for what many see as a frivolous industry just demands your attention. Anna Wintour, Editor of Vogue, of course is present, but the real focus is Andrew Bolton and the stars are of course the beautiful clothing designed by some of the great artists of our day and the past. Enjoyed every minute, hope if will come out on DVD soon.

What a wonderful documentary for the fashionista!!! I really ENJOYED this documentary and I really APPRECIATE and ADMIRE all of people that make their careers in the textile arts.

Si denota la passione impegno e tanta bellezzaDa vedere

Gran reportaje y cómo está montado, uno de los mejores que he visto.

Michael Bolton the curator is such a quietly engaging man and his calmness is a joy to watch . Beautiful to see the exquisite clothes and even a snoop around Anna Wintour's home. Andre's outrage at being snubbed by Mrs Clooney is rather amusing too . The flower arrangements are staggering the table placements a recurring nightmare but the main focus is on how to deliver such a grand exhibition . It also explains how mr Bolton is also dressed head to toe in very expensive Thom Browne .

メトロポリタン美術館で開催されるガラ の準備、実施のドキュメンタリー米版Vogue誌の編集長であるアナ・ウインターはMETの服飾部門の理事であり、同部門の運営費を稼ぐために有名ブランドの服を、有名人に纏わせMETの大階段のレッドカーペットを歩かせるという壮大なファッションショーを毎年開催している。参加費は250万円相当で500名。今回のテーマは中国 METの中の中国美術との調和、バランスを考慮し、各部門の長と折衝する、METの若いキュレーターの活躍と成長が一つの軸であるが、なんといっても、過去の各ブランドの過去のコレクションの逸品が見ものだ。メゾンマルジェラ時代のジョン・ガリアーノ、若くして逝ったアレクサンダーマックイーンの数点は、それを着た人までも芸術に変えてしまうパワーを持っていて、息をのんだ。アナが、こうしてMETの服飾部門を支援するのは、今支援しないと、これらの素晴らしいコレクションが、商業主義の流れで、失われてしまう危機に瀕しているからだろうし、ファッションの地位の向上に少しでも寄与したいという思いなのだろう。生真面目なアナの横顔が見える。