“The First Monday in May”: A Behind-the-Scenes documentary on the MET’s Annual Fashion Exhibition
Yearn to learn about the inner workings of fashion’s most exclusive events? If so, be sure to watch “The First Monday in May,” a behind-the-scenes fashion documentary that follows in the footsteps of acclaimed films “Dior and I” and “The September Issue.” “The First Monday in May” will be released in a limited number of cities with Atlanta being one of the lucky few. The film will premier in Atlanta on April 15th at the Midtown Art Cinemas 8. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance if you want to get a first-look at the documentary. You can also watch the trailer here.
“The First Monday in May,” directed by Andrew Rossi, peaks through the veil of a notoriously exclusive industry by documenting last year’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Exhibition: “China, Through the Looking Glass.” His documentary walks viewers through the entire arduous process of creating and curating the now infamous yearly fashion exhibition. Viewers also get to witness the planning of the MET Gala from start to finish, from celebrity seating arrangements to last-minute budget difficulties.
In this film, Rossi delves into the divisive question of whether fashion is truly an art form deserving of a place in art museums across the world. If attendance numbers are any indication, the answer is yes. Fashion enthusiasts fly in from all over the globe to visit the annual exhibition, which attracts millions of attendees each year. The trailer illustrates the difficult balance between the clothing, the art and the artifacts. They must harmoniously work together as one, rather than letting one overpower the others.
The film also documents the new phenomenon of the celebrity and fashion merged as one. Celebrities anxiously await their invite for the event, which officially marks the opening of the new exhibition. They are also strongly encouraged to dress in accordance with the exhibition’s theme.“First Monday in May” boasts an impressive list of celebrity appearances, including Anna Wintour, Karl Lagerfeld and Rihanna.
Even if the gaggle of celebrities is what entices you to come see the film, the real star of the film is Andrew Bolton, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute curator. Although not a household name, watching Bolton create the exhibition from start to finish will surely thrust him into the spotlight and evoke feelings of admiration, disbelief and jealousy from the viewers. This makes the film a must-see for SCAD students who wish to become gallery or museum curators, as “The First Monday in May” portrays the realities of what holding such an enviable position means.
The most interesting aspect of this film is that you do not need to be a fashion expert in order to enjoy it. Rossi perfectly captures what this annual Costume Exhibition is really about: merging all art forms as one. Whether it’s the music, the films playing on loop, the painstakingly crafted garments, the art or the historical artifacts, they all must work together as one in order to make the annual exhibition truly stand-out as an experience. As someone who has had the privilege of viewing “China: Through The Looking Glass” in New York City, I feel I will be able to appreciate what I witnessed so much more once I view the documentary.In the end, what they were able to create was a huge success. All of the elements, working together as one, was truly breathtaking.
Take advantage of the opportunity to see the exhibit without flying to NYC. Even though “The First Monday in May” won’t be in theaters until April 15th, it will surely be worth the wait.
