Madonna gave an unexpected twist to the MET Gala
The queen of pop appeared in an enigmatic black dress, a gothic boat-shaped headdress and a gray tulle cape so enormous that six blindfolded women had to hold it up. Yes, you read that right: six bandaged women. Because if there’s one thing Madonna knows how to do, it’s give something to talk about.
What’s behind this look?
Designer Anthony Vaccarello, creative mind of Saint Laurent, went straight to the roots of surrealism. The inspiration comes from Leonora Carrington, an artist who had already fascinated Madonna for her “Bedtime Story” video in the 90s.
“Carrington represents Saint Anthony as a frail old man who seems to disappear into himself under an umbrella-shaped monastic robe”
The specific reference is “The Temptations of Saint Anthony”, a painting from 1945. But be careful: Madonna did not dress as the saint, but as the female figure that appears in the background of the painting. A detail that only the most dedicated fans understand.
The story behind the painting
It turns out that filmmaker Albert Lewin organized a contest in the 1940s to illustrate that biblical scene. Heavyweights such as Dalí, Max Ernst, Dorothea Tanning and Paul Delvaux participated. Who won? Dali, obviously. But Carrington’s painting became legend.
And Madonna, true to her style, brought it back to the biggest red carpet of the year. Because if it is about appropriating art to make statements, she is the master.
