Charlotte’s second annual Met-Gala event took place Friday, May 1st at the Mint Museum in Uptown. Titled “Mint to Be” this sold out event was a must attend for art and fashion lovers in the city and brought out Carolina’s best dressed creatives in “The Feminine Body as Costume Art” Inspired looks. If you weren’t in the building, here’s what you missed:
It was admirable to see all the ways attendees interpreted the event’s theme, as guests ascended the Mint Museum steps. Many drew inspiration from fashion labels and artists alike. For some, the inspiration was Schiaparelli, utilizing the adornment of gilded body part broaches and accessories to capture the essence of the feminine body. For others, abstract and Memphis design formed the look, like one attendee, who embodied the canvas herself through an abstract geometric dress and face painting, pulled together with a golden frame. Accessories became conversation starters and no statement piece looked out of place or overdone. Headwear in particular served as the unspoken accessory of the night, appearing atop countless guests in the forms of crowns, fascinators, and wide brimmed caps. No matter where looks fell in the spectrum of art and femininity, it felt authentic to its wearer and the theme. Although the runway show and exhibit served as the main features of the evening, the guests themselves became part of the display. The “Mint Steps” photo experience drew the best dressed for red carpet interviews with carpet hosts Stacey Michelle and Daja Star Britt, all guests were also invited take photos in a Birth of Venus inspired popup studio where Sancho Smalls assisted by Angel Maison captured each individual looks.
Inside, attendees had free range of the Mint, exploring various exhibits and galleries in the museum, as well as enjoying a drink in the main atrium space where A 704 Party brought the atmosphere with a dj set that could be seen over each levels balcony and heard from every floor, unifying the space as anticipation for the runway show amped up.
Tucked away upstairs on the 5th floor of the museum, attendees could experience their very first glimpse of The Feminine Form gallery which debuted the day of. Collaboration and connection is at the forefront of Charlotte’s thriving artistic community, and this could be seen apparently through the partnership and parallels within the gallery where the bond between artistic mediums is undeniable. With over 30 local artists featured, the gallery blended the essence of art in various mediums such as painting and sculpture, and reimagined them into mannequin garment designs. One duo in particular captured my attention, featuring an oil painting titled “The Crowning”, created by Charlotte Tattoo Artist Dot Jayei. The piece featured a black female figure draped in sheer fabric and adorned with beautifully textured wings. To its left, a beautifully draped rich orange garment created by Sancho Smalls. In addition to the art to fashion juxtaposition, was the presence or garment designs displayed by ArtPop. This local organization brought a sustainable twist. ArtPop’s mission is to uplift the local artistic community and is responsible for an annual Upcycled fashion show, where local talent comes together to raise funds for the artist community. The looks displayed walked the catwalk during their 2025 show, and were crafted by local artists using recycled billboard materials.
Music amped up and guests migrated down towards the atrium as the runway show commenced. Charlotte’s energy was undeniable, with vips posing for front row fit check and everyone in the building filling any nook and cranny surrounding the runway to get the best view at these local designs, even watching over the railing or on stopped escalators on the various floors. Hosts Professor P and Nia Williams took center stage to greet attendees and hype the crowd for the show.
The runway show featured 19 different designers each with one look based on the theme “The Feminine Body as Costume Art”. The lineup included a look by Darren Anderson, a local designer known for thrifting and upcycled looks. Darren’s spirit for being creative here in the Charlotte area was apparent during our conversation leading up to the show, where he described the amazingly creative and unique people here in the city and his love for being a part of it. Guests got a true live competition experience with a panel of three judges as well as an audience popularity vote, deciding the fates of the designers rankings. Similar to the diverse theme interpretation by attendees, each designer’s approach to designing a look based on The Feminine Body was their own, with some looks focusing on representing elements of the female body through abstract silhouettes. Others emphasized on the adornment of their model, letting the look be an extension of their body. Regardless of approach, each look represented a different angle, and captured the attention of the entire room as they embraced the runway. A look by Columbus Hinson truly looked carved from stone. It featured a structured and sculpted bodice and hat paired with a grey floor length skirt that made the model who wore it appear to be an element of a sculpture exhibit.
As the initial walks came to a close, the judges deliberated and votes were counted. Host Professor P had one more surprise up her sleeve, announcing that not only would first place be going home with a cash prize, but also the next two runner ups. The winning look went to Nkengi Freeman who created a striking look featuring a chestplate reminiscent of a renaissance mural as well as a billowing train that draped and continued upwards extending beyond the model.
