Srđa Lubarda: Art is when there is a concept and an idea

The Met Gala has been one of the most watched fashion events for years, where celebrities pay special attention to their choice of outfits to stand out on the red carpet. It is through these fashion choices that one often sees how willing they are to follow or push the boundaries of a given theme. This year's edition was held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, under the title "Costume Art", and fashion was placed in the context of art, giving the participants a clear framework for interpretation of the theme.

Creations that draw sighs on the red carpet often later serve as inspiration for designers' new fashion collections.

Director of the Fashion Chamber of Montenegro and Fashion Week Lubarda's heart He regularly follows this event, and according to him, this year they followed the theme best. Beyonce, Rihanna i Nicole Kidman.

"I can say that this year's theme was rewarding, but also demanding. I am always most impressed by those who manage to create a balance between fashion and concept, not just spectacle, but also a message. I especially appreciate when the styling has a clear artistic reference and when it is clear that there is serious research behind it, and not just a desire for attention," Lubarda told Vijesti.

This year's Met Gala put fashion side by side with fine art. As someone who has been organizing fashion events across Montenegro for decades, Lubarda believes that this branch of art remains undervalued.

"I absolutely think that we still do not perceive fashion as art, although this is slowly changing. Fashion is perhaps the most complex form of art because it combines design, movement, body, identity and social context. The problem is that it is often associated with the commercial aspect, so its artistic potential is ignored. However, large platforms like the Met Gala are precisely contributing to the fact that fashion is increasingly viewed as an equal art form," explains the "Vijesti" interviewee.

As he mentioned, this year's theme is quite broad, but there are always those who miss it. When asked how he would dress if he had the opportunity to be at this event and whose art would inspire him, Lubarda answers:

“I would go for a concept that has a clear story, not just aesthetics. I would probably rely on some combination of classical art and contemporary expression. For example, I would find inspiration in painting or architecture, but I would translate it into a modern, wearable and strong visual identity. It is important to me that the styling does not look like a costume, but like an extension of the personality,” he notes.

For years, the Met Gala has featured, alongside lavish costumes, increasingly provocative choices that reveal more than they cover. Although the naked body has been present in art for centuries and has a clear place in the history of artistic expression, in the context of this event and public appearance, it is today more often seen as a provocation than as an artistic expression.

"Nudity has been present in art for centuries and is not controversial in itself. The difference is in the context and intention. On canvas or in sculpture, it has symbolism, a story and aesthetic value. On the red carpet, it can often act as a provocation if it does not have a clear artistic basis. Art is when there is a concept and an idea. When the goal is only attention, then the audience perceives it that way," concludes Lubarda.