By Ericka Alston Buck
Special to the AFRO
Courtesy Photo
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum was set ablaze with anticipation on the evening of Jan. 11, 2024, as the crème de la crème of Baltimore gathered for the exclusive 2024 Baltimore Met Gala theme reveal.
Created by the dynamic duo LaRian Finney and Derrick Chase, the event promised to not only announce the highly anticipated theme for 2024 but also be a reminder of their mesmerizing fusion of fashion, art and culinary delights while recognizing impact leaders in business, entertainment, and the community, that the Baltimore Met Gala has solidified with year three.
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The doors of the iconic Reginald F. Lewis Museum opened at 6 p.m., welcoming a line of select stakeholders, designers, artists, models, restaurant owners and community leaders. The event, meticulously crafted for an exclusive invite-only audience, set the stage for an evening of opulence and cultural celebration.
As guests parked along the street or at the Pratt Street Garage, the buzz of excitement filled the air. The chosen venue for this year’s gala remained a well-guarded secret, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already captivating event. Attendees eagerly await the big reveal on Feb. 15, 2024, while knowing that wherever it may be, the chosen location will serve as the canvas for an unforgettable night just as the inaugural Baltimore Museum of Art and last year’s M&T Exchange at The Hippodrome has in years past.
“Adam & Eve, Enter the Garden”: A theme of cultural significance
The room pulsed with excitement as executive producer LaRian Finney unveiled the theme for 2024, “Adam & Eve, Enter the Garden.” Finney expressed the Gala’s mission: “We continue our mission of culturally relevant and culturally sensitive events with community impact. We want to lift Baltimore designers, artists, and chefs and create an ecosystem for success.”
This theme promises a journey into a mythical garden, a celebration of creativity, and an ode to cultural relevance. Attendees can expect a night that transcends the ordinary, with fashion, art and culinary experiences intertwined to create an immersive and unforgettable atmosphere.
The return of last year’s winning team
Adding to the excitement, the winning team from the previous year made a triumphant return. Lana Rae, fashion producer; Shajuan Finney, event decor; Earle Bannister and Jody Davis as fashion designers; Ernest Shaw, art curator; A. Deveaux, culinary curator; and Jeff Butler, photography curator, ensured that this year’s gala would be nothing short of spectacular.
Before the grand reveal, executive producer Derrick Chase took the stage, weaving an inspirational narrative focused on faith and the power of belief. In a compelling story, Chase spoke about overcoming the seeds of doubt planted in each of us, forgiving those who planted them, and focusing on cultivating fertile ground.
Chase emphasized the journey to the Baltimore Met Gala 2024 as a testament to belief, confidence and resilience. His words resonated through the room, setting the tone for a night that went beyond glamor and extravagance.
As the night unfolded, Finney and Chase revealed their ambitious plans for the 2024 Baltimore Met Gala, projecting an attendance of 2,000 individuals. The promise of a grander, more expansive celebration echoed through the venue, leaving attendees eagerly anticipating what the night would hold.
In the heart of Baltimore, where culture, creativity and community converge, the Met Gala 2024 has set the stage for a year of excitement, inspiration and unforgettable moments. The theme is unveiled, the team is ready, and the city is poised for an extravaganza like never before. The countdown to the grand event on Sept. 14 has begun, and Baltimore is buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be a truly spectacular evening, the third annual Baltimore Met Gala.
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