Met Gala Spotlight: looking back at the 2001 jacqueline kennedy exhibition

culture

/

may 5th 2026

This year’s Met Gala accompanies the Costume Institute’s 2026 exhibition, Costume Art, with the evening’s dress code titled Fashion Is Art. The theme feels expansive and visually driven, continuing the Met’s tradition of treating fashion as part of a wider cultural conversation.

met gala spotlight looking back at the 2001 jacqueline kennedy exhibition mainimage 1200 600

Thinking about this year’s Gala brought me back to a very different exhibition I visited years ago at the Metropolitan Museum of Art: Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years.

Presented in 2001 by the Costume Institute in collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, the exhibition featured around eighty original garments and accessories worn by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis during her years as First Lady.

What stayed with me most was the structure and formality of everything.

The tailoring was incredibly precise. Structured suits, pillbox hats, gloves, coats, matching accessories, evening gowns. Dressing during that period felt intentional down to the smallest detail. There was a level of coordination and presentation that feels far less common now.

Walking through the exhibition, it was striking how polished daytime dressing once was. Even the simpler looks carried shape and refinement. Many of the pieces were designed by names including Oleg Cassini, Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, and Chez Ninon. A black Chanel day suit shown in the exhibition still feels remarkably modern today.

What also stood out was how much colour appeared throughout the collection. Because so many photographs from that era are remembered through black and white imagery, seeing the garments in person felt surprisingly different. Soft pinks, ivory satin, pale blue tones, rich reds, embroidery, texture. The clothing carried far more depth and softness than many people might expect.

The 2001 Met Gala itself reflected that same elegance. Guests including Naomi Campbell, Iman, Renée Zellweger, Demi Moore, Diane Sawyer, Carolina Herrera, and Caroline Kennedy attended the opening gala tied to the exhibition.

Looking back now, the atmosphere surrounding fashion feels very different. Modern fashion culture moves faster, though there also seems to be renewed interest again in more refined dressing, structured tailoring, and pieces that feel lasting rather than temporary.

Perhaps that is partly why the Jacqueline Kennedy exhibition continues to stay in memory so clearly.

Sharlene | Founder

Mooi & Co

Please take a moment to review our Terms and Conditions, which applies to this blog and all other content on this website.

Featured articles you may like

skincare routine

The Perfect Skincare Routine: Achieving Healthy and Radiant Skin

Having a consistent skincare routine is essential for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. While everyone's skin is unique, there are some fundamental steps that can help you achieve the perfect skincare routine. In this article we will guide you through the key steps to follow for healthy and radiant skin, using organic, minimal chemical, and vegan skincare products.

Read more
radiant touch of luxury

The Iconic YSL Touche Éclat: A Radiant Touch of Luxury

Hello, beauty lovers! Today, we're diving into the world of luxury makeup to explore one of the most iconic products in the industry: the YSL Touche Éclat. Loved by makeup artists, celebrities, and beauty aficionados worldwide, this little golden pen has become a staple in many makeup bags. Join us as we uncover the fascination behind the YSL Touche Éclat and why it has achieved cult status.

Read more