The Camp: Notes on Fashion exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum is a not-to-be-missed experience! Inspired by Susan Sontag’s 1964 essay, “Notes on Camp,” the exhibit takes visitors through the various ways in which Camp has been defined throughout history. In Sontag’s words, “To talk about Camp is therefore to betray it. If the betrayal can be defended, it will be for the edification it provides, or the dignity of the conflict it resolves.”

From that perspective, the exhibit is both a major betrayal of the concept of Camp, as well as its most prolific edifier. With bright pink walls throughout the majority of the exhibit, and Judy Garland’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” playing on a loop, the experience is the very definition of surreal. Each gallery features a “hero” (or heroine) around which the installations are designed. From Louis XIV and his brother “Monsieur,” to Oscar Wilde and Christopher Isherwood, the exhibit is also an etymological exploration on the concept of Camp.

My favorite part of the exhibit was the “Sontagian Camp” installation. The Met’s curator pulled in works of art from throughout the museum’s collection in order to illustrate Sontage’s concept of Camp, which included a Tiffany lamp and Art Nouveau Decor, and paired Cecil Beaton with Cristóbal Balenciaga, and Salvador Dalí with Christian Dior.

And of course, there were the dresses and accessories! Seeing pieces that walked straight off a runway or red carpet, and dresses that gained fame for their outrageousness (think Cardi B’s Tulip dress at the Grammy’s, or Björk’s infamous Swan dress) highlighted the fact that these pieces themselves are the hero!

Susan Santog also wrote, “What it [Camp] does is to find the success in certain passionate failures.” Well, this exhibit certainly exuded passion, but it was definitely not a failure! The exhibit will remain open until September 8, so be sure to make a point to visit when you’re in town for the upcoming JA New York Summer Show!

The JA New York Show is taking place August 11-14 at the Jacob Javits Center. Register now and gain access to both JA New York and NY NOW!