The Baltimore MET Gala returned for its fifth year, bringing together fashion, art, music, culinary talent and community leaders for a celebration of Baltimore’s creative culture.
This year’s theme, “Mahogany — A Tribute to Diana Ross,” was inspired by the 1975 film Mahogany and honored Ross’ influence on music, fashion and Black culture.
Baltimore MET Gala co-founder LaRian Finney said the event’s growth has been rewarding because of its impact on Baltimore’s creative community.
“I’m just honored and humbled that we can make an impact on folks in fashion and art and culinary, and then also the people who are giving back to our community in a meaningful way,” Finney said.
Finney said the theme came together while he and his wife were watching the film.
“My wife and I, we’re sitting watching the movie Mahogany and we’re like, ‘wow, that’s a perfect theme,’” he said, calling Diana Ross a “game changer.”
Baltimore Met Gala co-founder Derrick Chase said this year’s theme gave designers plenty of creative inspiration while appealing to a wide audience.
“It was something that the designers could chew on,” Chase said. “It was something that the general audience could get behind.”
He added that the theme can introduce younger generations to the iconic film, saying people born in the 1990s and 2000s “get an opportunity to be reintroduced to an iconic film about not only survival but thriving.”
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The evening included a fashion runway, art installations and a culinary experience featuring Baltimore-area creatives. The gala also presented its Culture Awards, recognizing:
- Impact Culture Award: Demont “Peekaso” Pinder
- Media ICON Award: Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper
- Unsung ICON Award: Brandon “Bleecasso” Lee
- Culinary ICON Award: Yeiboh Kitchen, owners Ashlee Mack and Adeirdra Campbell
- Art ICON Award: Nancy Blackwell of Quid Nunc Art Gallery
- Fashion ICON Award: Kevin Scott of Benedetto Haberdashery
Lee, who received the Unsung ICON Award, said he was surprised by the recognition after contributing artwork and designs to the gala throughout its five-year run.
“They see this, and then they honor me, and they let people know that I’m doing it,” Lee said. “It’s amazing. It’s real.”
Lee also praised the gala for giving Baltimore creatives a platform.
“They bring things to the city that we don’t have, that people would love,” he said, pointing to the event’s ability to bring together “the arts, the music, the people getting together” and provide a space for people to express their talents.