In a remarkable full-circle moment for his seventh Met Gala appearance, Jeremy Pope showcased an archival Vivienne Westwood evening jacket that held significant personal resonance. The piece, originally part of Westwood’s groundbreaking Fall 1996 menswear collection, was a pivotal statement of artistic intent, featuring two exquisitely beaded and corseted jackets.
A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship
This particular jacket, titled “Slave to Love,” was designed with an intricate trompe-l’oeil effect, meticulously crafted from lustrous pearls to artfully sculpt a powerful, muscular physique. Its reverse depicted dramatic, ruby-accentuated lacerations, adding a layer of profound duality to the design.
Sophie Chan Andreassend / Courtesy of Vivienne WestwoodInspiration and Personal Narrative
Pope elaborated on the jacket’s profound symbolism, relating its duality to his own experiences as an artist and a Black man navigating complex professional spaces. This was not his first foray into archival fashion; his previous Met Gala look celebrated Black dandyism with a Maison Margiela piece.
Sophie Chan Andreassend / Courtesy of Vivienne WestwoodThe jacket had served as a consistent source of inspiration for Pope in his creative conversations. When the Met Gala’s “Fashion Is Art” theme was announced, the Westwood piece immediately came to mind as a powerful visual to communicate his desired aesthetic to potential collaborators. A suggestion from his stylist, Law Roach, led to the direct pursuit of the archival garment.
Courtesy of Jeremy PopeThe Westwood team’s careful consideration of the request underscored its significance. The fitting with Andreas Kronthaler, Westwood’s widower and collaborator, was an emotional experience for Pope, deeply connecting him to the garment’s history and legacy. The exceptional nature of the piece meant no alterations were possible, adding a layer of reverence to the fitting process.
Kronthaler noted the jacket’s masterful construction by Mr. Pearl, a celebrated corset-maker, emphasizing its purpose in glorifying the male form through layered, dyed pearls that mimicked skin and musculature. He fondly recalled the striking jeweled nipples, a detail that still brings him a smile.
Sophie Chan Andreassend / Courtesy of Vivienne WestwoodA Father’s Legacy
Adding another profound layer of personal connection, Pope reflected on his father’s dual background as a pastor and professional bodybuilder. He saw the Met Gala performance as a unique way to honor his father’s dedication and the courage involved in displaying one’s physique for judgment, making the grand staircase a powerful stage for his own artistic expression.
Courtesy of Jeremy Pope
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty ImagesBusiness Style Takeaway: Embracing archival fashion pieces like this Vivienne Westwood jacket demonstrates a sophisticated appreciation for sartorial history and artistic integrity. Such a choice elevates an executive’s personal brand by signaling depth, cultural awareness, and a discerning eye for timeless style, projecting an image of confidence and thoughtful presentation.
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