Every year, event planner Raul Ávila takes on the challenge of transforming the Metropolitan Museum of Art into an otherworldly spectacle for the annual Met Gala. Known for his elaborate and innovative designs, Ávila has created spectacular floral formations, table settings, and decor for past events. From a 25-foot tall flamingo centerpiece made of 30,000 flowers to a rose recreation of a papal crown, each event brings its own unique adventure. With themes ranging from punk to fashion icons like Karl Lagerfeld, Ávila and his team have pushed the boundaries of creativity and design.
For the 2023 Met Gala, themed “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” Ávila drew inspiration from Lagerfeld’s love of throwing dinner parties. The event honored the late Chanel creative director with decor that resembled Lagerfeld’s home library and tablescapes that paid tribute to his iconic aesthetic. This attention to detail and personal connection to the honoree’s style is a hallmark of Ávila’s work, demonstrating his ability to capture the essence of each theme and create a truly immersive experience for guests.
In 2022, the Met Gala celebrated “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” with guests dining on plates adorned with vintage motifs sourced by Johnson Hartig of Libertine. The table settings featured linens based on embroidery by American textile artist Elizabeth Jeffries, adding a touch of historical elegance to the event. Ávila’s collaboration with designers and curators to curate every aspect of the decor speaks to his dedication to creating a cohesive and visually stunning environment for each gala.
For the “Camp: Notes on Fashion” theme in 2019, Ávila created a flamboyant flamingo centerpiece in the museum’s Great Hall, symbolizing the exaggerated nature of camp style. With a base made of 30,000 flowers, the centerpiece showcased Ávila’s ability to transform ordinary materials into extraordinary displays of art. From live peacocks in a gilded birdcage for “Poiret: King of Fashion” to a grand staircase lit with thousands of candles for “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” Ávila’s designs have become synonymous with the grandeur and spectacle of the Met Gala.
Each year, Ávila’s creations transport guests to a world of fantasy and imagination, from towering floral centerpieces to elaborate table settings. Whether honoring fashion icons like Karl Lagerfeld or exploring themes like punk and technology, Ávila’s designs are a testament to his creativity and artistry. With the upcoming event “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” Ávila promises another unforgettable night of magic and beauty at the Met Gala on May 6. As guests prepare to step into a world of wonder and elegance, they can look forward to experiencing Ávila’s latest masterpiece and continuing the tradition of breathtaking decor at the Met Gala.
