When the Met Gala sweeps into New York every spring it brings glamour, couture and celebrity — making for entertaining photos, but not the most relatable event for everyday New Yorkers.
Well, this coming Sunday (May 1) there will be a much more accessible fashion happening in Brooklyn, affectionately dubbed “The People’s Ball.” The Brooklyn Public Library is hosting the completely free event in an effort to “invite New Yorkers of all stripes to express their individuality and flaunt their unique style as they walk the runway and dance the night away in a safe, inclusive space.” The Met Gala itself will take place the following night on Monday, May 2, celebrating the theme and new Met exhibit “In America: An Anthology of Fashion.”
Taking place at BPL’s Central Library at Grand Army Plaza, The People’s Ball will include a public runway show, multicultural performances and surprise guests — the perfect place to put on your best ‘fit and dance the night away.
The event — which is now in its third iteration — will be hosted by authors Isaac Fitzgerald and Scaachi Koul and will include performances by Rimarkable, Inyang Bassey, Opera Gaga, and Paris the Hip-Hop Juggler. It’s also celebrating the Library’s 125th anniversary this year.
There will be a bunch of stylish special guests as well, including but not limited to:
- Fashion curator Souleo
- Grandassa models from the historic African American fashion show “Naturally ’62”
- Models from the legendary Harlem Institute of Fashion’s HARLEM WEEK runway shows
And there is said to be a few more surprises in attendance coming as well…
“Open and welcoming to all, the People’s Ball is a chance to showcase Brooklynites in all of our creative, idiosyncratic, resilient glory. We are thrilled to welcome people from across the borough to celebrate one another in one of the most democratic and creative spaces in the borough,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library.
Masks are strongly encouraged but not required (but hey that gives you more opportunity to craft an even more creative ensemble!). You can RSVP on their website here, though you are also welcome to just show up!
UPDATE 4/29: Brooklyn Library has updated their website to say *The People’s Ball has reached capacity and registration has been closed. Unregistered guests will be admitted as capacity allows. Registered guests will be admitted on a first come, first served basis. For everyone’s health and safety, guests must provide proof of vaccination to attend.*