Partner Content
Presented by:
August 26, 2023
5-10 p.m.
Hippodrome Theatre and M&T Bank Exchange
When it came to Baltimore’s second-annual Met Gala, all the elements were there. Literally.
“Elements”—earth, air, water, and fire—was the theme of the gala this year, with guests encouraged to use at least one of those categories to inspire their party attire.
The crowd of 1,250 did not disappoint. As they arrived at the Hippodrome Theatre’s brand new M&T Bank Exchange, it was clear that a good majority had fun with that inspiration—whether it was Stanley and Tiffany Willis depicting “global warming” in their blazing white and red outfits, or Michelle Shellers and Michelle Weeks giving their makeup artist free reign to portray their choices of water and fire.
The theme also framed the party itself. Elements were everywhere: on painted models, in signature cocktails, in work displayed by local artists, and in the collections by 10 local designers presented in two fashion shows.
One of those designers, Jody Davis, decided to “grow” her earth theme in her own outfits—modeling a yellow frock with flowers sprouting from her shoulders early in the evening, and then a gown made of faux flowers and grass in the fashion show.
Proceeds from year’s event will benefit The Park Heights Renaissance.
Left to right: Tiffany Willis, Baltimore Police sargeant; Stanley Willis, Retro Effex owner
Left to right: Afua Sam, Studio D’Maxsi owner/designer/gala fashion show participant; Henry Edwards II, fashion stylist; Ellen Aubee, EMA Events event producer
Jody Davis, designer/event committee member/gala fashion show participant
Left to right: Devron Moten, Dope Barber Lounge owner; Nigel Harlee, Pink Snob Couture Beauty Salon owner
Left to right: Darrell “GreenMan” Greene, music producer/promoter; Marc Clarke, Fox 45 “BmoreLifestyle” host/morning show feature reporter
Left to right: Faren Aimee, professional model; Lana Rae, stylist/costumer/fashion expert/gala fashion show producer
Left to right: Sharon Bunch, Baltimore Times account executive; Charles Robinson, MPT senior correspondent
Left to right: Gala founders/hosts: Derrick “D” Chase, DChase Presents founder; LaRian Finney, The Finn Group founder
Left to right: The Steamdollz performers: Michelle Shellers, Baltimore Peace Movement co-organizer; Michelle Weeks, cannabis chef
Left to right: Shanti Walker, Madame Walker’s Braidery hairstylist; Carl Trogdon, Alek Risimnic Couture designer
