The 2016 Met Gala Will Explore Fashion and Tech, Sigh

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The theme for the 2016 Met Gala has been announced: "Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology." The theme will explore the blurring lines between man- and machine-made fashion, according to Vogue. The annual exhibit, which continues to up its attendance numbers, will feature over 100 pieces of clothing, both haute couture and ready-to-wear. The exhibit will contrast handmade techniques, like embroidery, pleating, and lacework, with those done by a machine, like laser-cutting; thermo-shaping, which involves heating up plastic in order to manipulate its shape; and circular knitting.

"Traditionally, the distinction between the haute couture and prêt-à-porter was based on the handmade and the machine-made," Andrew Bolton, curator of the Costume Institute, tells Vogue. "But recently this distinction has become increasingly blurred as both disciplines have embraced the practices and techniques of the other."

The exhibit will also include live demonstrations of new technologies like 3-D printing, to show people how the these types of designs are produced.

The Met Gala will take place May 2nd. While Anna Wintour will retain hosting duties, she will be joined by newly announced co-chairs Taylor Swift, Idris Elba, and Apple's chief design officer Jonathan Ive. Honorary chairs include Louis Vuitton designer Nicolas Ghesquière, Karl Lagerfeld, and Miuccia Prada. Apple is also sponsoring the event.