Grace Wales Bonner hosted a star-studded music event, Togetherness, at the Guggenheim in New York City ahead of this year’s Met Gala. The event featured a lineup of artists hand-picked by the designer, performing in the iconic spiral atrium against the backdrop of Rashid Johnson’s largest exhibition to date, “A Poem for Deep Thinkers.”
In an interview with Vogue, Wales Bonner expressed her excitement about bringing her concept to life after working on it for a long time. She explained that the synergy between the event and Johnson’s exhibition made the Guggenheim the perfect venue for Togetherness. The designer emphasized the importance of showcasing artists in different contexts and how the event was a reflection of that ethos.
Togetherness made its debut in Paris last June during the city’s Fête de La Musique festival, featuring performances by French rapper La Fève and London-based multi-instrumentalist Mansur Brown. While Wales Bonner admitted that she is more of a music listener than a musician herself, she has collaborated with renowned artists like Kendrick Lamar, Solange, and FKA twigs over the course of her 10-year career. She spoke about the natural relationship between musicians and designers, highlighting how these collaborations have inspired and enhanced her work.
The event at the Guggenheim was a testament to Wales Bonner’s creative vision and her ability to bring together diverse talents in a unique and captivating setting. As the fashion world gears up for the Met Gala, Togetherness served as a prelude to the excitement and creativity that will be on display during one of the industry’s most anticipated events.
