Anna Wintour reflects on iconic Met Gala moments, recalls humorous anecdote involving Rihanna

During her speech at this Saturday's LACMA Art + Film Gala - Anna Wintour showered love on her close friend as well as longtime collaborator, Baz Luhrmann, by sharing a humourous story about Rihanna.
Wintour's ode to Luhrmann was all about celebrating his remarkable, bold works for fashion as well as for films. In her address, she recalled this particular event in the Met Gala where his imaginative vision found a proper expression. There was, indeed, this Chinese art and fashion exhibition by the theme at the time of Met Gala. Wintour remembered how Luhrmann would insist the event could not go forward without a tremendous gong to announce dinner. Then, with staff scrambling to find and bring the massive instrument, Luhrmann managed to persuade Rihanna to do a surprise performance dancing down the center of the dinner table. "Incidentally, we are not allowed to give dinners there anymore, but nobody stopped talking about that night," Wintour added, laughing, referring to the unforgettable spectacle. The chaotic scene was one of many times Luhrmann's daredevil ideas and larger-than-life creativity transformed the event into something truly memorable.
Luhrmann was the guest of honour of the gala who did some of the most famous films, like 'Romeo + Juliet', 'Moulin Rouge!', 'The Great Gatsby', and even 'Elvis'. Here, speaking in one of the many stylish suits by Gucci, he took a moment there to remind the audience to be careful for artists' work for the future. So, he requested the guest crowd here to take any action to support young voices for creative activities. He thought that the current imagination towards art is vital for rapidly changing the cultural structure around.
"It is our responsibility now to turn around and make space, to raise up the new voices, energies, and generations," Luhrmann urged his fellow artists to create more space for the younger artists. He clarified that he did not refer to retirement but that responsibility of his generation-to help bring forth more talent, just as those generations had done before them. His message was clear and simple: the burden of established artists is breaking down the barriers, opening spaces for new ideas and innovation.