The 1990 Met Gala, themed "Théâtre de la Mode – Fashion Dolls: The Survival of Haute Couture," honored the artistry, allure, creativity, and legacy of haute couture. The theme was inspired by the original Théâtre de la Mode, a 1945-1946 exhibition that showcased miniature fashion mannequins in elaborately artist-created sets. The exhibition opened at the Louvre Museum in Paris and later throughout Europe. Its success led to an American tour in 1946, displaying in cities like New York and San Francisco. As with the original exhibition, the focus was on the artistry and intricacy of fashion design rather than just the celebrity and spectacle that often dominate such events.