The 1973 Met Gala, under the theme "The World of Balenciaga," marked a pivotal moment in the event's history. Diana Vreeland, the former editor at Vogue and special consultant to the Costume Institute, organized this exhibition, transforming the way Haute Couture was presented and elevating it to the level of high art. The "Balenciaga" exhibition had walls adorned with paintings by Goya, Picasso, and Velázquez, drawing a parallel between Cristóbal Balenciaga's designs and these grand masters' works. Vreeland's approach emphasized the connection between past and present fashion styles, showcasing them as historical artifacts and relevant, contemporary pieces.