The documentary The First Monday in May, which debuted in theaters earlier this month, tells the story of the 2015 Met Gala. The gala celebrated the Costume Institute’s largest-ever exhibition, “China: Through the Looking Glass.” De Gournay, which specializes in traditional hand-painting techniques used by artisans in China, was chosen to design the gala invitations as well as to provide the chinoiserie designs featured on the tablecloths, the main-stage curtain, and a 40-foot, hand-painted feature wall.
De Gournay director Hannah Cecil Gurney at the gala, in front of an Alexander McQueen gown inspired by de Gournay’s designs. The company also created wallpaper for part of the exhibition.
De Gournay's Earlham, a chinoiserie design inspired by antique panels found in London's Victoria and Albert Museum, was used to create the 40-foot feature wall. The wall was painted completely by hand on emerald silk by a team of artists. It required over 2,000 hours to complete.
Learn more about the documentary.