[3] how did we end up here ;; nh

43 » Lighten Up

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, New York, United States of America, 5 May 2023

"Hi, I'm Eliza Moon, reporting for Vogue at the Met Gala 2023. I am standing here with the breathtaking Avrillia Zara, making her very first Met Gala appearance tonight. Avril, welcome!"

"Hi Vogue!"

"First of all, you look absolutely stunning. You're wearing Saint Lauren, correct?"

"Thank you very much, you look absolutely amazing as well. And yes, I'm wearing YSL."

"Can you please tell us about the inspiration behind the look? Was there a specific story or mood that you wanted to channel?"

"Absolutely. The look is called Nocturne Sovereign, is designed by one and only Mr. Anthony Vaccarello. We wanted to channel the stillness of midnight that quite power doesn't ask for permission to be seen. There's a sort of dignified silence that comes with the night and I love the idea of owning the room without having to say anything. This is a tribute to something that Karl has always done beautifully."

"Beautiful. That presence really comes through. And I have to say, this is your first time attending the Met Gala and everyone on Twitter is going crazy over your dress. How are you feeling in this moment?"

"Honestly, I feel like I'm dreaming with my eyes wide open. There's a quite awe inside me, like the kind you feel the curtain rises and you realize you're part of the story now, like this is the thing that you've been watching from a world away when you were teenager. I used to stay up late watching the Gala and scrolling up through the Twitter back home in Jakarta, wondering what it would feel like to be part of the story. And... now I'm here."

"Amazing, from Jakarta to New York, what a journey, Avril! So what does this moment represent to you personally?"

"Well, it represents every no that made me push harder. I didn't come here so easy, every night I thought that perhaps modeling is not just for me, but I still chose to keep going. Coming from Jakarta, sometimes I feel like my dreams have to be smaller, more practical. But this moment is a proof to myself that I don't have to shrink to fit a system. Everyone is able to stretch the system until it holds you."

"That's so powerful. And speaking of things that keep you grounded, you're not here alone tonight. You're here with your best friend, Harry Styles. So, how does it feel to share this moment with him for the first time?"

"Well, don't get me started! I used to fangirl over him, I have to admit. He was literally on my Tumblr header when I was 15. I never thought I'd be sitting next to him at the dinner, let alone walking the carpet with him as my best friend. It's wild. But Harry's so grounding, he's the calm in every storm. With him around, everything just feels safe. And, I have to say, slightly chaotic, but in a good way."

"Sounds like a perfect match of energies, huh? Okay, before I let you go, I have one more question: what's next for you after tonight?"

"Well, I've got some fun campaigns and collabs coming up. Can't spill the tea, but let's just say something huge is brewing between me and YSL. That's your hint! And as for the real plan? I'll be chugging coffee and cramming for my International Business Transaction Law exam at NYU. Please send me prayers."

"Wait, you're at the Met and taking a law exam tomorrow? That's iconic behavior!"

"Balance, baby! Slay in couture, stress in contracts."

"Well then, good luck on your exam, Avril. Please hit us up if you need an espresso. Thank you for stopping by!"

"Thank you, Eliza! Thank you, Vogue. I will dm you later on for my espresso!"