From AL to NYC—Questlove honors Alabama women at 2022 Met Gala

Oscar-winning filmmaker, musician, producer and composer Questlove took a meaningful approach to the Met Gala’s “Gilded Glamour” theme this year. Keep reading to see how he represented the work of African-American women from right here in Alabama into his look.

Questlove’s red carpet look

Underneath Questlove’s coat was an incredible work of art. His jacket was hand-crafted with exquisite, detailed quilt designs. Questlove explained his look in an interview with Vogue:

“Because the Gilded period is a little bit different for our story… I wanted to highlight Black women who have sacrificed for the country. So I’m rockin’ their quilt right now.”

Questlove, Vogue

Those women are the Gee’s Bend Quilting Collective. These Alabama black women worked with designer Greg Lauren to create Questlove’s representation of the Gilded Age that meant much more than fashion.

The women of Gee’s Bend

The women of Gee’s Bend, a small remote black community in Alabama, have created hundreds of quilt masterpieces dating back to 1920. Gee’s Bend quilts are made of recycled work clothes, dresses, feed sacks and fabric remnants.

Their amazing creations represent a crucial chapter in the history of American art. Also known as Boykin, Alabama, Gee’s Bend’s community members are making Alabama proud and representing African-American women from South Alabama to New York City.

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