If you’ve ever scrolled through social media on the first Monday in May and seen a flood of extravagant outfits, jaw-dropping fashion moments, and endless celebrity selfies, chances are you’ve caught a glimpse of the Met Gala. Officially known as the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit, this event has become more than just a fundraiser—it’s fashion’s biggest night out. But what exactly is the Met Gala, why is it such a big deal, and how did it become the high-fashion spectacle it is today?
Whether you’re a fashion newbie, a pop culture enthusiast, or just here for the memes, here’s a full breakdown of everything you need to know about the Met Gala.
1. What Is the Met Gala, Really?
Let’s start with the basics. The Met Gala is an annual fundraising gala for the benefit of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The event marks the grand opening of the Costume Institute’s annual fashion exhibit and is hosted by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who has been at the helm since 1995.
Although it’s technically a fundraiser, the Met Gala has evolved into a glamorous red-carpet event where celebrities, designers, and cultural icons gather to celebrate fashion as art. Think of it as the Oscars of the fashion world—but with more glitter, more risk-taking, and much, much more drama.
2. A Brief History of the Met Gala
The Met Gala was founded in 1948 by fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert to raise money for the newly-founded Costume Institute and mark the opening of its annual exhibit. At the time, it was a rather humble event, attended mostly by members of New York high society.
Fast forward to today, and the Met Gala is a global cultural event, with a guest list that includes A-list celebrities, designers, artists, influencers, and sometimes, even athletes and politicians. The gala is now invitation-only, with tickets costing tens of thousands of dollars per person—and even if you can afford one, that doesn’t mean you’ll get in. Anna Wintour personally approves every guest.
3. The Theme: Why Everyone’s Outfit Looks Like a Work of Art (or a Fever Dream)
Every Met Gala has a theme that corresponds to the Costume Institute’s exhibit for that year. The theme sets the tone for the event, influencing what guests wear and often sparking intense public discussion. Some themes are historic, others are futuristic, and some are downright confusing. But all are open to interpretation.
Here are a few notable past themes:
- 2015: “China: Through the Looking Glass” – A visually stunning but controversial exhibit that explored Chinese influence on Western fashion.
- 2018: “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” – One of the most-talked-about themes, blending fashion with religious iconography.
- 2019: “Camp: Notes on Fashion” – Inspired by Susan Sontag’s essay, this theme encouraged over-the-top, exaggerated fashion statements.
- 2022: “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” (Gilded Glamour) – A look at fashion during the Gilded Age in the United States.
The theme isn’t just for show—it’s a challenge. Guests are expected to arrive dressed in something that not only fits the theme but makes a statement. And since all eyes are on the red carpet, interpretations range from the elegant to the avant-garde to the just plain weird.
4. Who Gets Invited to the Met Gala?
Short answer: not everyone. Long answer: getting an invite to the Met Gala is a complex process shrouded in secrecy and exclusivity.
Anna Wintour has the final say on the guest list. While big-name celebrities and fashion icons are common attendees, designers often bring muses or celebrity ambassadors. Major fashion houses like Gucci, Chanel, Balenciaga, and Dior will sponsor tables and dress their guests accordingly.
Some names are Met Gala staples—think Rihanna, Zendaya, Blake Lively, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Beyoncé—while others might appear just once. Invitations can also extend to influential figures outside of Hollywood, like YouTubers, TikTok stars, or political figures (yes, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made headlines in 2021 with her “Tax the Rich” dress).
5. What Happens Inside the Met Gala?
Here’s where the mystery thickens. Unlike most red carpet events, the Met Gala has a no social media policy. This means that what happens inside is largely off-limits to the public, which only adds to the mystique.
What we do know is that the night typically begins with cocktails and a tour of the exhibit, followed by a formal dinner and entertainment—often including surprise performances. Past entertainers have included Rihanna, Madonna, and The Weeknd.
Of course, rules are sometimes broken. In 2017, a bathroom selfie featuring celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, A$AP Rocky, and others went viral. So yes, phones are technically banned—but that doesn’t mean they’re not sneaked in.
6. Iconic Met Gala Looks Over the Years
The Met Gala has given us some of the most memorable fashion moments in history. Here are just a few iconic looks that live rent-free in our minds:
- Rihanna in Guo Pei (2015) – The dramatic yellow gown with an epic train defined the “China: Through the Looking Glass” theme.
- Zendaya in Tommy Hilfiger (2019) – Dressed as Cinderella, complete with light-up gown and a Fairy Godstylist (Law Roach).
- Kim Kardashian in Balenciaga (2021) – A full blackout bodysuit and face cover that sparked endless memes.
- Blake Lively in Versace (2022) – A Statue of Liberty-inspired gown that transformed live on the carpet.
- Lil Nas X (2021) – A three-part golden armor-to-gown reveal inspired by royalty and futurism.
These aren’t just fashion statements—they’re cultural moments.
7. The Cost of Attending the Met Gala
As of recent years, a single ticket to the Met Gala reportedly costs around $50,000, with tables going for upwards of $300,000. But most celebrities don’t foot the bill themselves. Fashion brands or patrons typically sponsor them in exchange for being styled in their designs.
The money raised goes directly to the Costume Institute, which is the only department at the Met that has to fund itself. In 2023, the gala reportedly raised over $20 million in a single night.
8. Why the Met Gala Matters (Beyond Just the Glamour)
Yes, the Met Gala is flashy, expensive, and a bit over-the-top—but it’s also a celebration of fashion as a legitimate art form. The Costume Institute’s exhibitions are meticulously curated, often years in the making, and the gala’s high profile helps shine a light on the artistry, history, and cultural relevance of fashion.
The themes often spark conversations around identity, politics, gender, and heritage. For example, the 2018 “Heavenly Bodies” exhibit sparked discussions about religious symbolism, reverence, and appropriation. The 2021 theme, “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” highlighted American designers and raised questions about what American fashion truly is.
9. Controversies and Criticisms
Of course, no cultural institution is without its critics. The Met Gala has been called out for:
- Cultural appropriation – Themes like “China: Through the Looking Glass” and “Heavenly Bodies” sparked debates about who gets to wear what and why.
- Exclusivity – The elite guest list and high ticket prices have led to accusations that the event is out of touch with real-world issues.
- Wasted wealth – Some argue that millions spent on dresses and dinners could go toward more urgent causes.
Still, others argue that fashion and art have always walked the line between extravagance and expression—and the Met Gala is no different.
10. The Future of the Met Gala
As the world changes, so does the Met Gala. In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift toward inclusivity, with more diverse designers, body types, gender expressions, and cultural backgrounds being represented. Social media stars now walk the same red carpet as Oscar winners. And with fashion constantly evolving, so too will the ways we celebrate it.
AI, sustainability, digital fashion—these are all elements that could very well shape the future of the Met Gala. We might even see virtual fashion shows or metaverse-inspired themes in the years to come.
Final Thoughts
The Met Gala is many things: a fundraiser, a fashion show, a cultural moment, and, for some, a fantasy come to life. It’s where fashion meets performance, art meets identity, and self-expression reigns supreme.
Whether you admire the creativity, roll your eyes at the drama, or just tune in for the memes, there’s no denying the Met Gala’s place at the heart of fashion culture. It’s not just about what people wear—it’s about how they choose to wear it, and what it says about the world we live in.
So the next time the first Monday in May rolls around, grab some popcorn (or champagne), open your social apps, and watch as the Met Gala unfolds—one daring, dazzling look at a time.
Ayerhs Magazine 