Once a modest charity ball, the MET Gala has evolved into a cultural behemoth—a high-fashion spectacle that blurs the lines between art, celebrity, and identity. Known today as “fashion’s biggest night out,” it’s hard to imagine that this glamorous, glittering event began with a dinner for a few dozen socialites at a mid-century hotel ballroom. Yet, like fashion itself, the MET Gala has transformed dramatically over time, reflecting the shifting tides of art, society, and fame.
From debutantes in the 1940s to digital influencers in the 2020s, this is the story of the MET Gala’s journey: a mirror held up to culture, a celebration of creativity, and a barometer of who—and what—holds power in the world of fashion.
Act I: The Beginnings — 1948 to the Early 1970s
The MET Gala was born in 1948, spearheaded by Eleanor Lambert, a powerful fashion publicist and tastemaker. Known for championing American designers at a time when French couture reigned supreme, Lambert also founded the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and New York Fashion Week. With the newly created Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art needing funding, Lambert introduced a simple idea: a fundraiser dinner with fashion at its heart.
The early years of the Gala were low-key by today’s standards. There were no over-the-top gowns, no red carpets, and certainly no global livestreams. The ticketed dinners were attended primarily by New York’s social elite—think Upper East Side philanthropists, museum patrons, and occasionally a few designers.
Held in venues like the Waldorf Astoria or Central Park’s Rainbow Room, these Galas were far more about society than style. Attendees dressed formally, of course, but the fashion wasn’t yet the main event. These early iterations laid the groundwork for what the MET Gala would become—a fashionable function, yes, but with a purpose.
Act II: Diana Vreeland’s Influence — The Era of Themes and Theatrics (1972–1989)
In 1972, everything changed. The museum brought on Diana Vreeland, the former Vogue editor-in-chief, as a consultant to the Costume Institute. Known for her sharp eye, maximalist flair, and poetic sensibilities, Vreeland infused the Gala with a new energy. She introduced themes to the exhibition and the accompanying ball—transforming what had been a simple fundraiser into a curated fashion experience.
The first themed exhibition was The World of Balenciaga. Others soon followed: Romantic and Glamorous Hollywood Design (1974), The Glory of Russian Costume (1976), and Yves Saint Laurent: 25 Years of Design (1983). These themes not only guided the exhibitions but began to influence how guests dressed for the Gala.
More importantly, Vreeland invited celebrities into the mix. Elizabeth Taylor, Cher, and Diana Ross all made appearances, bringing star power and attention to what was still primarily an art fundraiser. She blurred the line between fashion and fine art—and in doing so, began the MET Gala’s long journey into pop cultural relevance.
Vreeland’s touch also gave the Gala an air of glamour and intellectualism. The exhibitions under her guidance were theatrical, immersive, and rooted in storytelling. It was no longer just about raising money—it was about making fashion matter.
Act III: Anna Wintour’s Era — Global Spectacle (1995–Present)
If Diana Vreeland gave the Gala its identity, Anna Wintour gave it its empire.
In 1995, Wintour—then editor-in-chief of Vogue—assumed the role of co-chair and began reshaping the MET Gala into a global cultural institution. Her influence turned the event into an elite convergence of fashion, celebrity, art, politics, and increasingly, digital influence.
Wintour implemented several changes:
- Pairing celebrities with designers: Each celebrity was typically escorted by a designer who created a custom look for the occasion, reinforcing fashion as collaborative storytelling.
- Tightening the guest list: The Gala became invite-only, with each attendee needing personal approval from Wintour herself.
- Ramping up the media presence: Photographers, journalists, and later, social media influencers were drawn in to capture every moment, from red carpet entrances to behind-the-scenes prep.
Under her watch, the Gala grew from a museum fundraiser to an event that routinely raises over $15 million annually for the Costume Institute. But more than just a fundraiser, it became a cultural thermometer—a night where fashion, identity, and power collided under one roof.
Thematic Brilliance: A Timeline of Iconic MET Gala Moments
Thematic consistency has become the Gala’s signature. Each year, the MET’s Costume Institute selects a theme that shapes the accompanying exhibition and red carpet looks. Some themes are tributes to designers, others explore fashion through philosophical, cultural, or aesthetic lenses.
Here are some standout years:
1999 — “Rock Style”
Blending music and fashion, this theme celebrated rock ‘n’ roll’s influence on style. It was one of the first themes that invited guests to experiment outside of traditional formalwear.
2006 — “AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion”
A clever mix of British tradition and rebellion. This theme embraced both the aristocratic and punk influences of British fashion, giving rise to some bold interpretations.
2011 — “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty”
This exhibition paid homage to the late McQueen’s hauntingly beautiful, avant-garde designs. The event was emotionally charged and widely regarded as one of the MET’s best shows ever.
2015 — “China: Through the Looking Glass”
Visually breathtaking and meticulously curated, this show celebrated Chinese culture’s influence on Western fashion, though it faced accusations of cultural appropriation.
2018 — “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”
Arguably the Gala’s most stunning event to date, it tackled Catholic iconography through high fashion. With help from the Vatican, it displayed papal garments and drew controversy for perceived irreverence.
2019 — “Camp: Notes on Fashion”
Inspired by Susan Sontag’s 1964 essay, this theme invited exaggeration, artifice, and irony. From Lady Gaga’s four outfit reveals to Billy Porter’s golden entrance on a litter, the red carpet became pure theater.
2022 — “In America: An Anthology of Fashion”
An attempt to center American fashion heritage. While less visually cohesive, it prompted deeper reflection on whose stories are told in fashion’s history.
Each theme provides a framework for guests and designers, but interpretation varies. Some play it safe, while others dive in headfirst. The public’s reaction—cheering, critiquing, or meme-ing—has become an essential part of the MET Gala’s yearly cycle.
The Red Carpet as Performance Art
Unlike awards shows, the MET Gala red carpet isn’t about elegance alone—it’s about making a statement.
From Rihanna’s golden Guo Pei gown (2015) to Zendaya’s Cinderella transformation (2019), some moments are so impactful they become embedded in fashion history. Other unforgettable appearances include:
- Jared Leto carrying a replica of his own head (2019)
- Katy Perry dressed as a chandelier—and then a burger (2019)
- Kim Kardashian’s “invisible” Mugler wet-look dress (2019), which reportedly took hours to craft and caused actual physical strain
The red carpet has evolved into performance art. Attendees aren’t just showing up—they’re embodying an idea, a character, a vision.
And in the social media era, the red carpet is often more anticipated than the exhibition itself. Each look is instantly dissected across Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Rankings, memes, think pieces, and photo edits go viral within minutes.
The MET Gala is no longer just a fashion event. It’s a digital experience, playing out in real time across screens worldwide.
Who Gets Invited? A Social Currency Check
One of the most mystifying aspects of the MET Gala is the guest list. Unlike traditional awards shows where invitations are based on nominations, the MET Gala is strictly by invitation only, and each name must be approved by Anna Wintour.
The invitees reflect fashion’s current power structure:
- Legacy celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Rihanna are regulars.
- Up-and-coming actors and models often receive their first invite as an industry stamp of approval.
- Designers usually attend alongside their celebrity muses.
- Pop stars, athletes, and influencers now sit comfortably alongside Hollywood royalty.
In recent years, the inclusion of YouTubers (like Emma Chamberlain), TikTokers, and Gen Z fashion influencers shows just how much the definition of “celebrity” has changed.
The MET Gala’s exclusivity—while part of its allure—also invites criticism. It’s often seen as elitist, especially when high-profile cultural figures are excluded or underrepresented. Still, the guest list is a reflection of influence in real time: who’s hot, who’s next, and who’s no longer relevant.
Controversy and Conversation: When Fashion Crosses a Line
With great visibility comes great scrutiny. Over the years, the MET Gala has faced several controversies:
- Cultural appropriation: Several themes have flirted with or outright crossed the line. The 2015 “China” theme and the 2017 “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons” show both sparked debates about Western fashion exploiting non-Western aesthetics.
- Religious sensitivity: 2018’s “Heavenly Bodies” drew backlash from Catholic groups for perceived blasphemy.
- Environmental concerns: In a world increasingly aware of fashion’s ecological footprint, the custom, one-time-use nature of MET Gala looks feels at odds with sustainability conversations. Designers like Stella McCartney and Gabriela Hearst have started pushing sustainable alternatives, and some celebs have worn archival or upcycled pieces in protest.
- Labor issues and gatekeeping: The invitation process remains opaque, and questions about who is allowed in—and who isn’t—continue to surface.
But controversy is also part of the MET Gala’s DNA. Like the best works of art, it provokes, questions, and reflects back the values of its time.
The COVID Pause and the New Era
In 2020, for the first time since its inception, the MET Gala was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The following year, it returned in September rather than its usual May date, with a scaled-back guest list and an American-themed show.
The pandemic-era Gala, though smaller, symbolized a cultural reboot. Fashion had changed. People were questioning luxury, labor, inclusivity, and excess. The MET Gala, too, seemed to be at a crossroads: could it evolve to meet this moment?
Subtle signs of change appeared:
- More diverse attendees and designers were represented.
- Emerging talents shared the carpet with icons.
- There was an increase in eco-conscious designs, signaling that fashion’s biggest night might also become its most thoughtful.
Looking Forward: What’s Next for the MET Gala?
As we look to the future, the MET Gala faces new questions:
- How will technology reshape it? With digital fashion, augmented reality, and even AI-generated garments on the rise, we may soon see virtual designs or metaverse extensions of the Gala.
- Can it balance spectacle with substance? As conversations about cultural appropriation, sustainability, and inclusivity intensify, the Gala will need to respond thoughtfully—not just visually.
- Will fashion remain the star? Or will celebrity culture, social media stunts, and corporate partnerships overshadow the artistry?
One thing is certain: the MET Gala will keep evolving. It has to. Fashion is change, after all. And the MET Gala, more than anything, is a stage where that change is on full display.
More Than a Ball
The MET Gala is not just a party. It’s a mirror—reflecting who we are, who we admire, and how we choose to express ourselves through clothes. From Eleanor Lambert’s elegant dinners to Anna Wintour’s curated red carpet parades, the Gala has gone from insider fundraiser to global obsession.
Yes, it’s excessive. Yes, it’s sometimes absurd. But it’s also powerful. It tells stories—of history, beauty, defiance, and imagination. And at its best, it reminds us that fashion isn’t frivolous. It’s a language. And on the first Monday of May, the MET Gala is its loudest, most lavish poem.
Ayerhs Magazine 