What is the Met Gala? On fashion’s biggest night
The Met Gala is fashion’s biggest night, but what is it? And why do celebs wear elaborate (and sometimes just plain weird) dresses? Us weekly has provided you with answers to all your burning questions about the Met Gala.
What is the Met Gala?
The Met Gala is a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. The event, also known as The Costume Institute Benefit, is the “Principal source of funding for the Costume Institute for exhibitions, publications, acquisitions, operations, and capital improvements,” according to The Met. .
Lily James poses on the red carpet for the Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art celebrating the opening of “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” at the Costume Institute on May 2, 2022 in New York City.
John Angelillo/UPI/ShutterstockHow is the Met Gala theme chosen?
Each year, the theme corresponds to the Spring Exhibition of the Costume Institute. In 2023 the exhibition “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” will be celebrated. “The posthumous exhibition ‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty’ (opening May 5) will highlight the German fashion designer’s unique working methodology and examine his stylistic vocabulary through the aesthetic themes explored in his work during his stints at Chanel, Fendi and its returning namesake brand, Karl Lagerfeld and more,” the Met said in a press release.
Attendees are expected to honor the late fashion designer with their evening wear.
Why Are Met Gala Outfits So Weird?
It’s all about the topic. In 2019, the exhibit was “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” which encouraged stars to embrace their cheesiest looks yet. zendaya walked like Cinderella, Jared Leto wore a Gucci prosthetic of his own head and Katy Perry was a chandelier before morphing into a couture hamburger costume. Even if the theme is less offbeat, the Costume Institute benefits, so designers are keen to push the boundaries and take creative risks.
When is the Met Gala?
The Met Gala is usually held on the first Monday in May. It marks the opening of the new Costume Institute exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Monday is Broadway’s “dark” day, meaning most Broadway theaters are closed. This almost guarantees that theater stars and theatergoers will be available – a key element of a legendary New York City event.
Arrivals begin at 5:30 p.m. ET and may continue until 9:30 p.m. ET.
Katy Perry arrives on the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit camp “Camp: Notes on Fashion” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2019 in New York City.
John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock (Where is the Met Gala?
The event takes place on Fifth Avenue at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City’s Upper East Side. Attendees walk the red carpet and climb the iconic steps before enjoying dinner at the venue. (The museum is closed every first Monday in May for the event.)
Who can attend the Met Gala?
It’s a fundraiser, so the Met Gala’s 400 or so attendees donate big bucks to the museum or come on behalf of a benefactor. Celebrities are often invited by fashion houses who pay for full tables at the Met. Tables start at $300,000 for the 2023 event, according to The New York Timeswhile individuals can purchase their own tickets for $50,000.
Can anyone with the money buy tickets to the Met Gala?
NO. Anna Wintourwho has served as Chair since 1995 has the last word on the entire guest list.