Occurring on the first Monday of every May, the Met Gala originated as a humble fundraising gala for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York). Now more commonly referred to as the “Met” Gala, this function is one of the most riveting events in the world of luxury. It was originally initiated by Eleanor Lambert in 1948 as a charity dinner with a fifty dollar entrance fee in hopes of encouraging New York’s elite to donate money towards the museum. However, after being taken over by Anna Wintour, fashion icon and editor-in-chief of Vogue, the Met Gala transformed into one of the most grand occasions of the year–a night filled with entertainment and the appreciation of exotic, gorgeous garments from the world’s greatest fashion designers.
Left: Anna Wintour Middle: Eleanor Lambert Right: Rihanna
Perhaps one of the enticing factors to the Gala is how exclusive it is. The guest list is usually limited down to only 750 people–the biggest names in music, Hollywood, athletics, fashion, etc. (with even Princess Diana making an appearance in 1996)–and everyone has to be approved by Anna Wintour herself. Common guests include: Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Tom Ford, and many more. Aside from the selective guest list, a ticket to attend the Met Gala costs a whopping $30,000 while a table costs $275,000. Oftentimes, fashion brands, such as Gucci, may purchase these tables and then sponsor guests to wear their designs on the red carpet.
Speaking of the red carpet, the Met Gala is probably most well known for the extravagant outfits and gowns fashioned by celebrities, usually all coordinating to a specific theme. Themes in the past have included: Punk: Chaos to Couture (2013), China: Through the Looking Glass (2015), and Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination (2018). Each year, the Costume Institute (which the event funds) also displays an exhibit in the museum following that theme, which is open to the public for several months.
Exhibits at the Met Gala
Discussion Questions:
It you were to be invited to the Met Gala, what would you wear?
What is one of your favourite outfits from the Met Gala?
