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Harris Reed and Iman attend the 2021 Met Gala in Dolce & Gabbana x Harris Reed
Harris Reed and Iman stun in Dolce & Gabbana x Harris pieces inspired by "ballroom culture in America's golden age" Taylor Hill/WireImage

Met Gala

Since 1948, the Met Gala has served as the primary fundraiser for the Met Museum's Costume Institute. Fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert, the woman behind Press Week (which morphed into New York Fashion Week), established the Met Gala, which marks the opening of the annual Costume Institute exhibit.  

In 1972, Diana Vreeland, the former editor in chief of Vogue, became a consultant for the Costume Institute. Under her tenure, more celebrities — including Cher, Liza Minnelli and Elizabeth Taylor — began attending the themed gala, alongside the New York society set.  

Anna Wintour became lead chair in 1995, and has held the reins since then — save for 1996, when fashion editor Liz Tilberis led the event. Wintour curates the guest list herself, approving attendees. Condé Nast, where Wintour is chief content officer, sponsors the event. 

The Met Gala has been graced by many designers, including Marc Jacobs, Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons and Karl Lagerfeld, and A-list celebrities, including Rihanna, Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. 

The elaborate red carpet moments really started in 2004, when the theme was “Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century.” That year, model and actress Amber Valletta wore a Marie Antoinette punk rock-inspired look that year, with a nude corset by Maggie Norris Couture and skirt by John Galliano, complete with an 18th-century hairstyle. 

Since 2005, the Met Gala has been held the first Monday in May, with exceptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2023, tickets to the event cost $50,000, versus $50 when the event first started. 

Met Gala looks often go viral on social media — Rihanna's 2015 yellow fur trim Guo Pei robe is one example. Other notable looks have included Lady Gaga's four-in-one Brandon Maxwell outfit-change moment in 2019, and 2023, when Doja Cat dressed as a cat (channeling the theme, "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty," with a look inspired by Lagerfeld's beloved cat, Choupette). 

Met Gala

Best Beauty at the Met Gala 2025

Taking cues from the theme celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," hair, makeup and grooming took an…

Lorde Goes Strapless and Backless in Thom Browne for 2025 Met Gala Red Carpet

The singer embraced feminine flair at the menswear-inspired event.

Diana Ross Wears Dramatic 18-foot Shawl, Tracee Ellis Ross Plays With Proportions in Marc Jacobs for Met Gala 2025 Red Carpet

Evan Ross also attended the event.

Pinstripes Are Trending on the Met Gala 2025 Red Carpet: Alicia Keys in Moncler, Teyana Taylor in Ruth E. Carter Dress and More Looks

See how the style is connected to the Met Gala's "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" theme.

Sabrina Carpenter Reaches New Heights in Burgundy Louis Vuitton Platform Heels on the Met Gala 2025 Red Carpet

Carpenter's full look paid homage to the Met's 2025 theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."

A Closer Look at Damson Idris’ Racing-inspired Tommy Hilfiger Look for the Met Gala

The actor arrived at the red carpet on Monday in a APXGP race car. Here, see sketches and details of his two…

Bodysuits Are Trending on the Met Gala 2025 Red Carpet: Sabrina Carpenter and Lisa in Louis Vuitton, Doja Cat in Marc Jacobs and More Looks

See all the bodysuits on the 2025 Met Gala red carpet.

Naomi Campbell Talks Met Gala and André Leon Talley

The supermodel spoke of the former Vogue editor-at-large's lasting influence on young creatives and culture.

Simone Biles Wears Harbison Studio for Met Gala 2025 Red Carpet

Biles attended the event alongside husband Jonathan Owens.

Sha’Carri Richardson on Tapping Into ‘Black Women Power’ With Her Met Gala Look

The track and field Olympic gold medalist spoke with WWD about her look by Valentino's Alessandro Michele…

Zendaya Goes All White in Supremely Tailored Suit and 6-Inch Jimmy Choo Platform Shoes for Met Gala 2025 Red Carpet

The sandal includes an open toe.

Spike Lee Does as Spike Lee Does by Wearing Air Jordan 3s to the Met Gala

The director wore the Air Jordan 3 "Black Cat" while also repping his New York Knicks.

Coco Jones Wears Manish Malhorta for Met Gala 2025 Red Carpet

Jones coordinated her look with Jimmy Choo shoes.

Halle Berry Makes a Sheer Statement in LaQuan Smith Dress on the Met Gala 2025 Red Carpet

Berry completed her "Superfine" look with a tailored, cropped jacket.

Savannah James Brings Drama and Pinstripes to the Met Gala 2025 Red Carpet in Custom Hanifa Dress

LeBron James, this year's honorary chair and husband of Savannah, couldn't attend the event due to a knee…