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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

3D Florals Are Trending on the Met Gala 2024 Red Carpet

Karlie Kloss, Nicki Minaj and more stars who channeled the sculptural trend.

Elle Fanning Puts Icy Spin on Met Gala 2024’s Theme in ‘Crystal’ Balmain Gown With Sculpted Birds Holding Up the Sleeves

Fanning's look seemed to directly reference J.G. Ballard's 1962 short story "The Garden of Time."

Shakira Is a Red Rose in Carolina Herrera for Met Gala 2024 Red Carpet

The singer was accompanied by the brand's creative director Wes Gordon.

Cardi B Makes Dramatic Arrival in Voluminous Black Windowsen Dress That Covered Met Gala 2024’s Entire Red Carpet

Cardi B was assisted by her longtime stylist, Kollin Carter.

Blackpink’s Jennie, Kylie Jenner, Nicole Kidman and More Depart for the Met Ball From the Mark Hotel

Among the first to exit was La La Anthony, who shot content before shuffling off to the red carpet.

EXCLUSIVE: Stella McCartney and Vrai Team on Sustainable Fine Jewelry Collection for the Met Gala

The collaboration was debuted on the Met Gala red carpet on the likes of Cara Delevingne, Ed Sheeran and…

EXCLUSIVE: Karlie Kloss, Imaan Hammam and Anok Yai Embody ‘The Garden of Time’ in Custom Swarovski Looks for 2024 Met Gala

Each model's crystal-embellished look is meant to reflect an element of nature. 

Kylie Jenner Shines in Oscar de la Renta Dress With Pointed Bra Cups on Met Gala 2024 Red Carpet

The reality star was styled by Alexandra and Mackenzie Grandquist.

Emily Ratajkowski Goes Sheer and Backless in Crystallized Atelier Versace Dress for Met Gala 2024 Red Carpet

Ratajkowski's look debuted at Atelier Versace's fall 2001 show.

Pregnant Lea Michele Reawakens Maternity Dressing in Bold Blue Rodarte Dress at Met Gala 2024

The "Funny Girl" actress walked the red carpet in a floor-length gown.

Sheer Dresses Are Trending at Met Gala 2024 With Jennifer Lopez in Schiaparelli, Emily Ratajkowski in Atelier Versace and More Embracing See-through Looks

Many members of the gala's star-studded guest list integrated sheer materials into their "Garden of…

Kim Kardashian Makes a Shining Entrance in Metal Lace Margiela Gown for Met Gala 2024 Red Carpet

Kim's look evoked a design from John Galliano's first couture collection for Maison Margiela as creative…

Daniel Lee Talks Dressing Bright, Barry Keoghan, Naomi Campbell, Lewis Hamilton at Met Gala

The Burberry chief creative officer brought British flair to this year's event with a star-studded lineup…

Cardi B Wears Chinese Designer Windowsen for Met Gala

In the eyes of brand founder Sensen Lii, "Garden of Time" means fertile and black soil used for planting…

Stylish Couples on the Met Gala 2024 Red Carpet: Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, and More Stars

See some of the most stylish couples on the 2024 Met Gala red carpet.