CFOs Take Center Stage at Global Fashion Summit
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
Coco Jones Brought $235,600 Worth of Tanzanian Spinels and Sapphires to the Met Gala Steps
She wore a dramatic Prabal Gurung dress on the red carpet with Mimi So jewelry.
Getting Ready With Louisa Jacobson in Dilara for 2026 Met Gala
The "Gilded Age" actress wore custom looks designed by Dilara Findikoglu for the gala and after parties.
Getting Ready With Gabrielle Union Wade in Michael Kors for the 2026 Met Gala
Inside The Pierre hotel with the power couple as they got ready for the 2026 Met Gala.
WWD Recommends
Janelle Monáe Embraces Gaurav Gupta’s Cast Metal Detailing for Met Gala After Party
The look hails from Gupta's spring 2025 couture collection.
The Naked Foot Is Having a Moment: Chanel Started It, And Doechii and Rihanna Took It to the Met Gala
From Chanel's runway to the Met Gala red carpet, designers and celebrities are stripping footwear down to…
A$AP Rocky, Janelle Monae and More at Boom at the Standard Met Gala After Party
Luke Evans, Janelle Monáe and more attended the notorious Boom Met Gala after party, this year hosted by…
NBA Star Jimmy Butler Wears Head-to-toe Alo to Met Gala, Including Patent Leather Sneakers
His Met Gala debut came in Alo's Sunset Sneaker.
Date Night on the 2026 Met Gala Red Carpet: Ciara and Russell Wilson, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky and More
A look at all the couples who made the Met Gala a high-profile date night.
With Her Valentino Met Gala Look, Tessa Thompson Is Firmly in Her Blue Era
Behind the scenes with the "Fear of 13" Broadway star as she got ready for the 2026 Met Gala.
Getting Ready With A’ja Wilson in Atelier Prabal Gurung for 2026 Met Gala
A'ja Wilson's custom gilded atelier Prabal Gurung gown for the 2026 Met Gala carpet emulated the WNBA…
The Best Shoes at the 2026 Met Gala: Sabrina Carpenter, Tyla and More
Statement heels dominated the 2026 Met Gala red carpet as stars like Sabrina Carpenter embraced the style.
Best Beauty at the 2026 Met Gala: Anok Yai, Beyoncé and More
Zoë Kravitz, Emma Chamberlain and more brought bleached brows and melting makeup to the annual affair in…
Margot Robbie Goes Gilded in Gold Chanel for Met Gala 2026 Red Carpet
The 'Wuthering Heights' star serves as an ambassador to the French luxury fashion house.
Sabrina Carpenter Nods to Old Hollywood With ‘Sabrina’ Movie-inspired Filmstrip Dress
The custom piece was designed by Jonathan Anderson of Dior.
Sudha Reddy Brings Manish Malhotra’s ‘Tree of Life’ Couture and a $15 Million Tanzanite Necklace to the 2026 Met Gala
The billionaire philanthropist returned to the Met Gala in a custom look that took more than 3,459 hours and…