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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

WNBA Star Angel Reese Celebrates Birthday at Met Gala, Feels ‘Beautiful and Sexy’ in Plunging 16Arlington Dress

Reese made her Met Gala red carpet debut.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph Wears Gap Gown by Zac Posen for First Met Gala

Posen is the executive vice president and creative director of Gap Inc.

Mindy Kaling Blossoms in Sculptural Gaurav Gupta Dress Inspired by Billowing Flowers at Met Gala 2024

The actress's dress draws inspiration from blooming flowers

Matt Damon and Wife Luciana Opt for Complementary Dior Looks for Met Gala 2024 Red Carpet

Luciana fashioned a dress from Dior Couture's spring 2022 collection.

Keke Palmer Shines in Draped Sequin Marc Jacobs Dress at Met Gala 2024

The actress adds a dash of sparkle to her ensemble with subtle touches of glitter makeup

Gigi Hadid Blooms in Romantic Thom Browne Dress With 3D Petals for Met Gala 2024 Red Carpet

Hadid was assisted by stylist Mimi Cuttrell.

Blackpink’s Jennie Goes Electric Blue in Alaïa Minidress on Met Gala 2024 Red Carpet

This is Jennie's second year on the Met Gala.

Lauren Sanchez Makes Met Gala Debut With New Look and Stained Glass Oscar de la Renta Gown

Her custom dress was inspired by Oscar de la Renta's fall 2024 collection.

Best Jewelry at the Met Gala 2024: Jennifer Lopez in Tiffany & Co., Ayo Edebiri in Boucheron and More

Celebrities looked to jewelers like Tiffany & Co., Boucheron, Chopard and more to add sparkle to their Met…

Steve O Smith Dresses Eddie Redmayne in Cy Twombly-inspired Emsemble at Met Gala

The emerging British fashion designer counts Cate Blanchett and Harry Styles as supporters for his…

Demi Moore Goes Sculptural in Harris Reed Dress With 3D Thorns and Wallpaper Flowers at Mat Gala 2024

The actress' gown used hidden boning to create a corset-like bodice that extended into a three-dimensional…

Rita Ora Wears Beaded Marni Dress for the Met Gala 2024 Red Carpet With Taika Waititi

The singer was accompanied by her husband on the red carpet.

Bad Bunny, Colman Domingo and More of the Met Gala Men in Custom and High-Fashion Looks

Male celebrities gave unique twists on classic menswear at the annual gala.

Sarah Jessica Parker Brings Ladylike Glamour to Met Gala 2024 in Richard Quinn Caged Dress

The actress posed with Andy Cohen on the red carpet.

Tyla Embraces Sculptural Inspiration in Sand-like Balmain Dress for Met Gala 2024 Red Carpet

The Grammy winner attended her first Met Gala on Monday night.