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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

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The annual after party at the Boom Boom Room, this year hosted by Janelle Monáe and featuring Kaytranada…

Bad Bunny Goes Backless in Jacquemus Suit With Dramatic Floral Train on Met Gala 2023 Red Carpet

The musician walked the red carpet in a custom all-white Jacquemus ensemble.

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From old Hollywood glamour to prosthetic makeup — the Met Gala 2023's brightest beauty looks ran the…

Inside the Karl Lagerfeld Met Gala After Party at The Mark

Jared Leto walked through the party, cat costume head held high, while other guests debuted an outfit change.

Tommy Hilfiger Wears Karl Lagerfeld’s Shirt to the Met Gala 2023

Tommy Hilfiger shares the story behind his Met Gala look, which features a shirt Karl Lagerfeld gifted him…

How Celebrities Wore Chanel’s Signature Camellia Flower at Met Gala 2023: Anne Hathaway’s Floral Bra Cups, Olivia Rodrigo’s Blooming Bodice and More

Rihanna and Cardi B took floral appliques to the max.

Met Gala 2023’s Best Jewelry Looks: Dua Lipa in Tiffany & Co., Priyanka Chopra in Bulgari Blue Diamonds and More

Custom couture would be nothing without a little extra sparkle.

Walking Through The Met’s Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty Exhibit

WWD gets an inside look at The Met’s Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty…

Serena Williams and Karlie Kloss Reveal Baby Bumps Covered in Pearls on Met Gala Red Carpet, Confirm Pregnancies

Williams was accompanied by her husband Alexis Ohanian, and Kloss was joined by her husband Joshua Kushner.

Doja Cat Embodies Choupette on Met Gala Red Carpet 2023 With Prosthetic Feline Face in Custom Oscar de la Renta Dress

The rapper's crystallized gown embodied Karl Lagerfeld's beloved cat.

Kim Kardashian Wears 50,000 Pearls in Schiaparelli Chain Dress at Met Gala 2023

The entrepreneur wore an ensemble that took over 1,000 hours to make, with 50,000 freshwater pearls and over…

Best Dressed at the Met Gala 2023

The best looks from fashion's biggest night.

Dua Lipa Channels Claudia Schiffer in Chanel Bridal Look With Tiffany & Co. Statement Necklace on Met Gala Red Carpet 2023

Lipa donned a look previously worn by supermodel Claudia Schiffer.

Chloe Fineman Brings Choupette to Met Gala Red Carpet 2023 With Pink Feline Evening Bag and Custom Wiederhoeft Dress

The actress was accompanied by media personality Derek Blasberg to this year's soirée.

La La Anthony Elevates ’60s Dressing in One-shouldered Sergio Hudson Gown with Bead Embellished Cat-eye Sunglasses to 2023 Met Gala

The entrepreneur paired the gown with gold statement jewelry and a retro-style updo.