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 $50 when the event first started.
Met Gala looks often go viral on social media — Rihanna's 2015 yellow fur trim Guo Pei robe is one example. Other notable looks have included Lady Gaga's four-in-one Brandon Maxwell outfit-change moment in 2019, and 2023, when Doja Cat dressed as a cat (channeling the theme, "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty," with a look inspired by Lagerfeld's beloved cat, Choupette).
Met Gala
Lil Nas X Gets Bedazzled in Swarovski Crystals and Pearls in Allover Silver Look on Met Gala Red Carpet 2023
The musician worked with artist Pat McGrath to body paint and bedazzle his whole body.
Nicole Kidman Rewears Chanel No. 5 Dress From 2004 Commercial on Met Gala Red Carpet 2023 With Keith Urban
Kidman was a campaign model for the brand in the early 2000s, marking a turning point in Chanel's…
Jennifer Lopez’s Met Gala 2023 Ralph Lauren Dress Gets a Dramatic Twist With Fascinator and Sweeping Bow Train
Lopez's spouse, Ben Affleck, was noticeably absent.
WWD Recommends
Gisele Bündchen Twirls at Met Gala 2023 in Sparkling Chanel Couture Dress on Red Carpet
Bündchen previously wore the gown in an editorial photographed by Karl Lagerfeld.
Cardi B Channels Karl Lagerfeld in Chen Peng Studio Dress With Dramatic Camellia Skirt on Met Gala 2023 Red Carpet
The rapper paired the ensemble with black opera gloves and a statement black headband.
Rita Ora Goes Edgy at Met Gala 2023 in Sheer 3D Floral Prabal Gurung Gown with Dramatic Train
The singer arrived alongside her husband, filmmaker Taika Waititi.
Rihanna Makes Blooming Arrival in 3D Camellia Valentino Hooded Dress at Met Gala 2023 With A$AP Rocky
The singer made a highly-anticipated arrival at the event, with her partner A$AP Rocky by her side.
Carla Bruni, Roger Federer Help Unveil Karl Lagerfeld Exhibition at The Met
A few hundred media types were on hand for Monday morning's official opening.
A Walk-through of The Met’s ‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty’ With Chief Curator Andrew Bolton
The exhibition opens to the public Friday and will run through July 16.
Met Gala Honors Late Fashion Design Icon Karl Lagerfeld
The Costume Institute's spring exhibition "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty" is a tribute to the late German…
The Met Store is All About Karl Lagerfeld
On Monday, The Met Store will roll out a sundry of items inspired by the designer.
Upper East Side Hotels and Stores Counting on Met Gala to Spike Business
The Costume Institute's spring exhibition, "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty," is expected to drum up…
How The Carlyle Prepares for the Met Gala
The Carlyle is one of the main locations where celebrities stay for the Met Gala. So what does it take to…
Karl Lagerfeld’s Unusual Diet Included 10 Cans of Diet Coke a Day: A Look Back at His Quirky Weight Loss Book
The late designer authored a book about his eating habits in 2004.
The Most Viral Met Gala Moments and Memes Through the Years
The annual event is a hotbed for internet fodder.