New York City socialite Julie Macklowe is set to break the number one rule of the Met Gala by criticizing the annual event in an upcoming podcast episode. Macklowe describes the gala as a "giant s**t show" that lacks star power, with an increasing number of influencers attending rather than A-list celebrities. She also mentions that people attending the gala seem to be more focused on wearing revealing clothing, rather than showcasing high fashion. Macklowe herself has a history of appearing naked in Vogue for an ad promoting her skincare line, vbeauté.
Despite Macklowe’s criticism, the Met Gala has traditionally been a star-studded event with A-list celebrities like Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Beyonce in attendance. Socialites including Elyse Newhouse and Gillian and Sylvester Miniter have also frequented the gala, along with influencers like Addison Rae, Dixie D’Amelio, and Emma Chamberlain. Macklowe, who is married to wealthy developer Billy Macklowe, has not attended the event since 2019, but recounts a memorable encounter with Jeff Bezos that year. She owns an eponymous single-malt whiskey brand and is not concerned about the consequences of speaking badly about the event.
Other celebrities have also voiced their negative opinions about the Met Gala. Comedian Amy Schumer described it as people pretending to have conversations while dressed up and behaving inauthentically. Singer Demi Lovato complained about mean girls and the air of fakeness at the event, while Tia Fey famously referred to it as a "jerk parade." Despite these criticisms, the allure of the Met Gala remains strong for many, with tickets priced between $30,000 to $50,000 and tables costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The Met Gala is a highly exclusive event that requires an invitation and approval from Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour herself. Designers who purchase tables are allowed to invite their guests, but Wintour has the final say on who attends. A source revealed that if Wintour does not approve of a guest, they will not be invited to the event. This strict approval process ensures that only the most elite and respected individuals are in attendance at the gala. Despite Macklowe’s criticism and those of other celebrities, the Met Gala remains a coveted and prestigious event in the fashion world.
