The Metropolitan Museum of Art will host its famous Met Gala on May 6, 2024, to raise funds for The Costume Institute, kicking off the latest costume exhibition titled “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” with a dress code of “The Garden of Time.” The gala was transformed into a society event by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, making it one of the most visible and successful charity events in the world. Guests at the Met Gala flock to New York City on the first Monday in May to showcase collaborations with famous designers and brands that take months to create, with each year following a specific theme that reflects the current cultural moment.
Anna Wintour has curated the guest list for the Met Gala to align with the theme of the exhibition, resulting in memorable pop culture moments, such as Rihanna’s Chinese cape in 2015 and Lady Gaga’s reveals at the 2019 Camp-themed gala. The event has become a focus for fashion enthusiasts, critics, and consumers who review the red carpet to understand the efforts that go into preparing for the gala. Many attendees spend hours on their hair, makeup, and styling at the Mark Hotel, where influencers like Hanan Besovic create social content before the arrivals. Once the gala-goers step out of the hotel, they are greeted by fans and press eager to catch a glimpse of their attire before they line up by the museum’s steps.
Following the red carpet, most of what happens inside the Met Gala is not recorded, with tickets being expensive and brands buying out tables for the event. The evening typically includes a dinner and a performance, often involving renowned artists like Cher, Rihanna, Madonna, and Lady Gaga. Inside information about the gala is usually exclusive to Vogue, with the publication offering a preview of the dinner portion guided by past iconic gatherings. While pictures are not allowed inside the event, snippets from social media, including viral bathroom videos and selfies taken by celebrities, provide glimpses of what goes on inside the gala.
After the gala ends, guests typically attend after-parties around New York City, with the Standard Hotel’s “Boom Boom Room” hosting A-listers in past years. Designers also release fashion moments at the after-parties, such as American designer Brandon Maxwell adapting model Karlie Kloss’s gown into a mini for the post-gala festivities in 2016. This year, designers Jean Paul Gaultier and Shayne Oliver will debut a capsule collection featuring about 50 pieces in a collaboration. The allure of the Met Gala extends beyond the event itself, capturing the attention of a global audience and showcasing the creativity and glamour of the fashion industry.
