What is the met gala and how do i get to the event?

On May 6, New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art will host the Met Gala. This is Costume Institude’s annual fundraising party and only those with an invitation are eligible to attend.

What is the met gala and how do i get to the event?

The Met Gala is more than just an opportunity for us to admire great designs on the red carpet. But it has even greater meanings than that.

Is the Met Gala a mere fashion party?

Incorrect. The Met Gala is actually a fundraiser for The Costume Institute. It is the only curatorial division of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) in New York that has to finance its own operations. The gala was its biggest fundraiser yet.

The event was originally named Party of the Year. But only recently has it lived up to that name.

From 1948 to 1971, the event was held at the Waldorf Astoria or Rainbow Room. Guests are invited to enjoy fine dining. Forms of entertainment include “satire, raffles, and beauty contests in historical costumes”. The records of the museum so noted.

How has Vogue changed the Met Gala?

Former Vogue editor Diana Vreeland became a consultant for the Met Gala in 1972. She brought a new look to the Costume Institute.

Diana Vreeland has organized the most popular exhibitions in history. She then used the gala dinner as an opening ceremony. Her subjects are strange and far-reaching. Examples are The Glory of Russian Costume , La Belle Époque , The World of Balenciaga . All are meticulously recreated and no detail is overlooked.

Since then, the gala has become the opening party for the exhibitions. It is also an event that brings together designers, industry insiders and big stars.

What is the Met Gala and why is this event associated with celebrity images?

Anna Wintour, current Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, assumed the presidency of the Met Gala in 1999. She shifted the Met Gala’s focus to celebrities. Guests include co-chairs and A-list honorary stars. Besides, there are emerging stars in the media to attract more attention to the event.

“Mrs Wintour used a profound understanding of fashion, and of her own role in that universe. From there, she turned a downgraded social event into a red carpet storm. It surpasses the Oscars, at least in terms of fashion,” wrote New York Times fashion critic Cathy Horyn in 2006.

Does the Met Gala always take place on the first Monday in May?

Not quite right.

Since its birth, the Met Gala is usually held in late November or early December.

Everything changed when the Costume Institute had disagreements with Chanel. By arrangement, Chanel would exhibit Coco Chanel’s designs in the fall-winter of 2000. But then the institute’s chief curator, Mr. Richard Martin, died in November 1999. The institute said that there will not be enough time to design the exhibition as it should. Besides, the Institute also had a controversy with former creative director Karl Legerfeld about creativity as well as financial sponsorship.

After a disagreement with Chanel, the 2000 exhibition was pushed back to 2001, held in the summer. The 2001 exhibition revolved around the style of former US first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. And so the opening party was also moved to April 2001. Therefore, from 2001 to 2004, the gala was held at the end of April.

Finally, in 2005, the first Monday in May was set as the date for the annual gala dinner. The Met Museum also reconciled with Chanel when choosing the French fashion house’s outfit as the title of the exhibition that year.

For many years, the Met Gala was completely unorganized. For example, in 1963, after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy; in 1999, when curator Richard Martin died; 2002, one year after the 9/11 terrorist attacks; and in 2000 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

How to join this fashion party?

Remember that the Met Gala is a fundraiser. Therefore, you will have to pay to join the party.

First, a $30,000 entry ticket. To cover a full table, it costs from 200,000 to 300,000 USD.

Fashion brands are often the unit paying for the party table. At that time, they will invite their stars or VVIP customers to participate. Those invited to attend do not have to pay for tickets, but on the contrary, they will have to wear the brand’s clothes that have invited them.

There are some young fashion designers who do not have to pay for their tickets, if they are appreciated by Mrs. Anna Wintour and are sponsored by her to participate in the event. Here, she will introduce and connect them with potential customers, helping them develop their personal brands.

If you wonder, who is willing to pay such a large amount of money just to go to a party, the answer is because this is the most epic networking party for the global fashion and entertainment world. Here, young designers will meet influential stars, hoping that they will help promote their brands.

Stars can meet politicians or oligarchs outside the industry – such as former US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Princess Diana, or businessman Donald Trump. In 2004, Donald Trump proposed to his wife Melania at the Met Gala himself!

Of course, not everyone with the budget can afford to attend the Met Gala. Usually, the guest list is pre-determined. Only those who have the most achievements in their field, whether it’s fashion, painting, music, sports… are noticed. And Mrs. Anna Wintour is the final decision maker.