Meet The Sensational World of The Met Gala

The Met gala is usually known for the extravagant and priceless looks. From Princess Diana ruling the hearts in Dior (1995) to Kim K’s iconic skin tight Mugler to Billy porters wings or even the numerous costume changes Gaga had (2019), the viewers are here for it. Forget watching the fashion shows, MET is the ultimate test of designers for couture off the catwalk. Only the elite list of people approved by Wintour attend the event. Each ticket to the MET reportedly costs more than 30,000$ and the tables are just over $275000.

Lets start from 1948, shall we. Met Gala which was earlier referred to as Costume Institute Gala or the Costume Institute Benefit and also as the Met Ball, is not your typical Manhattan Fundraising Gala. Started by Eleanor Lambert and now hosted by Vogue, Met Gala raises money for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum Of Art’s Costume Institute In New York City. Each year’s theme is based on celebrating that year’s Costume Institute Exhibition. Met and money go along really well. Under Anna Wintour’s leadership Met has managed to raise above $200 million since 1995. Met gala wasn’t always this glamourous as it is now. It was held at Central Park, Waldorf- Astoria and even the Rainbow Room. Although the guest list still consisted of the high society. But once the event was handed over to vogue, it became more celebrity centric and it the city’s elite.

It is now considered to be the couture industry’s red carpet moment with the fundraising on the side. The event happens on the first Monday of May. Each year the event includes a cocktail hour to let the guest arrive, have their pictures taken, get to know each other, tour the exhibit and socialise and be seated before the dinner party for that year’s entertainment. This is then followed by a formal dinner. The Met is nothing without its rules. A pre- determined no. of 225 approved photographers, reporters, and social media participants are allowed. Also there is a strict restriction on selfies and social media inside the event.

Not everyone pays for the ticket though. Sometimes a brand buys the whole table and invites celebrities and models who would also be wearing their dresses to sit at its table. Apart from that, Ms. Wintour also invites fresh upcoming designers to make them known. It is the gold standard of parties. Met is a hub for all fashion lovers to gauge their eyes out. The clothes are outrageously extravagant and very expensive. Imagine the secret societies of gossip girl where no one could get in and there was no way of finding out what goes on in the inside. Well that’s basically Met for you, just 10 folds expensive and glamourous.

The Met Gala unfortunately couldn’t be held last year due to the pandemic and there’s still doubt about it happening this year. This is definitely a big loss for the world of luxury fashion, style and for all people who like a bit of spice in their lives.