It began in 1948 as a midnight society dinner and wasn’t held at the Met.
Now, it’s been 70 years since the Met Gala. This event is unique because of its head-spinning red-carpet — although the famous steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s carpet aren’t always red. Rihanna is a bejeweled pope. Zendaya plays Cinderella in a light-up dress. Katy Perry transforms into a chandelier. Also, Beyonce is in her “naked” dress. Kim Kardashian is in a bodysuit that covers her face. Billy Porter, an Egyptian sun god was carried on a litter of six shirtless men. Lady Gaga’s 16-minute striptease.
The Met Gala remains a fundraiser. Last year, it raised $16.4 million for Met Costume Institute. It also launches the annual Spring Fashion Exhibit that brings in hundreds of thousands of people to the museum.
It’s the Met Gala itself that draws attention to the world, which is now viewable online. The Met Gala carpet has a guest list that was strategically withheld until the last moment — a mix of celebrities from music, movies, and politics that makes it the most celebrity wattage per square foot party in the world.
Here’s a primer for the 2022 Met gala which will be held on May 2nd:
AGAIN, ALREADY?
Yes, this was done in the fall. The Met’s Costume Institute annual fundraiser is held on the first Monday of May. However, due to the pandemic, the gala was moved to September.
WHO’S HOSTING THE 2022 MET GALA?
This year’s hosts are Regina King, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
September’s host list included Naomi Osaka, Naomi Osaka, Billie Eilish and Amanda Gorman.
Vogue’s Anna Wintour will be overseeing the entire thing as she has been since the ’90s. She is joined by Tom Ford, designer, and Adam Mosseri, Instagram head.
IS THERE A THEME FOR THE MET GALA?
Yes. This year’s Met Gala theme is “Gilded Glamour, White-tie”, guests were told.
The gala’s sartorial theme is “In America: A Anthology of Fashion”, which is the second part of Andrew Bolton’s 2-part show that explores the roots of American fashion.
This event will feature some less-known designers and also top film directors like Sofia Coppola, Martin Scorsese and host King. Last year’s Oscar winner Chloe Zhao will be there. You can expect grand fashion in the American Wing’s period rooms. It’s not so.
DO YOU ALL FOLLOW THE META GALA THEME?
It’s not true. Some people just want to go big and wild. Some guests will have done extensive research on the theme and will be able to connect with the exhibit. You can expect some guests to have thoroughly researched the exhibit and will be able to communicate with the exhibit.
