Every year, fashion industry elites, celebrities, and major designers gather at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City for a night of celebration and showstopping looks. It’s an event full of glitz and glamor, with looks that rival those on the runway.
If you’re new to the Met Gala or want to know more about it, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss what the Met Gala is, who attends, what’s expect from attendees when it comes to attire. As well as some of our favorite looks from past galas. Get ready to take a deep dive into all things Met Gala so you can be fully prepar for fashion’s biggest night of the year!
What Is the Met Gala?
The Met Gala is one of the most exclusive events in the fashion world. It’s an annual fundraising event hosted by the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute to benefit the museum’s programming and endowment.
The gala was founded in 1948 and it’s often refer to as the “Oscars of fashion.” Every year, celebrities, designers, models, and other famous faces come together for an unforgettable night of red carpet looks and lavish parties held in honor of a different theme that serves as the night’s main focus.
At this high-profile event. Celebrities don their most over-the-top red carpet looks—often designed by a top designer—and enjoy a night filled with art appreciation and celebration. In addition to the red carpet arrivals, guests at the event can expect live music entertainment. Dinner followed by late-night desserts and drinks. As well as unique art installation experiences throughout the evening.
The History of the Met Gala
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual Costume Institute Gala. Aka the Met Gala, is often refer to as the “Oscars of fashion”. It’s an annual fundraising event for the museum’s Costume Institute, which celebrates and promotes knowledge of costume and fashion history.
The event was first started in 1948 by Eleanor Lambert. A fashion publicist, who wanted to raise funds for the newly-established Costume Institute. The first guests to attend were some of New York’s elite fashion designers like Cristóbal Balenciaga and Marlene Dietrich.
Today, the Met Gala is one of the biggest red-carpet events in fashion. It brings together major celebrities and dignitaries from all over the world for a night of music, art, and glamor. Every year there is a different theme chosen by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour—the hostess with the mostess—which dictates not just what gowns and tuxes they wear but also how they style their looks. From religious iconography to gender fluidity to punk anarchy, each year brings something new.
The Dress Code for the Met Gala
If you’re attending the Met Gala, you need to look the part! That means adhering to the dress code with a dazzling gown or tuxedo.
The dress code for the event is typically “black tie with a splendor of imagination”. Which means plenty of floor-length dresses, statement accessories, and all-out glamor. In recent years, celebs have taken this description to fantastic heights. Take Lady Gaga’s larger-than-life pink gown in 2019 and Katy Perry’s angelic wings in 2017, as examples.
To pick out something special, try looking to some of the world’s biggest fashion houses and top designers – Gucci, Versace, Zuhair Murad and Alexandre Vauthier have all been worn on the red carpet with stunning results. You should also make sure that you are wearing something that matches the theme of the gala – whether it be punk or medieval chic – as this adds an extra level of sophistication and originality to your outfit.
Finally, if you want to play it safe but still dazzle on the red carpet. Consider metallic fabrics such as lame or gilded velvet – they are amazing at capturing light and will give your outfit a touch of sparkle.
Who Attends the Met Gala?
The Met Gala is an exclusive event featuring the crème de la crème of the fashion world. From major designers to top models, actors, and musicians. Notable people from all different industries come together for this annual event.
Some of the biggest names who have attended in the past include:
- Beyoncé
- Rihanna
- Kim Kardashian
- Kylie Jenner
- Gigi Hadid
- Tom Cruise
- Justin Bieber
- Katy Perry
- Selena Gomez
- Priyanka Chopra Jonas
- Jennifer Lawrence
- Bradley Cooper
- Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
- And many more!
Celebrities and Their Best Looks at the Met Gala
The Met Gala is the biggest night in fashion and the red carpet is always full of celebrities in their most stunning looks. Every year, there are a few standouts who really make an impact with their ensembles.
Best Looks over the Years
In 2018, Cardi B won the night with her bejeweled Moschino dress. The next year, Billy Porter took the cake with his show-stopping tuxedo gown. In 2020, Kim Kardashian West showed up in a classic corset dress by Mugler that was unlike anything else at the event.
This year’s theme is “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” so it’s sure to be a night of unforgettable looks. From Lily Collins’ surprising choice of mini-dress to Timothee Chalamet’s dramatic ensemble. There’s sure to be something for everyone on the red carpet this year.
Whether they’re sporting a daring mini-dress or going all out with an over-the-top embellished gown. Celebrities make sure their look stands out on the Met Gala red carpet every year.