Met Gala or Met Ball is often considered the fashion’s biggest night out. This is annually held to raise the funds for Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City.
It is regarded as the world’s most prestigious, dazzling fashion event and social gathering that’s why it is known as fashion’s biggest night.
Well! It’s not the end here, there’s a lot that you should know. So, edge forward with me to learn exclusive facts about the Met Gala
From Where Met Gala Emanate?
Fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert established the Met ball in 1948 as the fundraiser for the newly founded Costume Institute to mark the opening of its annual airing. The tickets for the first gala were 50 dollars each and mainly included dinner.
In the early decades of the Met Bash, it was mainly orchestrated as the fund supporter for the New York charitable institutions. The participants of the early balls were either the city’s fashion business or entire members of New York’s upper crust.
From the beginning of 1948 to 1971, this bash was mainly organized at different Manhattan venues mainly at Waldorf Astoria, Central Park, and the Rainbow Room.
In 1972, when Diana Vreeland became a counselor to the costume institute, the Met bash emerged as a more universal and fascinating affair. At that instant, high-profile personalities like Elizabeth Taylor, Andy Warhol, Bianca Jagger, Diana Ross, Elton John, Liza Minnelli, Madonna, Barbra Streisand, and Cher used to attend this event.
Current Sketch
If we look into today’s scenario, Amiable personalities from the arts, fashion, high society, film industry, and music customarily attend this event and it is considered to be the fashion industry’s premier annual red carpet event.
This gala runs for multitudinous months, for instance in 2014, this event was approached to run from May 8 until August 10, 2014. The red carpet air show is universally photographed, reviewed, analyzed, and imitated.
On the first Monday of May, the museum is closed to the general public because of the occurrence of the gala. In 2014 the ticket price for outsiders was US$30,000 but in 2020’s, because of the involvement of social media influencers, the ticket price per seat was raised to US$50,000 by 2023.
Met Ball: 2023
The event was held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute on May 1, 2023. The theme for the 2023 gala was Karl Lagerfeld: a lime of beauty, but why this theme? It was kept as the theme for Met Gala 2023 to honor Karl Lagerfeld who was a frequent attendee at The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute.
All the stars, young creators, and industry paragons had addressed this event. 2023 Red Carpet had played emcee to a multiplicity of designers from all corners of the world. The Met Gala 2023 showcased stunning fashion and bold statements as celebrities graced the red carpet in extravagant attire.
Designers and attendees pushed creative boundaries, making it a memorable and talked-about event in the world of fashion and entertainment. At the end of the show, Doja Cat was announced as the winner of Met Gala 2023.
Met Ball: 2024
Are we ready to relish the 2024 gala bash?? Under the theme of Karl Lagerfeld a close trajectory of the renowned German designer has been seen through the designer dresses of celebrities, who memorialize his path by way of fashion from the beginning until his death.
Like every other year, the Met Ball 2024 is going to be held on the first Monday i.e. 6th May 2024. This event is going to commence with an opening ceremony of the Costume Institute exhibition followed by a bash dinner and fashion exhibition.
The dinner will be served in the museum’s great hall. Coming towards the theme of Met Gala 2024, according to the famous fashion website Vogue India, the theme has been revealed. Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion will be the theme for next year’s event.
Themes: Why And How?
The exhibition is allocated with a theme for dresses every year. All the guests are expected to follow the theme but it is not mandatory for everyone if anyone wants to carry their own choice of attire then they can.
When Was The Theme For The Met Gala First Introduced?
During the Vreeland years, the Gala was first held at Met, it was the place where themes were first introduced. Every year gala comes up with a different and exotic theme.
For each year, the specific theme of that year’s costume institution exhibition is celebrated by the gala event for that specific year. The theme not only sets the tone for the annual expo but also for the visitors
Who Is Responsible For Selecting The Themes?
Annually the theme is curated by the chief curator of the institute – Andrew Bolton. Before the approval of every theme, it is first researched properly and then implementation is done.
The theme should be approved by the director and president of the Metropolitan Museum of Art i.e. Max Hollein, Daniel H. Weiss, and Wintour, the process of approval takes up to a year, which is a very long time.
Different Themes For Different Met Gala
Following is a list of some Met Galas and themes that have been organized from 2015 to 2023 and are going to be organized in 2024.
| Date of Gala | Themes |
| May 4, 2015 | China: Through the Looking Glass |
| May 2, 2016 | Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology |
| May 1, 2017 | Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between |
| May 7, 2018 | Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination |
| May 6, 2019 | Camp: Notes on Fashion |
| Planned for May 4, 2020 (canceled) | About time: fashion and Duration |
| September 13, 2021 | In America: A Lexicon of Fashion |
| May 2, 2022 | In America: An Anthology of Fashion |
| May 1, 2023 | Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty |
| May 6, 2024 | Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion |
Controversies
One of the most recent controversies was the 2023 Gala theme, which honored Karl Lagerfeld. Lagerfeld was a highly influential designer, but he was also known for making offensive and controversial comments about race, weight, and religion.
Many people felt that it was inappropriate to celebrate Lagerfeld’s work in light of his past remarks. Another controversial moment was in 2018 when Rihanna wore a papal-inspired outfit to the event. The Catholic Church criticized Rihanna’s outfit for being disrespectful to religious attire.
In 2022, Kim Kardashian’s decision to wear Marilyn Monroe’s iconic “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress also sparked debate. Some people praised Kardashian for paying homage to Monroe, while others criticized her for damaging the delicate historical garment.
These are just a few of the many controversies that have surrounded the Gala bash over the years. The event continues to be a major cultural touchstone, and it will likely continue to generate controversy in the years to come.
Some other notable Controversies:
- In 2017, Katy Perry wore a dress that many people compared to a pizza.
- In 2016, Zendaya wore dreadlocks, which some people accused her of cultural appropriation.
- In 2015, Sarah Jessica Parker wore a headdress that some people found offensive.
Conclusion
The Met Gala stands as a beacon of creativity and innovation in the world of fashion and entertainment. The 2023 event, marked by its theme-driven extravaganza, showcased a breathtaking array of styles that transcended mere attire, evolving into powerful expressions of art and culture.
Celebrities and designers alike seized the opportunity to make bold statements, challenging conventions and redefining the boundaries of sartorial expression.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, the Gala serves as a cultural touchstone, influencing trends and sparking conversations on a global scale. This annual gathering not only celebrates the fusion of fashion and art but also underscores the importance of self-expression and individuality.
As we reflect on the Met Gala 2023, it becomes clear that this iconic event continues to shape and redefine the narrative of contemporary style, leaving an indelible mark on the intersection of creativity and celebrity culture.
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