Often referred to as “fashion’s biggest night,” the Met Gala is a prestigious annual fundraising gala for the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Founded in 1948 by fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert, the gala evolved from a simple society dinner into a global spectacle where fashion, art, and celebrity culture converge.
Origins and Evolution
Initially modest, the Met Gala gained glamour and star power in 1972 under Diana Vreeland. Under her influence, the gala evolved into a glamorous occasion that started drawing international celebrities and renowned designers.
Origins and Evolution in Today
Today, the Met Gala is organized by Vogue, with Anna Wintour serving as chairwoman since 1995. Each year, the event marks the Costume Institute’s exhibition opening, with attendees dressing to match the theme.
Themes Through the Years
The Met Gala themes shape attendee fashion and define the exhibition’s overall mood. Some prominent themes have been:
2008: Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy
This theme dealt with the influence of superhero costumes upon fashion, with encouragement for bold colour choices and extremes in silhouettes.
2011: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
In honour of the late designer and his dramatic and avant-garde work.
In 2018, the Met Gala organizers showcased the theme Heavenly Bodies:
Fashion and the Catholic Imagination by exhibiting ecclesiastical garments from the Vatican alongside atelier pieces, placing fashion next to Catholic iconography.
2019: Camp: Notes on Fashion
Drawn from Sontag’s essay, this theme is a homage to exaggeration and theatricality in fashion.
2023: Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty
Pay homage to the legacy of the exemplary designer and dig deeper into his contributions to fashion.
The 2025 Met Gala: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”
Organizers held the 2025 Met Gala on May 5, setting the theme as ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,’ a subject deeply connected with Black fashion history. Meanwhile, the exhibition highlighted three centuries of Black style, exploring the phenomenon of dandyism and its role in shaping Black identities across the Atlantic diaspora..
The dress code, “Tailored For You,” encouraged the attendees to interpret the theme through personalised and refined tailoring. Fashion experts expected a drift towards menswear-inspired looks for women, tuxedo mini dresses, and power suits, all bearing the sign of strong tailoring.
Iconic Moments and Controversies
Through the years, the Met Gala has been a site for countless iconic moments and controversies:
Cher’s ’74 Naked Dress – A sheer gown laden with beads that, in its time, challenged fashion.
Madonna’s Outfit from 2016 – An attention-grabbing outfit.
AOC’s “Tax the Rich” Dress – 2021: A politicised statement that had everyone talking.
Lady Gaga’s 2019 Entrance- A red carpet theatrical performance featuring a series of outfit changes.
The gala faces criticism for theme violations by some attendees, sparking debate over maintaining its cultural relevance and integrity.
Behind the Glamour
Aattendees-
While it may look like an extravaganza, the Met Gala sets the stage to expose the inner workings and intense pressures imposed on attendees.
Physical Demands –
Celebrities undergo hard diets and tolerate physically taxing outfits to satisfy fashion expectations.
Designer Control –
A designer may dictate what a celebrity should wear, leaving little to no room for personal expression.
Controversial Behavior –
Past etiquette breaches, like indoor smoking, have added complexity to the event.
Conclusion
The Met Gala has evolved from a modest fundraiser into a global celebration of fashion and culture. Once a quiet fundraiser, it’s now a dazzling spectacle where themes shine through stunning fashion. As the gala evolves, it not only continues to push the boundaries of fashion but also engages in deeper reflections on societal trends and identity. This remarkable shift positions the Met Gala as more than just a style showcase—it acts as a lens through which we view contemporary culture and its ongoing transformation.
Met Gala 2024: All the Indians on the Met Gala red carpet this year | Vogue India
