Pomellato to Stage Paris Exhibit
Met Gala
Since 1948, the Met Gala has served as the primary fundraiser for the Met Museum's Costume Institute. Fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert, the woman behind Press Week (which morphed into New York Fashion Week), established the Met Gala, which marks the opening of the annual Costume Institute exhibit.
In 1972, Diana Vreeland, the former editor in chief of Vogue, became a consultant for the Costume Institute. Under her tenure, more celebrities — including Cher, Liza Minnelli and Elizabeth Taylor — began attending the themed gala, alongside the New York society set.
Anna Wintour became lead chair in 1995, and has held the reins since then — save for 1996, when fashion editor Liz Tilberis led the event. Wintour curates the guest list herself, approving attendees. Condé Nast, where Wintour is chief content officer, sponsors the event.
The Met Gala has been graced by many designers, including Marc Jacobs, Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons and Karl Lagerfeld, and A-list celebrities, including Rihanna, Taylor Swift and Beyoncé.
The elaborate red carpet moments really started in 2004, when the theme was “Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century.” That year, model and actress Amber Valletta wore a Marie Antoinette punk rock-inspired look that year, with a nude corset by Maggie Norris Couture and skirt by John Galliano, complete with an 18th-century hairstyle.
Since 2005, the Met Gala has been held the first Monday in May, with exceptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2023, tickets to the event cost $50,000, versus $50 when the event first started.
Met Gala looks often go viral on social media — Rihanna's 2015 yellow fur trim Guo Pei robe is one example. Other notable looks have included Lady Gaga's four-in-one Brandon Maxwell outfit-change moment in 2019, and 2023, when Doja Cat dressed as a cat (channeling the theme, "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty," with a look inspired by Lagerfeld's beloved cat, Choupette).
Met Gala
The Best Shoes at the 2026 Met Gala: Sabrina Carpenter, Tyla and More
Statement heels dominated the 2026 Met Gala red carpet as stars like Sabrina Carpenter embraced the style.
Best Beauty at the 2026 Met Gala: Anok Yai, Beyoncé and More
Zoë Kravitz, Emma Chamberlain and more brought bleached brows and melting makeup to the annual affair in…
Fresh Off WNBA Media Day, Angel Reese Holds Court at the Met Gala in Stuart Weitzman
Her dress and shoes were both custom.
WWD Recommends
Margot Robbie Goes Gilded in Gold Chanel for Met Gala 2026 Red Carpet
The 'Wuthering Heights' star serves as an ambassador to the French luxury fashion house.
Sabrina Carpenter Nods to Old Hollywood With ‘Sabrina’ Movie-inspired Filmstrip Dress
The custom piece was designed by Jonathan Anderson of Dior.
Sudha Reddy Brings Manish Malhotra’s ‘Tree of Life’ Couture and a $15 Million Tanzanite Necklace to the 2026 Met Gala
The billionaire philanthropist returned to the Met Gala in a custom look that took more than 3,459 hours and…
Serena Williams’ Gladiator Moment at the Met Gala: The Thigh-High Sandals That Commanded Attention
She paired them with a Marc Jacobs dress.
Bleached Brows Make a Bold Play at the 2026 Met Gala
Kylie Jenner, Madonna, Lena Dunham and more styled the barely there look on Monday night's red carpet.
Here’s What You Missed Inside The Mark Hotel Lobby as Stars Got Ready to Make Their 2026 Met Gala Debuts
From Odessa A'zion to Hudson Williams in a Frette robe to the first robot Met Gala guest, here's a look at…
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Hold Court on the Met Gala 2026 Red Carpet
The couple wore designs from Chanel and Maison Margiela.
Teyana Taylor’s High-Shine Tom Ford Platforms Perfectly Match Her Fringe Frock at the Met Gala
The shoes accompanied a custom fringy dress.
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade Give Couple Coords a Sensual Spin on the 2026 Met Gala Red Carpet
The couple accessorized with jewelry by Tiffany & Co.
The Carlyle Departures for the Met Gala 2026
Celebrities ranged from Connor Storrie to Rosé and Rihanna.
Madonna Goes Goth in Saint Laurent at Met Gala 2026
The "Vogue" singer wore a black Saint Laurent gown with a cornflower chiffon veil and a ship hat.
Forget the Heels, Doechii’s Barefoot Look Is One of the Met Gala’s Boldest Red Carpet Statements
The musician didn't want to wear heels to the event.