Fashion’s biggest night is back! The annual Met Gala returns on May 5, taking place, as tradition dictates. on the first Monday of May inside New York City’s iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art . A celebration of high fashion, bold creativity, and jaw-dropping red carpet moments, the Met Gala is more than just a party, it’s a cultural event where celebrities turn into couture-clad works of art. But behind all the glamour and paparazzi flashes lies a fascinating history. What started as a low-key dinner for Manhattan’s social elite has transformed into the most exclusive night in global fashion. So, how did we get here?
How it all began
The very first Met Gala took place in December 1948, as a chic midnight dinner priced at just $50 per ticket. It was the brainchild of Eleanor Lambert, a legendary fashion publicist who also helped launch New York Fashion Week. Lambert envisioned the event as a fundraiser for the Costume Institute at the Met, an elegant way to generate awareness (and money) for fashion as an art form. Back then, it was dubbed “The Party of the Year” and was hosted at the Waldorf Astoria.
Enter themes and iconic style moments
For the first two decades, guests simply dressed in their finest. But things changed in 1973, when Diana Vreeland, then Vogue’s editor-in-chief, introduced the concept of a themed Met Gala. Her first was a tribute to designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, and it was an instant hit.
Vreeland brought flair and drama to the Met with themes like Russian imperial style, Old Hollywood, and more. She even brought in political royalty - Jackie Kennedy co-chaired the event in 1977 - setting the tone for the kind of star power the gala would continue to attract.
Anna Wintour’s power era
In 1995, when Anna Wintour took over as Vogue’s editor-in-chief, the Met Gala entered a new era. Under her influence, the event exploded in both scale and status. The guest list expanded from socialites and fashion insiders to Hollywood A-listers, pop stars, athletes, and tech moguls.
Wintour made sure every year came with a strong fashion theme and a strict dress code. Guests were (and still are) expected to not just dress up, but interpret the theme creatively, often pushing boundaries with drama, couture, and symbolism. Think Rihanna in her pope-inspired Margiela ensemble, or Zendaya’s glowing Cinderella gown.
What really happens inside?
Despite its public red carpet, the actual event is shrouded in mystery. Inside the museum, Anna Wintour enforces a strict no-phone, no-selfie rule, meaning what happens inside stays inside.
Here’s what we do know: The evening kicks off with a cocktail hour, followed by a lavish dinner catered by top chefs and restaurants. In between, guests tour the newly opened fashion exhibition, curated by the museum’s Costume Institute.
The 2025 Theme: ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’
This year’s Met Gala is inspired by Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibit will feature 12 sections exploring different facets of dandyism- like freedom, distinction, presence, and disguise and will highlight the rich legacy of tailoring and Black style expression.
The official dress code? “Tailored for You.” It's a call for guests to interpret tailoring in personal, meaningful, and fashion-forward ways- expect sharp suits, experimental menswear, and boundary-pushing couture.
Why the Met Gala still matters
Every year, the Met Gala sets off a fashion domino effect. The themes not only revive historical fashion references but also set the tone for future trends. It’s where costume designers, stylists, and emerging talents get a global platform to show off their artistry, often blurring the line between fashion and performance art.
On May 5, expect your feed to explode with head-turning looks, avant-garde silhouettes, and style statements that speak volumes. The Met Gala remains a space where fashion history is made, not just worn.
How it all began
The very first Met Gala took place in December 1948, as a chic midnight dinner priced at just $50 per ticket. It was the brainchild of Eleanor Lambert, a legendary fashion publicist who also helped launch New York Fashion Week. Lambert envisioned the event as a fundraiser for the Costume Institute at the Met, an elegant way to generate awareness (and money) for fashion as an art form. Back then, it was dubbed “The Party of the Year” and was hosted at the Waldorf Astoria.
Enter themes and iconic style moments
For the first two decades, guests simply dressed in their finest. But things changed in 1973, when Diana Vreeland, then Vogue’s editor-in-chief, introduced the concept of a themed Met Gala. Her first was a tribute to designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, and it was an instant hit.
Vreeland brought flair and drama to the Met with themes like Russian imperial style, Old Hollywood, and more. She even brought in political royalty - Jackie Kennedy co-chaired the event in 1977 - setting the tone for the kind of star power the gala would continue to attract.
Anna Wintour’s power era
In 1995, when Anna Wintour took over as Vogue’s editor-in-chief, the Met Gala entered a new era. Under her influence, the event exploded in both scale and status. The guest list expanded from socialites and fashion insiders to Hollywood A-listers, pop stars, athletes, and tech moguls.
Wintour made sure every year came with a strong fashion theme and a strict dress code. Guests were (and still are) expected to not just dress up, but interpret the theme creatively, often pushing boundaries with drama, couture, and symbolism. Think Rihanna in her pope-inspired Margiela ensemble, or Zendaya’s glowing Cinderella gown.
What really happens inside?
Despite its public red carpet, the actual event is shrouded in mystery. Inside the museum, Anna Wintour enforces a strict no-phone, no-selfie rule, meaning what happens inside stays inside.
Here’s what we do know: The evening kicks off with a cocktail hour, followed by a lavish dinner catered by top chefs and restaurants. In between, guests tour the newly opened fashion exhibition, curated by the museum’s Costume Institute.
The 2025 Theme: ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’
This year’s Met Gala is inspired by Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibit will feature 12 sections exploring different facets of dandyism- like freedom, distinction, presence, and disguise and will highlight the rich legacy of tailoring and Black style expression.
The official dress code? “Tailored for You.” It's a call for guests to interpret tailoring in personal, meaningful, and fashion-forward ways- expect sharp suits, experimental menswear, and boundary-pushing couture.
Why the Met Gala still matters
Every year, the Met Gala sets off a fashion domino effect. The themes not only revive historical fashion references but also set the tone for future trends. It’s where costume designers, stylists, and emerging talents get a global platform to show off their artistry, often blurring the line between fashion and performance art.
On May 5, expect your feed to explode with head-turning looks, avant-garde silhouettes, and style statements that speak volumes. The Met Gala remains a space where fashion history is made, not just worn.
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