The Met Gala began in 1948 as a fundraiser for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Under the direction of Anna Wintour, it evolved into the most prestigious and anticipated fashion event of the year, where celebrities, designers, and cultural icons gather to interpret bold themes and support fashion as art.
Over the decades, the Met Gala has become a mirror for the times, reflecting shifts in power, politics, aesthetics and identity. The carpeted steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art have seen everything from sculptural gowns to conceptual fashion pieces, each responding to the year’s exhibition theme. As British Vogue notes, “the theme also serves as an opportunity for fashion to prove its worth as an art form unto itself”.
A Brief History of the Met Gala
Before it became what we know today, the Met Gala was a fundraiser founded in 1948 by fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert. Its original purpose was to support the newly established Costume Institute and champion fashion as an art form worthy of museum recognition. The Met Gala ticket price has become as headline-worthy as the fashion itself. In recent years, the Met Gala ticket price has soared to approximately $75,000 per guest, reflecting the event’s exclusive status and its role in fundraising for the Costume Institute. Despite the steep price, demand remains sky-high.
Today, it’s one of the most-watched fashion events in the world, often dubbed “fashion’s biggest night out.” The transformation can be traced through key milestones that shaped its cultural significance.
Met Gala Milestones:
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1948: The first Met Gala is held, organized by Eleanor Lambert as a dinner to fundraise for the Costume Institute.
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1972: Diana Vreeland, former editor of Vogue, joins the Met as a special consultant and begins elevating the Gala into a grander affair.
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1974: Themed galas begin under Vreeland’s influence, with The World of Balenciaga—marking the first time a fashion exhibition and the gala are conceptually linked.
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1995: Anna Wintour becomes chair of the Gala, shifting the guest list toward celebrities and contemporary cultural figures.
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2006: The rise of the “celebrity stylist” era sees red carpet looks planned months in advance, the Met Gala becomes a pivotal fashion marketing moment.
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2015: China: Through the Looking Glass becomes one of the most attended and controversial exhibitions, prompting widespread discussion on cultural appropriation and representation.
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2018: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination becomes the most-visited Costume Institute exhibition in history, drawing over 1.6 million visitors globally.
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2021: The Gala returns post-pandemic with In America: A Lexicon of Fashion, spotlighting inclusivity and evolving American identity in fashion.
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2025: Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion and Superfine: Tailoring Black Style represent a dual narrative honouring fashion’s past while affirming the cultural power of Black style today.
Themes That Reflect and Shape Culture
Each Met Gala theme acts as a lens through which fashion, history, and identity are interpreted. Far from being decorative, the themes are academically curated by the Costume Institute to explore fashion’s intersections with art, politics, gender and culture. In 2015, China: Through the Looking Glass sparked dialogue around Orientalism and cultural exchange. In 2018, Heavenly Bodies examined the complex relationship between Catholicism and couture.
As British Vogue reflects, “The theme is never random—it’s selected to spark dialogue, controversy and creativity.” Themes like 2019’s Camp: Notes on Fashion challenged the definition of fashion, turning Susan Sontag’s essay into a dress code. 2021’s In America: A Lexicon of Fashion asked how fashion could articulate national identity in a moment of social and political upheaval.
The 2025 Met Gala theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, adds critical depth and cultural resonance. Focused on the historical and contemporary impact of Black fashion, the theme spotlighted Black dandyism—an aesthetic and political practice that fuses sartorial elegance with cultural resistance. British Vogue highlighted, “At its core, it’s a fashion revolution, a movement steeped in history, resistance, and pride. But its impact stretches far beyond the sartorial. It’s a cultural statement, an act of protest, and, above all, an enduring celebration of individuality.”
These themes frame conversations. They interrogate who fashion is for, what stories it tells, and how it engages with society. Each look is more than a visual statement, it’s a curated response to a cultural question.
How Did Anna Wintour Shape the Met Gala?
Anna Wintour has chaired or co-chaired the Met Gala for nearly three decades. She transformed it into a vital fundraising event, raising millions annually for the Costume Institute. She also curated the guest list, ensuring that only the most influential figures in fashion, film, music, and sports would attend.
Wintour’s leadership elevated the gala into an international media event, where each look, entrance, and moment is meticulously planned and documented.
What Are the Most Iconic Met Gala Looks?
Over the years, many attendees have left a lasting visual impression. Some unforgettable fashion moments include:
- Rihanna’s 2018 papal-inspired Margiela gown
- Billy Porter’s 2019 golden-winged entrance
- Zendaya’s Cinderella transformation in 2019
- Lady Gaga’s four-outfit strip tease on the 2019 pink carpet
These appearances highlight how the Met Gala is not only about fashion but about narrative, performance, and self-expression.
How the Met Gala Has Shaped Culture and Society
- Democratizing High Fashion: The Met Gala has opened access to high fashion for younger and more diverse audiences through social media and livestreams.
- Merging Politics with Style: Outfits at the Met Gala often double as statements on politics, identity, and social issues, sparking global conversation.
- Celebrity Influence on Design: Celebrities now co-create custom outfits with designers, asserting their roles as creative collaborators.
- Elevating Fashion as Art: By aligning each gala with a museum exhibition, the Met has helped fashion be recognized as a form of cultural and artistic expression.
- Redefining Beauty Standards: The red carpet is now a platform for inclusive expressions of beauty, body positivity, and gender identity.
- Mainstreaming Couture Through Social Media: The event has transformed high fashion into a mainstream topic, making couture accessible to global audiences through real-time content.
- Influencing Brand Value and Trend Cycles: Appearances at the Met Gala can boost brand visibility and set the tone for upcoming fashion trends and industry buzz.
- Encouraging Cross-Industry Collaborations: The gala fosters collaborations between fashion, music, film, and technology, merging creative industries and expanding influence.
- Driving Conversations About Diversity: The inclusion of diverse attendees and designers has opened up important conversations about representation and equity in fashion.
- Promoting Cultural Literacy: Themes often draw from historical, artistic, or political sources—engaging audiences in learning beyond fashion.
Why Is the Met Gala Important in Pop Culture?
The Met Gala is more than just a fundraiser. It’s a cultural mirror, reflecting shifts in fashion, politics, gender expression, and celebrity culture. It blurs the lines between costume and couture, and between art and entertainment.
With the eyes of the world watching, the Met Gala allows fashion to act as a form of commentary—a way to question norms, elevate voices, and celebrate innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Met Gala
- What is the Met Gala and why is it important?
The Met Gala is an annual fundraising event for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. It is considered fashion’s most prestigious night, where creativity, celebrity, and philanthropy converge. - Who started the Met Gala?
Fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert founded the Met Gala in 1948 to raise money for the then-new Costume Institute. - When did the Met Gala become a major fashion event?
The gala gained global prominence in the 1990s and early 2000s, especially after Anna Wintour became chair in 1995. - What is the theme of the Met Gala?
Each year, the theme is tied to the Costume Institute’s exhibition, guiding both the fashion choices and the spirit of the evening. - Can the public attend the Met Gala?
No, the event is by invitation only. Attendees are carefully selected, and tickets cost tens of thousands of dollars. - Where can I watch the Met Gala?
While the gala itself is private, the red carpet is widely broadcasted and live-streamed by outlets like Vogue and major entertainment media. - How much money does the Met Gala raise?
The gala raises millions annually. In recent years, the event has generated $15 million or more in a single evening. - Why do celebrities attend the Met Gala?
Attending the Met Gala is a mark of influence. Celebrities attend to celebrate fashion, support the arts, and maintain their status in the cultural conversation. - How much do guests pay to attend the Met Gala?
An individual ticket to the Met Gala costs approximately $75,000, while purchasing a table can cost around $350,000. However, many celebrities attend as guests of fashion houses or brands that sponsor tables. - Who were the standout brands and influencers at the 2025 Met Gala?
At the 2025 Met Gala, Louis Vuitton emerged as a prominent brand, with its Men’s Creative Director, Pharrell Williams, serving as a co-chair. Celebrities like Zendaya and Sabrina Carpenter wore Louis Vuitton, significantly boosting its media impact.
Photo by Diane Picchiottino on Unsplash
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