The Metropolitan Museum of Art prepares for its annual Met Gala on Monday, May 5, 2025, bringing together figures from fashion, art, and entertainment. The event supports the museum's Costume Institute and marks the opening of its spring exhibition.
This year's exhibition theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," explores the history and cultural impact of Black fashion, with a focus on menswear and the figure of the Black dandy. The accompanying dress code for attendees is "Tailored For You," intended to offer guidance while encouraging creative interpretation.
Organizers work year-round planning the event, managing details from seating arrangements to the menu. Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue and a long-time chair, is heavily involved in logistics.
The evening typically begins with red carpet arrivals followed by a reception and viewing of the exhibition before dinner. Discussions often arise regarding the strict rules for guests, including a ban on phone use for photography and social media inside the event, designed to encourage conversation among attendees. Wintour stated her preference for dinners where guests engage with each other rather than their devices.
Event details, including what time the Met Gala starts, remain a point of public interest, with coverage typically beginning in the early evening hours. The high cost of attendance is widely noted; individual tickets can reach tens of thousands of dollars, with tables costing significantly more. Despite the price, a waitlist often exists.
The guest list is carefully curated, with efforts made to arrange seating that promotes interaction based on common interests. The number of attendees is often limited to maintain an intimate atmosphere. An age limit requires guests to be 18 or older unless accompanied by a parent.
Commentary surrounding the theme has linked it to ongoing political discussions. The exhibition includes over 200 pieces, featuring acquisitions from BIPOC designers as part of an initiative toward greater inclusivity within the Costume Institute's collection.
