Calling all style enthusiasts: The Met Gala is here! That's right, the inaugural Monday of May has arrived.
Eager to stay in the loop? Here's a rapid introduction to the extravaganza of top-tier celebrities hailing from cinema, couture, melody, athletics, governance, and online communities.
HOW TO WATCH THE MET GALA
Vogue holds the exclusive live broadcast, commencing at 6 p.m. Eastern on Vogue.com. The stream will also be accessible across Vogue's digital channels, including TikTok and YouTube.
Numerous other media outlets will be present on-site. Tune in to E! from 6 p.m. onwards for coverage, with live streams on X, TikTok, Instagram, and Peacock.
The Associated Press will provide live coverage outside the Mark Hotel, where many celebrities prepare before making their way to The Metropolitan Museum of Art for their grand entrance up the staircase. This live stream kicks off at 4:45 p.m. Eastern and will be available on YouTube and APNews.com.
Remember, only the star-studded red carpet is open to viewers—the gala's cocktail hour and dinner remain strictly private affairs.
WHAT’S THE POINT OF THE MET GALA?
It's undoubtedly a soirée, complete with cocktails and a dinner attended by approximately 400 select guests. Yet, it's also a monumental fundraiser for the Met's Costume Institute, the sole department mandated to sustain itself financially. In the previous year, the gala amassed around $22 million in donations. Anna Wintour, a Met trustee whose name now graces a portion of the institute, orchestrates the entire affair. The ban on mobile devices only adds to the event's mystique.
WHAT’S THIS YEAR’S MET GALA THEME?
Every year, there's a designated dress standard linked to the museum's spring showcase. While not obligatory for all attendees, some rise to the occasion at the behest of Wintour. The theme for this year is "The Garden of Time," drawing inspiration from J.G. Ballard's 1962 short narrative bearing the same title. It presents a flexible fashion challenge compared to the precise theme of the previous year, which centered around all things Karl Lagerfeld. Anticipate an abundance of floral motifs this time, with a strong likelihood of vintage fashion making a significant impact.
WHAT IS THE MUSEUM EXHIBIT THIS YEAR? ?
It’s called “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” But we’re not talking fairytales or Disney princesses. It includes 250 items from The Costume Institute’s permanent collection, including some garments very rarely seen in public and so fragile they need to be under glass. Curators wanted to engage all the senses, including that of smell. They worked with a “smell artist.” And there’s a garment that actually grows. Part of the idea is to pay tribute to the natural world. The exhibit opens to the public Friday and runs through Sept. 2.
WHO ARE THE MET GALA CO-CHAIRS?
Being chosen as a co-chair by Wintour is a significant honor. This year's cohort comprises Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, and Chris Hemsworth. It marks Hemsworth's inaugural Met Gala appearance. Shou Chew, CEO of TikTok, and Jonathan Anderson, the creative force behind Loewe, serve as honorary chairs. These corporations also serve as sponsors for both the gala and the exhibition.
WHO’S GOING TO THE MET GALA?
The guest list is strictly confidential, but Rihanna has let slip that she'll grace the event. Expect her to be accompanied by her beau, A$AP Rocky. Other notable attendees are anticipated, particularly those whose partners are hosting: Ben Affleck and Tom Holland. Lily Gladstone has confirmed her attendance. Our eyes are on Ayo Edebiri for a hopeful appearance. Taylor Swift seems unlikely to attend, and her boyfriend Travis Kelce will certainly be absent. On the flip side, Dua Lipa is confirmed to be attending.
