Hello! Ellie and Morwenna from the Guardian’s fashion desk here in London. We’ll be closely following the Met Gala – often referred to as fashion’s Oscars, Baftas, and Olympics – so you don’t have to. Our team will guide you through the anticipated hits and potential misses from a star-studded guest list featuring icons like Zendaya, Ariana Grande, Rihanna, and several members of the Kardashian and Jenner families.
To recap, the Met Gala is held on the first Monday in May, coinciding with the opening of New York’s Costume Institute exhibition. Each year, the event is centered around a specific theme, accompanied by insightful text. This year's theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” aims to explore 300 years of Black fashion and the rich history of Black dandyism.
For a deeper understanding, check out a brilliant piece by the Guardian’s Sasha Mistlin from earlier this week. Sasha recently interviewed Monica L. Miller, author of the 2009 book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, which examines the strategic use of fashion by Black men throughout history—serving as a vital inspiration for both the exhibition and the gala.
This year's theme is particularly significant for several reasons. Notably, it marks the Met Gala's first exhibition solely dedicated to designers of color, signaling a broader effort to enhance diversity within the collection. The timing is crucial, especially as previous galas have faced criticism for being tone-deaf, often perceived as mere displays of privilege and elitism.
In her preview for the Saturday paper, Jess Cartner-Morley describes this year’s theme as an “intellectually minded celebration of diversity,” especially pertinent as the current political climate sees resistance against both diversity and intellectual exploration.
Regardless of one's perspective, the Met Gala wields immense cultural and celebrity influence, largely thanks to Anna Wintour and her co-hosts: Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, ASAP Rocky, and Pharrell Williams, with LeBron James serving as the honorary chair. The gala's primary objective is to generate revenue; a carefully curated guest list of designers, celebrities, and other influential figures pay substantial amounts for tickets or tables.
Individual tickets cost $75,000 (over £55,000), while a table for ten can exceed a quarter of a million pounds. Additional funds are raised through donations. The proceeds are vital for the Costume Institute, which relies heavily on the gala for its operational costs, although it's important to note that hosting the gala is also a significant financial undertaking.
The Met Gala’s arrival is fleeting: stars make their grand entrance, ascend the iconic stairs, and then vanish inside. The event features a lavish party complete with dinner and music, but we all know that the real excitement often revolves around the fashion choices, with Rihanna typically being a showstopper.
So, what can we expect on the fashion front? We anticipate bold tailoring, a blend of menswear and womenswear, flamboyant interpretations of the modern dandy, and a diverse array of designers. Ultimately, we hope to witness a vibrant celebration of fashion at its most multicultural, expressive, and imaginative—truly, fashion as high art.
It’s no secret that the red carpet has evolved into its own economy, functioning as a carefully crafted branding exercise for celebrities and a marketing platform for the fashion industry. While the glamorous gowns and dandy suits are often styled by professionals rather than a reflection of the celebrities’ personal style, this does not diminish the spectacle. Watching the fashion unfold at the Met Gala remains a thrilling experience for all.
