By Rihanna serves boujee priestUnpleasant Jared Leto's severed head And Kim Kardashian Dressing from head to toe (literally) in blackthe Met Gala has given the world some truly iconic moments.
And now, as the first Monday in May approaches, we're bracing ourselves for the most anticipated red carpet of the year.
Everyone who follows Anna Wintour's annual celebrity bash knows that the Met Gala takes place every year place at the Metropolitan Art Museum in New Yorkhas a theme.
Although each one is more vague and confusing than the last, the A-listers try their best to look good.
Here's everything you need to know about this year's Met Gala theme — and who will be attending.
What is the Met Gala?
The Met Gala has been held every year since 1948 (with the exception of one hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic). Known as the 'fashion Oscars', it is actually a fundraising event to raise money for the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
The event marks the opening of the Costume Institute's annual fashion exhibition. Every year the exhibition has a theme, hence the themed outfits we like to see on those now famous stairs.
Vogue editor Anna Wintour is the event's main chair and oversees the guest list. But just because you're invited doesn't mean it won't cost you anything.
Tickets for the Met Gala reportedly cost $75,000 per person – that's $25,000 more than in 2023. Typically, designers or brands buy tickets themselves and invite celebrities who, in exchange for a ticket, have to wear that brand's clothing.
And even then, of course, every guest must be approved by Anna.
When is the Met Gala?
The event takes place every year on the first Monday in May the 2024 Met Gala will take place on Monday, May 6.
The museum itself is closed that day so that everyone can prepare for the festivities.
In 2020 the event was canceled due to Covid, before returning in 2021, albeit four months late, when it was held in September.
What is the Met Gala theme?
This year's theme is Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.
According to FashionCostume Institute curator Andrew Bolton said the exhibition will span 400 years of fashion history and focus on 50 historically significant pieces that are too delicate to be worn again. “These are the 'Sleeping Beauty' of the title,” he said.
Pieces on display include an Elizabethan bodice and a satin silk ball gown. Many of the fragile exhibitions will be displayed using AI, CGI and light projection.
Designers featured include: Phillip Lim, Stella McCartney, Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior.
However, this should not be confused with the dress code, which is 'Garden of Time', inspired by JG Ballard's short story of the same name. A dystopian fiction, according to Vogue the book (as well as the theme and dress code) is about 'ephemeral beauty'.
Is this year's theme controversial?
Last year it was Met Gala theme Karl Lagerfield: A line of beautywhich was a tribute to the late creative director of Chanel.
However, many disagreed that he should have been honored in such a way, given the several controversial comments he made throughout his life.
From the #MeToo movement to the Syrian refugee crisis and all things related to women's bodies – there were many who disputed the fact Lagerfeld is a figure to honor on such a global scale.
Although this year was much less controversial, the theme did raise a few eyebrows among some.
Many will remember that Kim Kardashian arrived at the event in 2023 wearing a vintage dress that Marilyn Munroe wore when she sang Happy Birthday to JFK in 1962.
Critics wondered why the reality star had been allowed to wear a piece of fashion history, and Ripley's Believe It or Not, which lent Kim the dress, was widely criticized for allowing her to don the fragile dress.
After the event, images were circulated by various sources that appeared to show damage, including stretched fabric and missing crystals.
However, these claims were refuted by Ripley's vice president of publishing and licensing, Amanda Joiner: “From the bottom of the Met stairs, where Kim stepped into the dress, to the top where it was returned, the dress is in the same condition. it started inside.”
Considering that this year's theme is all about preserving and displaying historic fashion clothing, some are wondering if Anna Wintour has a little something to do with Kim.
Who is on the guest list?
Each year the gala has co-chairs, who organize the event together with Anna Wintour. The presenters of the 2024 Met Gala are Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny and Chris Hemsworth – which means they will all be in attendance. This means we may also see Tom Holland and Ben Affleck join their spouses.
Zendaya hasn't been seen on the Met Gala red carpet since 2019, when she looked stunning in a Cinderella-esque outfit, complete with a fairy godmother (her stylist), a wand and a light-up dress.
Rihanna recently confirmed that we would see her on the red carpet, which is telling Fashion she would wear 'Fenty something', but also emphasizes that she will go for a more modest appearance than in previous years: 'I had my nipples out, my panties out. But now… I think as a mother and an evolved young lady… there are things I don't think I would ever do.”
According to a Page six According to the 2024 Met Gala newcomers include actress Lily Gladstone, Ayo Edebiri, famous for her role in The Bear, and Saltburn star Barry Keoghan.
Page Six also reported that Olivia Rodrigo, Uma Thurman and Sarah Paulson will be in attendance.
We can also expect some regulars: Sarah Jessica Parker (she's been eleven times), Kendall Jenner – and a selection of other Karadashians – and Cara Delevingne.
However, there are some A-listers who have publicly condemned the Met Gala. Tina Fey described it as a “jerk parade” in 2010 and in 2013 Gwyneth Paltrow told USA Today: “I'm never going again.” It was so unpleasant, but she had to eat her words when she actually accepted an invitation in 2019. Comedian Amy Schumer has said going to the Met Gala was “punishment.”
Anna Wintour has also reportedly banned some celebrities, including Jameela Jamil and Lena Dunham.
And it's bad news for Swifties, because we won't see Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce make their red carpet debuts. Despite being invited, they both declined.
What actually happens at the Met Gala?
In short, no one really knows.
After the guests disappear up the stairs, it's a bit of a mystery. We know there will be a dinner and an opportunity to wander around the exhibition. And there are high-profile performances: Lenny Kravitz, Madonna and Blondie have all shown their talents in the past.
But invitees must adhere to a strict no-phone policy, so aside from official BTS photos released by Vogue photographers, we remain in the dark.
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