The first Monday in May, more affectionately referred to as “fashion’s biggest night out” or “Meta Gala” night! The fashions, the theme, the invites, red carpet. Here is what you should know before the big night.
The Meta Gala has traditionally been timed to align with the opening of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute’s annual fashion exhibition. Since 1995 the Meta Gala has been organized and presided over by Anna Wintour (Editor-In-Chief of Vogue Magazine. The event is rumored to raise $17.4 million from the 2022 gala for the museums fashion wing.
The Event
The Meta Gala is a fundraising benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/a-line-of-beautyThe New York Times nicknamed the yearly event :the Oscars of the East Coast.”
This years Met Gala will take place on Monday, May 1st. The theme will be “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” to honor Karl Lagerfeld (1933 – 2019), who was a regular attendee at the Gala.
The Dress Code
Dress code for the Meta Gala is always highly anticipated announcement. True fashion aficionado’s wait with excitement to view the dress code interpretation styled on the attendees, as they strut on the red carpet. Show stopping moments, gasps, and applause are sure to ensue.
As guests gather to salute one of fashion’s icons, the options to influence the red carpet looks are plentiful. While many associate Karl Lagerfeld with the legendary House of Chanel, we must not forget he designed for a handful of other well-know brands; Balmain, Chanel, Chloe, Fendi, Patou, and his own Karl Lagerfeld Brand. Guest should have not trouble selecting amazing looks to salute the legend, providing a feast of memorable and occasional controversial moments.
The Exhibition
The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute curates an exhibit to showcase the work of the Meta Gala Honoree. https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/a-line-of-beauty It is anticipated to have 150 original looks, including all the houses Karl Lagerfeld served, as well as his own line. Sketches, garments, video interviews will all be included, and the exhibitions’s interior has been designed by architect Tadao Ando, who once designed a house for Lagerfeld.
The Secrets
From the guest list of approximately 550-600 people, to the strict no phone, and no social media policy, the evening is highly exclusive. The invite only guest list strictly controlled by Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour. http://www.vogue.com/ The press and viewing gallery flank the red carpet for attendee’s to enter. This is where most of the release photographs are taken. The guest list is normally released 24 hours prior to the event. Guests are traditionally given arrival time slots, which begin at 5:30 p.m. ET, with the more prominent guests arriving later.
Of course the rumor mill begins as designers, celebrities, models, and entertainers begin to desend on New York City in the days prior to the Gala.
Once inside the event, guest are greeted by the Gala co-chairs including Anna Wintour, Dua Lipa, Penelope Cruz, Roger Federer, and Michaela Coel. Then guest proceed to view the exhibition before sitting down to dinner together. Following the elegant meal, there is normally a high-profile performer.
For the true Karl Lagerfeld fans, here is a little secret just for you; it is rumored that Karl’s beloved cat Choupette will be attending the event! That’s one well traveled and stylist fury girl.
The Cost
As mentioned above, this event serves as a fundraiser for the museum and is rumored to raise eight-figure sums year after year. So if you could get a ticket to attend, what would it cost? According to Page Six the 2023 ticket cost is $50,000USD.
The Finale
If you are in New York City on the first Monday of May, I strongly encourage you the head to the museum and join the other fashionistas to watch the red carpet arrival in person.
