What is the Met Gala?

​Known as ‘fashion’s biggest night’, it is a highly exclusive charity benefit hosted by Anna Wintour, Vogue’s editor-in-chief, to raise money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute.​

May 2, 2023

By: Ananya Tawakley

Credit: GC Images

When and where is it held?

​It is usually held on the first Monday of May at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, USA. All guests attending have to be approved by Anna Wintour.​

Credit: Metropolitan Museum of Art

​Theme for 2023​

​The theme for this year is ‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty’ and the dress code is ‘in honour of Karl’. The Met’s Costume Institute exhibition will also celebrate the work and life of this designer who worked with prominent brands like Chloé, Fendi and Chanel.​

Credit: Metropolitan Museum of Art

​Shrouded in Mystery​

​The event has a no-phone and no-selfies rule, although celebrities like Madonna and Justin Bieber have broken these rules to post on social media.​

Credit: Vogue

​What happens​

​Celebrities pose on a red carpet– this is the most public part of the event. After this, they move to the Institute’s exhibition and attend a formal dinner. There is usually a high-profile musical performance accompanying the event.​

Credit: GC Images

​Indians at the Met Gala​

​This year Indian celebrities such as actresses Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra, executive director of Reliance Retail Ventures Isha Ambani and executive director of Serum Institute of India Natasha Poonawalla marked their presence.​

Credit: GC Images

Indians at the Met Gala​

​In the past, actress Deepika Padukone and socialite Sudha Reddy have attended the Met Gala.​

Credit: GC Images

​What are they wearing​

​Isha Ambani wore Prabal Gurung's black silk saree dress. Natasha Poonawalla wore a silver metallic gown in a nod to Karl Lagerfeld's cat Choupette.​

Credit: Natasha Poonawalla's Instagram

What are they wearing

​Alia Bhatt wore an ivory ball gown by Prabal Gurung. Priyanka Chopra wore a black Valentino gown with a thigh-high slit.​

Credit: GC Images

Who gets invited

​One must be a high-profile celebrity or major donor to be invited. Each ticket costs $50,000 and tables are bought by companies for $300,000, who then invite guests to the table.​

Credit: Metropolitan Museum of Art

This year’s co-chairs

​The co-chairs this year are Dua Lipa, Penélope Cruz, Michaela Coel and Roger Federer. They work with Anna Wintour – who has run the Met Gala since 1995 – to help put the evening together.​

Credit: GC Images

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