Behind the glitz and glamour of the Met Gala lies a set of unwritten rules that dictate every aspect of the event, from the coveted guest list to the strictly enforced dress code. These guidelines, passed down through the years, ensure that the Met Gala maintains its reputation as the pinnacle of fashion and exclusivity. Today, we'll embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of the Met Gala, exploring the unspoken norms that shape this extraordinary night.
One of the first and most crucial requirements for a celebrity to attend the Met Gala is to be invited. However, receiving an invitation once doesn't guarantee invitations for future years. The guest list is kept secret until the night before the Met Gala. Those eagerly following the event often speculate based on previous years. Familiar names we typically see at the Gala include Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Blake Lively, Gigi Hadid, and Rihanna.
The ticket costs $75,000, and a table costs $350,000. While you may have been invited to the Gala, you won't gain entry without purchasing a ticket. To attend the event, you must either buy a $75,000 ticket or be the guest of someone with a ticket. This is because the Met Gala is actually a fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The proceeds go towards the extensive fashion collection spanning the last seven centuries.
The Costume Institute announces the theme each year for the Met Gala to inform and guide participants. For example, the 2024 Met Gala theme was 'Garden of Time,' inspired by J.G. Ballard's 1962 short story. The chosen outfits for the theme become one of the most talked-about topics of the night. The outfits carried by famous names and their designers make a significant impact on the event.
This can be quite taxing for designers. Before the outfits are worn by celebrities, they must receive approval from the night's planner, Anna Wintour. After receiving approval, the outfits to be worn on the Met Gala red carpet are prepared.
Throughout the Met Gala, none of the participants are allowed to use their phones. Vogue enforces a strict no-phone policy during the event. Naturally, no celebrity or attendee can use their phone or social media. However, celebrities have found a solution to this issue – the bathroom... In previous years, they have made headlines with photos taken in the bathroom mirror when they gathered.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art also has rules, just like the Met Gala, and they continue to enforce them to ensure the safety of guests and artworks. Among the rules listed on the museum's website, the prohibition of smoking comes first. The visitor guide clearly states, 'Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, is prohibited in the museum or near entrances.'