tech
How the Met Gala was Born: The Fascinating Story Behind the World's Most Glamorous Fashion Event
How did the Met Gala become the most important fashion event in the world? We bring you the complete story of its history, most famous moments, and the spectacle that awaits us in 2026.
TL;DR
- The Met Gala began in 1948 as a modest fundraising dinner for the Costume Institute, founded in 1937 by Irene Lewisohn and Aline Bernstein to establish a 'home for fashion' as art.
- Eleanor Lambert organized the first Gala with the goal of creating a must-attend social event, initially a midnight supper costing $50.
- Diana Vreeland's tenure as creative director of the Costume Institute in 1972 introduced theatricality and glamour, moving the Gala into the museum and attracting high-profile guests.
- Anna Wintour's leadership from 1995 onwards transformed the Met Gala into a global media event, blending fashion, film, music, and art, and establishing its role as a trendsetter.
- The Gala's success is driven by its carefully curated themes, which connect to Costume Institute exhibitions and challenge guests to interpret fashion creatively, turning the red carpet into an exhibition of ingenuity.
- Beyond fashion, the Met Gala is a significant charity event, raising millions for the Costume Institute, and its themes often engage with social, political, and identity issues, reflecting the culture of the time.
- The 2024 Met Gala celebrates the opening of the Costume Institute's expanded space with the theme 'Costume Art' and a dress code of 'Fashion Is Art', with Beyoncé as a co-chair.