The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City hosted its annual Met Gala on Monday night, bringing together prominent figures from fashion, entertainment, and art to celebrate the museum’s Costume Institute and its current exhibition, “Costume Art.” The event, known for its extravagant red carpet and high-profile attendance, raised over $42 million this year to support the museum’s mission.
This year’s gala was co-chaired by Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and longtime chair Anna Wintour. Attendees were invited to interpret the theme “Fashion is Art,” reflecting the accompanying exhibit’s focus on the relationship between the human body and fashion, through various forms including paintings and sculpture. Many guests drew inspiration from notable artists: musician Gracie Abrams wore a gilded gown inspired by Gustav Klimt, while Hailey Bieber’s Saint Laurent dress incorporated elements reminiscent of French sculptor Claude Lalanne. Madonna appeared with a dramatic ensemble featuring a ship on her head and was accompanied by seven individuals carrying her train, embodying surrealist painter Leonora Carrington’s work. Beyoncé’s appearance in a silver skeleton dress designed by Olivier Rousteing marked a highlight of the evening.
Several other attendees experimented with avant-garde and conceptual looks. Lisa from Blackpink donned a costume that gave the illusion of having extra arms, while Bad Bunny used prosthetics to age his appearance in line with the exhibit’s body theme. Katy Perry and others embraced abstract and sculptural elements, including mirrored masks and foam latex creations.
The gala faced some controversy ahead of the event due to its marquee sponsors, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos. Protesters called for a boycott based on Amazon’s partnerships with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Bezos’s reported ties to former President Trump. Jeff Bezos did not appear on the red carpet. Nonetheless, organizers reported no difficulty filling seats, with individual tickets priced at about $100,000 and tables starting at $350,000.
The Met Gala continues to provoke discussion regarding its blend of art, fashion, and wealth. Critics question the relevance of such an opulent event amid economic inequality, highlighting the high costs associated with attendance and the gala’s exclusivity. Some argue that the gala’s extravagance contrasts sharply with widespread financial hardship facing many Americans.
Supporters defend the event’s role in preserving fashion history and advancing the arts, noting that the Costume Institute has raised millions through past galas, bolstering the museum’s ability to maintain its collection and programs. They emphasize fashion’s role as a personal and political form of expression, capable of challenging societal norms and reflecting cultural shifts.
Acknowledging the complexities of fashion as both art and industry, discussions surrounding the gala also touch on ongoing issues such as environmental sustainability, body standards, and inclusivity. While the event showcases luxury and creativity at the highest level, it also serves as a platform for broader conversations about identity, politics, and cultural preservation within the fashion world.