NEW YORK (AP) — Is it true love's kiss or an invitation to the Met Gala? Celebrities of all kinds don't have to choose. Anna Wintour’s good favor.
Celebrities from various industries will go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6 for cocktails, dinner, and the new exhibit, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” As the big night approaches, The Associated Press is releasing the 2024 edition of our annual guide.
WHY IS THE MET GALA IMPORTANT?
It began in 1948 as a society midnight supper and didn't even take place at the Met. Now, it's one of the most photographed events globally, known for its dazzling red carpet — though it's not always red.
It's worth noting that the party serves a purpose by raising funds for the Met’s Costume Institute — nearly $22 million last year, a record for the self-funding department — and introducing the annual spring exhibit that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors.
However, it's the red carpet that attracts attention, with the 400-strong guest list the subject of intense speculation until the last minute — a group of luminaries that arguably creates the highest celebrity wattage-per-square-foot of any party in the world.
WHO IS HOSTING THIS YEAR?
“Anna Wintour Me Preguntó,” Bad Bunny could sing. Multi-hyphenate Jennifer Lopez adds yet another role to her busy year. Additionally, two Marvel stars who have been spending a lot of time in the desert lately: Zendaya, who has continued to stun on red carpets with her “Dune” and “Challengers” looks, and Chris Hemsworth, who is trading in Mjolnir for the upcoming “Furiosa.” (Hemsworth is, in fact, a first-time gala attendee. )
Lastly, Wintour herself.
WHAT DOES THE MET GALA THEME MEAN?
The theme revolves around “sleeping beauties,” but has little to do with fairytales. “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” the title of the accompanying exhibit, refers to garments from the Costume Institute’s collection that have been “in slumber” and now will be on display, some too fragile to hang upright lest they disintegrate. Curator Andrew Bolton selected 250 pieces spanning four centuries.
The theme is accompanied by a dress code — this year, it’s “The Garden of Time.” The theme and dress code are often interpreted … loosely. So there’s a chance you may see an Aurora on the carpet, after all.
HOW MUCH DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR A MET GALA TICKET?
Wrong question. You cannot just buy a ticket. The right question is: If I were famous or powerful and got invited, how much would it cost?
OK, IF I WERE FAMOUS OR POWERFUL AND GOT INVITED, HOW MUCH WOULD IT COST?
You might not pay yourself. Usually, companies purchase tables. A fashion label would then host its desired celebrities. Previously, tickets have cost $50,000 for an individual, and $300,000 or more for a table.
HOW CAN I WATCH?
You can watch the entire red carpet event on a Vogue livestream. If you're in New York, you can also join fans across the street, behind barricades, on Fifth Avenue, or even further east on Madison. Additionally, the AP will have a livestream of departures from the Mark Hotel, where many gala guests get ready.
WHAT HAPPENS INSIDE?
Upon entering the museum, visitors pass by a typically huge flower arrangement in the lobby, with maybe an orchestra playing nearby, and move on to have cocktails. Alternatively, they go to see the exhibit. Cocktails are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by dinner, but the most famous — or those who intend to make the grandest entrance — sometimes arrive (fashionably) later.
