When we hear about this grand event called the Met Gala, we immediately imagine exquisite and glamorous outfits worn by celebrities that portray more than an image, but an entire character. To learn more about how it evolved over the years, we need to take a look at the history and the idea behind it.
The Met Gala is an event held annually on the first Monday of May, which marks the opening of the Costume Institute’s annual fashion exhibition hosted on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Each year’s event celebrates the specific theme of that year’s Costume Institute’s exhibition, which sets the tone for the formal attire of the night. There wasn’t always a theme though. In fact, at its founding, the Met Gala, originally known as the Costume Institute’s Benefit, was an intimate event composed of New York high society and members of the city’s fashion industry. Publicist Elenar Lambert established the event in 1948 as a fundraiser for the newly founded fashion institute, to mark the opening of its annual exhibition.
The first gala comprised a dinner and tickets were 50 dollars each. Over the first few decades of its existence, the Met Gala was simply one of the many annual benefits held for New York’s charitable institutions. From 1948 to 1971, the event was held at various Manhattan venues, including the Waldorf Astoria, Central Park and the Rainbow Room. There are a couple of significant flash points in the Met Gala’s history that have shaped it into the phenomenon it is today. The event started to become higher profile and celebrity oriented with attendees like Elizabeth Taylor, Andy Warhol, Bianca Jagger, and Diana Ross. It was only after the Lambert years that the gala was first held at the Met and that the themes were introduced.
The first official theme: “The world of Balenciaga”, was chosen by Diana Vreeland for the 1973 edition, a year after the fashion designer’s death. The theme made a splash and the gala began gaining more eyeballs from around the globe.
Some of the most significant themes that marked the fashion industry forever were:
Rock Style: 1999
A selection of more than 40 major rock artists who have influenced style from the 1950s to the present are represented by fashions from the collections of The Costume Institute and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, as well as by loans from the private collections of several of the rock stars themselves. Artists represented include Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Tina Turner, Elton John, Mama Cass, Stevie Nicks, Bruce Springsteen, Bono, David Byrne, Grace Jones, Madonna, and Björk.
Liv Tyler and Stella McCartney
Lil Kim
Superheroes, Fashion and Fantasy: 2008
From Wonder Woman’s satin stars and golden bracelets to Batman’s brooding cape and mask, the style of superheroes’ dress has influenced both street wear and high fashion.Beginning with the origins of the superhero costume, this volume looks at how designers have been influenced by iconographic components such as the cape, mask, boots, and unitard. Costumes, such as those worn by Batman and Catwoman, are examined as reflections of sexual and physical prowess, while others, most notably those of Superman and Captain America, are analyzed as political propaganda.
Naomi Watts
Blake Lively
Punk, Chaos to Couture: 2013
Focusing on the relationship between the punk concept of „do-it-yourself” and the couture concept of „made-to-measure,” the seven galleries are organized around the materials, techniques, and embellishments associated with the anti-establishment style.
Beyonce
Taylor Swift
China Through the Looking Glass: 2015
This theme examined the influence of Chinese aesthetics on Western fashion. While it sparked discussions on cultural appropriation, it also led to stunning interpretations, such as Rihanna’s iconic yellow Guo Pei gown.
Bee Shaffer
Rihanna
Heavenly Bodies, Fashion and the Catholic Imagination: 2018
Exploring the intersection of fashion and Catholicism, this theme led to some of the most opulent and controversial outfits. The exhibition became the Met’s most attended, showcasing how religious iconography influenced fashion.
Irina Shayk
Lana Del Rey
Sleeping Beauties Reawakening Fahion: 2024
This theme delved into the concept of rebirth and renewal in fashion, drawing inspiration from nature and the passage of time. Attendees wore floral gowns and designs referencing nature’s enduring forms.
Kendall Jenner
Tyla
Superfine Tailoring Black Style: 2025
This theme celebrated the tradition and evolution of Black dandyism, highlighting its role in self-expression and resistance. Attendees embraced sharp menswear and elegant tailoring, with notable appearances by Colman Domingo in custom Valentino and Zendaya in a red sequined Patrick Kelly dress.
Anok Yai
Jennie
To put it into context, the Met Gala is more than celebrities representing brands and showing off their luxurious outfits, it is about creating a beautiful story with lots of different characters that are portrayed by style and aura. Despite people’s hatred of the event, due to the amount of money that the state is investing into only one day and five minutes on the Red Carpet, we need to appreciate the effort and dedication that is put into each and every costume.
The Met Gala has dramatically influenced the world of fashion by transforming it from mere apparel into a form of high art, social commentary, and cultural storytelling. Now, fashion houses and celebrities prepare months in advance to interpret complex themes from “Heavenly Bodies” to “Camp” in inventive and often avant-garde ways.
What was your favourite Met Gala look and who is an iconic character that owns this event each year?
