On the first Monday of every May, the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art transform into one of the most photographed stages in the world. Celebrities arrive draped in couture, often blurring the line between fashion and performance art. This year’s theme, “Costume Art,” promises a particularly striking spectacle – one that I find myself anticipating year after year. Yet its origins are far quieter, rooted not in splendour but in philanthropy.
Known for its glamour and bold fashion, the event brings together celebrities and designers to celebrate creativity and style. Beyond the red carpet, it also serves an important purpose – raising funds for the museum’s Costume Institute and supporting its work.
An annual theme to show creativity
One of the defining features of the modern Met Gala is its annual theme, which aligns with The Costume Institute’s spring exhibition. These themes are often intellectually ambitious, drawing from history, philosophy, and aesthetics.
This year’s theme, Costume Art, was nothing short of extraordinary, offering both designers and celebrities a platform not only to showcase their creativity but also to explore the dialogue between fashion and fine art. It felt especially significant in the way it framed that relationship – in a way to establish fashion’s strong position amongst fine arts. Celebrities went with the theme, mainly focusing on different sculptures, paintings or film related pieces.
A few of the costume creations that really impressed me
This year was unforgettable, and I can’t resist highlighting a few of my favourite looks from the night.
Singer Sabrina Carpenter appeared in a custom Dior gown inspired by the 1954 film Sabrina. The look paid homage to classic Hollywood, weaving cinematic nostalgia into haute couture with a design that echoed the elegance and romance made out of the original film tape.
Model Kendall Jenner stepped onto the carpet in a custom GapStudio look inspired by the iconic Winged Victory of Samothrace – a masterpiece dating back to around 190 BCE that represents the Greek goddess Nike. The supermodel’s ensemble reimagined the brand’s signature white T-shirt, transforming a simple staple into a sculptural, high-fashion statement.
YouTuber Emma Chamberlain absolutely nailed the theme, wearing a Mugler turtleneck gown inspired by a Vincent van Gogh painting. The look featured flowing fringe sleeves and a soft, painterly feel with a darker edge.
However, the title of best look arguably goes to Yu-Chi Lyra Ko, who wore a Jean Paul Gaultier gown also inspired by the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The design echoed the sculpture’s dramatic movement and sculptural drapery, with flowing fabric that mimicked wind-swept wings, creating a look that felt both powerful and elegant.
History of the Met Gala
But what are the origins of the Met Gala? The story begins in 1948, when American fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert created the gala as a fundraising dinner for the museum’s Costume Institute. At the time, the Institute itself was relatively new, and fashion was still fighting for recognition as a legitimate art form within museum spaces.
The early galas were intimate affairs, attended primarily by members of New York high society. Tickets were affordable by today’s standards (around $50) and the evening resembled a conventional charity dinner rather than a cultural phenomenon.
The Met Gala’s transformation began in the 1970s under the influence of Diana Vreeland, the former editor-in-chief of Vogue. After joining The Costume Institute as a consultant, Vreeland reimagined both the exhibitions and the gala itself. She introduced the idea of themed exhibitions- turning fashion displays into immersive, narrative-driven experiences.Under Vreeland, the event became more glamorous, more theatrical, and more culturally significant.
In 1995 Anna Wintour gave it its modern power. She refined the guest list, making attendance one of the most coveted invitations in the world. Carefully curated, the list blends celebrities, designers, models, athletes, and cultural figures. Under her leadership, the gala became synonymous with exclusivity. Tickets now cost tens of thousands of dollars, and entire tables- often purchased by major fashion houses- can reach into the hundreds of thousands. Despite (or because of) this, the event raises enormous sums each year for the Costume Institute, making it one of the most successful fundraising events in the arts. At the same time, Wintour embraced the growing power of media. What was once a private event evolved into a global spectacle, amplified by photography, livestreams, and social media platforms.
Purpose and impact
At its core, the Met Gala remains what it was always intended to be: a fundraiser and research that continues to elevate fashion as an art form. It has also become something more – a mirror of cultural change. Each year’s theme, guest list, and standout looks reflect broader shifts in society, from ideas about beauty and identity to the relationship between art and commerce. From a $50 dinner organized by Eleanor Lambert to a multimillion-dollar global spectacle overseen by Anna Wintour, the Met Gala’s journey is a story of transformation. It captures the evolving nature of culture itself. What happens on those museum steps each May is not just about clothing. It is about storytelling, identity, and the power of spectacle. I know that I already can’t wait for next year’s one.
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