I’ve been tuning in to the Met Gala for years, watching stars strut their stuff in jaw-dropping outfits while I lounge at home in sweatpants. This year too I am waiting in anticipation since the theme for this year was announced.
For 2024, the theme is “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion”, which will open to the public shortly after the gala. This exhibition will showcase approximately 250 garments and accessories spanning over 400 years, including rare and historically significant pieces. It’ll be definitely interesting to see how the designers will interpret this year’s theme and dress up Hollywood’s most elite.
But while the prestigious attendees are gearing up for the extravaganza, I couldn’t help but wonder what really goes on at the Met Gala after the stars strike their poses. Well, that’s a secret according to Vogue. Guests must follow a strict no-phone policy to maintain secrecy, which adds to the event’s mystique.
Guess what? With a little research, I understood what happens at the crème de la crème of fashion events where the glitterati strut their stuff on the most-watched staircase in the world. But before I reveal that, first, let’s understand what the Met Gala is.
The Met Gala, also known as fashion’s biggest night out, is a fundraising benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, hosted every year on the first Monday in May. But the gala is not only about the red carpet and the stunning outfits, no, it goes beyond that. It is also a significant fundraising event for the museum’s Costume Institute. The funds raised are critical for the institute as it is the only department of the Met that has to fund itself.
Each year, the Met Gala has a theme that coincides with the Costume Institute’s annual exhibition. The Met Gala is also known for its exclusive guest list, which includes A-list celebrities, fashion industry insiders, star athletes, and award-winning actors. In short, it’s a night where fashion and celebrity culture intersect in the most glamorous way possible.
The Red Carpet:
This is how it begins, from the red carpet. The biggest names in showbiz and fashion come together to serve LOOKS and make the red carpet their personal runway. From Rihanna’s pope-inspired ensemble to Lady Gaga’s jaw-dropping four-part performance piece, the Met Gala red carpet is where fashion fantasies come to life.
The Celebs:
The who’s who of the fashion world come together and give us a moment to remember. The guest list? Oh, just some casual names like Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, and the queen of pop herself, Madonna. Each year, the guest list reads like a roll call of some of the most celebrated people from the world of fashion, music, and cinema. And let’s not forget the influencers and the up-and-comers who bring fresh energy to the mix.
The Cocktail Party:
Once the red carpet show is over and the stars stop showcasing their exquisite garments, the real party begins. It’s a hush-hush affair, but we all know it’s where the magic happens. The star attendees use it as an opportunity to meet and greet with the hosts for the evening and with each other while mingling over cocktails. They also get to take a tour of the exhibition and enjoy some of the finest creations.
The Fancy Dinner:
After mingling and the tour, guests sit down for a formal dinner. Each guest is made to sit according to a meticulously curated seating arrangement. The party planners make sure to avoid any drama by not letting old flames sit together. The gala also makes sure that they don’t serve food containing onion, garlic, or any other ingredient that can cause attendees to have a bad breath. Once the dinner wraps up, celebs head out early and change into other awe-worthy outfits for after-parties.
The Aftermath of it all? The world wakes up to a flood of images, critiques, and memes. Who wore it best? Who missed the mark? The Met Gala sets the tone for fashion trends to come, and its influence ripples through the industry long after the last limo leaves.
As I count down to the Met Gala, let’s raise our glasses to the designers, the muses, the artisans, and everyone who makes this night a reality.
Featured Image: Instagram
