The annual Met Gala, a glittering fundraiser for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was held in New York City on May 4th.

Celebrating “Costume Art”

This year’s theme, “Costume Art,” explored the connection between fashion and art history. The exhibition showcased 200 art objects alongside 200 garments, highlighting the intricate relationship between the two disciplines.

A Star-Studded Event

The gala drew approximately 400 guests, each paying $100,000 for a single ticket or $350,000 for a table of ten. The event inaugurated the newly created Conde M. Nast Galleries – a nearly 12,000 square foot space.

Co-Chairs and Host Committee

The 2025 Met Gala was co-chaired by music icon Beyoncé, actress Nicole Kidman, tennis champion Venus Williams, and Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour. A host committee, led by designer Anthony Vaccarello and filmmaker Zoë Kravitz, included Sabrina Carpenter, Teyana Taylor, Lena Dunham, and Misty Copeland.

Fundraising and Sponsorship

The gala is the Costume Institute’s primary fundraising event, generating a record-breaking $31 million last year. This year’s event was sponsored by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos, though the specific amount of their contribution was not disclosed.

Protests and Political Stances

The Bezos’ sponsorship drew protest from activist group Everyone Hates Elon, who targeted subway displays with anti-billionaire messaging. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani chose not to attend, differing from past mayors like Eric Adams who used the event to promote social causes.

Inclusivity and Representation

The exhibition took a progressive approach, incorporating elements of body positivity and representation. Curator Andrew Bolton included sections dedicated to historically marginalized body types – the corpulent and disabled body.

New Mannequins

Twenty-five new mannequins were commissioned, including nine based on digital scans of real individuals like disability activist Sinéad Burke and musician Yseult. These mannequins feature polished steel surfaces, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own bodies.

The gala’s evolution from a modest 1948 society supper to a global spectacle demonstrates its lasting influence on fashion and popular culture. The “Costume Art” exhibit opens to the public on May 10th.