The Met Gala, known for its extravagant fashion and celebrity guests, has also fostered a unique tradition: bathroom selfies. This practice began in 2017 when Kylie Jenner organized a now-iconic group photo in the restroom.

The Tradition's Origins

The Met Gala’s historically strict social media restrictions prompted the creation of this tradition. Celebrities sought a discreet way to document their presence and connections at the event. Kylie Jenner’s 2017 bathroom selfie sparked the trend.

This Year's Snapshot

Model Bhavitha Mandava continued the tradition this year, recreating the spirit of Jenner’s original photo. The recent image included Margot Robbie, Awar Odhiang, Ayo Edebiri, and the members of BLACKPINK – Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa.

A Loophole in the Rules

The origins of the bathroom selfie trend are rooted in Anna Wintour’s long-standing ban on social media posting during the event. This rule aimed to maintain exclusivity and control the release of images.

Celebrities discovered a loophole by using the restrooms as clandestine hubs for capturing selfies and short videos, avoiding Wintour’s restrictions.

Celebrity Participation

Over the years, numerous stars, including Ashley Graham, Hailey Bieber, Dakota Johnson, and Cara Delevingne, have participated in these impromptu gatherings. The bathroom became a space for relaxed interaction and self-expression.

Wintour's Response

Recognizing the popularity of the bathroom gatherings, Anna Wintour now has a designated restroom reserved solely for her use, guarded by security. This is to avoid unwanted interactions with attendees, as she prefers not to be “ambushed by tipsy celeb fans.”

A Lasting Trend

The continued prevalence of these bathroom snapshots demonstrates that, despite efforts to control the narrative, the Met Gala’s most memorable moments often unfold behind closed doors. The 2021 Met Gala also featured a bathroom selfie with the cast of HBO’s Euphoria.