Amber Raiken and Sarah Young
·3 min read
The 2023 Met Gala kicks off this evening, with celebrities and titans of the fashion world preparing for the industry’s biggest night.
The theme of this year’s black-tie extravaganza, held on Monday 1 May, is “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”, which will “examine the life” of the late designer’s legacy. The gala will also pay homage to Lagerfeld through its dress code: “In honour of Karl”.
Similar to previous years, the annual show will include a parade of well-dressed guests posing on the grand entrance steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
While the gala might be a charity event, and primarily about raising funds, that doesn’t mean just anyone gets to attend. Since 1995, the guest list has been carefully presided over byVogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and this year is no different.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Met Gala’s guestlist, from who is attending this year to how you can get an invite.
How much does a ticket cost?
Earlier this month, a source claimed to Page Six that the price to attend the event had gone up this year and that tickets cost $50,000 per person. In 2018, tickets weren’t nearly as pricy -The New York Times reported that tickets cost $30,000 a piece at the time and it ran about $275,000 to book a table at the event.
The following year, prices saw a slight increase. The Evening Standard reported that one ticket for the 2019 gala was $35,000.
While this is a monumental amount of money, as a fundraising event, it’s for a good cause. All of the money from ticket sales is donated to the Costume Institute, which is the only department of the Met Museum that has to fund itself.
The New York Times reported that, during the event in 2017, more than $12m was raised.
So, can anyone who can afford a ticket go?
Unfortunately not. Unlike other charity events, the Met Gala is invitation only and there is a waiting list to get a ticket.
According to The New York Times, invitations are typically based on a person’s status. So, if you’re the latest model, muse or major talent in the world of fashion, film or music, you’re pretty much guaranteed the opportunity to buy a seat.
While companies can buy entire tables at the event, Wintour still has the final say over every invitation, so brands can’t always choose who sits at their table.
How many people attend the Met Gala?
The Met Gala usually host around 600 attendees, according toVogue. However, a much smaller number attended in 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic.
In 2018, the “Heavenly Bodies” exhibition was the biggest the Costume Institute had produced to date, with around 58,600 square feet stretching over three galleries.
Who is invited this year?
The tradition is every year a number of designers and celebrities are selected to co-chair the event alongside Wintour. This year’s co-chairs are: Dua Lipa, Michaela Coel, Penélope Cruz, and Roger Federer.
Just like last year’s Met Gala, Emma Chamberlain will be stepping in as Vogue‘s special correspondent of the magazine’s livestream of the event.
While we won’t officially know which celebrities will be at the gala until the day of, a few stars have confirmed that they’re attending. Some of these famous faces include: Florence Pugh, Paris Hilton, and Kim Kardashian.
Greetings, enthusiasts of fashion and cultural extravaganzas. My name is not important, for my expertise speaks for itself. As a seasoned observer and analyst of the fashion industry, I have delved deep into the intricacies of events like the Met Gala, dissecting its history, dissecting its themes, and scrutinizing the guest list that defines its allure.
Let's unravel the tapestry of information woven into this snippet about the upcoming 2023 Met Gala, where luminaries of fashion and entertainment will converge to celebrate the legacy of the late Karl Lagerfeld.
The Theme: Karl Lagerfeld - A Line of Beauty The theme for this year's Met Gala is a homage to Karl Lagerfeld, a luminary in the fashion world. "A Line of Beauty" suggests a profound exploration of Lagerfeld's impact and influence on the industry, promising a night filled with sartorial nods to his legacy.
The Dress Code: "In Honour of Karl" In line with the theme, the dress code for the evening is "In Honour of Karl," implying that attendees are expected to pay tribute to Lagerfeld through their attire, a tradition that adds a layer of creativity and thematic cohesion to the event.
The Host and Gatekeeper: Anna Wintour Since 1995, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour has meticulously curated the guest list, maintaining the exclusivity of the Met Gala. Her influence extends to the selection of attendees, ensuring a mix of influential figures from the realms of fashion, film, and music.
Ticket Costs and Charity Attending the Met Gala comes with a hefty price tag. Reports suggest that the tickets for this year are priced at $50,000 per person. While this may seem exorbitant, the funds raised contribute to the Costume Institute, the only department of the Met Museum that self-funds.
Guest Selection: Invitation Only Contrary to other charity events, the Met Gala operates on an invitation-only basis. Invitations are extended based on an individual's status, emphasizing their prominence in the worlds of fashion, film, or music. The exclusivity is underscored by a waiting list, and even those with financial means might find themselves without an invitation.
Number of Attendees Typically, the Met Gala hosts around 600 attendees, creating an intimate yet star-studded affair. However, due to the pandemic, the number of attendees in 2021 was significantly reduced. The guest list is carefully curated to maintain a balance between influence and intimacy.
Co-Chairs and Special Correspondent Each year, co-chairs are selected to share the responsibility of hosting the gala. The 2023 co-chairs include Dua Lipa, Michaela Coel, Penélope Cruz, and Roger Federer. Additionally, Emma Chamberlain will step in as Vogue's special correspondent, providing insights into the event through the magazine's livestream.
Confirmed Attendees While the full guest list is typically revealed on the day of the event, some stars have already confirmed their attendance for this year. Notable names include Florence Pugh, Paris Hilton, and Kim Kardashian, adding to the anticipation and allure of the Met Gala.
In conclusion, the Met Gala transcends its status as a mere event; it is a convergence of art, fashion, and celebrity, meticulously orchestrated to celebrate the essence of creative expression and pay tribute to iconic figures in the industry. As the world eagerly awaits the grandeur of the 2023 Met Gala, the stage is set for a night that promises to be a dazzling spectacle of style, culture, and philanthropy.
