The Met Gala is known today as one of the biggest events in the fashion calendar. The Super Bowl of fashion if you will. Known for its star-studded guest list and over-the-top dress code, the Met Gala is the annual fundraising event to mark the opening of the Costume Institutes fashion exhibit.
However, it has not always been the spectacle that we now look forward to seeing every year. Here is a brief history of the Met Gala…
How did the Met Gala start?
The Met Gala was founded in 1948 by celebrated fashion publicist, Eleanor Lambert. Just like today, the main purpose of the gala was to raise funds for the Costume Institute and mark the opening of its annual exhibit. Additionally, Lambert is also credited for founding the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 1962.
The first Met Gala was held in December 1948 and until 1971 was held at various iconic Manhattan venues such as the Rainbow Room, Central Park and the Waldorf Astoria.
The Met Gala as a social event
In 1972, following her term as the editor-in-chief of Vogue, Diana Vreeland was appointed the consultant for the Costume Institute. It was then that the Gala evolved into a glamourous social event. Whilst still aimed at members of New York’s high-society, the event also attracted high-profile celebrities. Attendees included Elizabeth Taylor, Elton John, Andy Warhol and Cher, among others. The celebrity guests became the focus, drawing the attention of the world, ultimately raising the profile and status of the event.
Why is there a theme to each Met Gala?
The exhibit and event are assigned a specific theme each year that guests are expected to follow. Themes are considered carefully and what is chosen is usually timely and defines a current cultural shift. Sometimes the theme relates to a particular subject, like 2018’s ‘Heavenly Bodies’ Gala which explored the connection between fashion and Catholicism. Other times the theme is in homage to a single designer, which was the case for this year’s Gala; ‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty’.
It was Vreeland that introduced the very first Met Gala theme in 1973; ‘The World of Balenciaga’. Other notable themes throughout the years include; ‘American Women of Style in 1975, ‘Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century’ in 2004 and ‘Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty’ in 2011.
READ MORE: Met Gala 2023: Everything You Need to Know
How have the ticket prices changed?
Surprisingly, the cost of a ticket to the Met Gala in 1948 was only $50! Of course, with time the ticket prices have increased dramatically, with current prices approximately around $30,000 or $250,000 for a table of 10.
Tickets are usually bought by designers who then take the celebrities who are wearing their designs for the occasion.
How has the fashion changed?
The difference in the red carpet looks at the Met Gala over the past few decades is quite drastic. Thanks to the themes and increasing popularity of the event, attending stars are encouraged to have fun with fashion and turn up in some pretty crazy looks – we’re looking at you, Jared Leto.
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What was once a sea of stunning evening gowns is now a spectacle of grandiosity. Which is exactly what we want to see at the Met Gala – it is a celebration of fashion after all!
READ MORE: A-Z of the Most Iconic Met Gala Looks of All Time