Under 12 hours from now, fashion’s most extravagant affair, the Met Gala 2024, will grace the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Tonight, on May 6th, the fashion world will converge for a night of opulence, creativity, and philanthropy at the Costume Institute Benefit. This glamorous fashion extravaganza of the year showcases the finest in couture and serves as a beacon of philanthropy, raising funds to support The Costume Institute’s invaluable work in preserving fashion history.
As the excitement builds, speculation swirls about who will grace the red carpet. Will Rihanna make a grand entrance? Is Beyoncé planning a show-stopping ensemble? Is Blake Lively going to make a spectacular return this year? With a theme that promises to ignite curiosity – “The Garden of Time” – this year’s gala is poised to be nothing short of enchanting, as anticipation is at an all-time high for the dazzling array of fashion statements we’ll witness tonight.
Led by the indefatigable visionary Anna Wintour, the Met Gala is more than just a glamorous affair—it serves as a vital fundraising initiative for The Costume Institute, with over $223.5 million raised to support the preservation and exhibition of fashion history to inspire generations to come. So, as the clock ticks closer to the event, one thing is for certain: the Met Gala 2024 promises to be a night of magic, mystery, and fashion-forward flair. Get ready to witness history in the making, right in the heart of New York City.
Here’s all you need to know about the 2024 Met Gala:
Where to watch the 2024 Met Gala livestream?
For those unable to secure a coveted ticket, fear not! Vogue’s got you covered for the fourth consecutive year, offering audiences an exclusive (and free) front-row experience to the fashion spectacle. The 2024 Met Gala live stream extravaganza will grace its digital platforms, including, TikTok and YouTube, kicking off on Monday, May 6th starting at 6:00 pm ET.
The event will be hosted by actor Gwendoline Christie, producer and actor La La Anthony, and model Ashley Graham, while the versatile Emma Chamberlain returns as Vogue’s special correspondent, ready to chat with the night’s A-listers! Prefer the traditional TV experience? E! has got your back with a live broadcast straight from the red carpet, starting at 3 p.m. PDT. Don’t forget to tune in for an evening filled with magic and fashion finery!
What is the 2024 Met Gala theme and dress code?
The Benefit (also known as The Met Gala) marks the opening of The Costume Institute’s spring exhibition—this year, Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion. Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion will reactivate the sensory capacities of masterworks in the Museum’s collection through first-hand research, conservation analysis, and diverse technologies—from cutting-edge tools, artificial intelligence, and computer-generated imagery to traditional formats of x-rays, video animation, light projection, and soundscapes. Approximately 250 objects spanning four centuries will be on view, visually united by iconography related to nature, which will serve as a metaphor for the fragility and ephemerality of fashion.
But what about the dress code, you ask? This year, it’s all about embracing “The Garden of Time,” drawing inspiration from J.G. Ballard’s evocative tale of temporal manipulation (1962). Think botanical prints, archival pieces, and perhaps a nod to Botticelli’s iconic “The Birth of Venus.” It’s a theme that invites guests to explore the cyclical nature of fashion, where the past intertwines with the present to create a timeless tableau.
Who’s Leading the Gala this Year?
Anna Wintour’s hand-picked class of 2024 co-chairs for the full-blown-out black-tie event of the year will head the exclusive fashion spectacle. From the captivating Zendaya to the legendary Jennifer Lopez, the dashing Chris Hemsworth, and the trailblazing Bad Bunny, this dream team is set to elevate the event to new heights, alongside Wintour. Adding to the glamour are honorary chairs TikTok CEO Shou Chew and Jonathan Anderson, the creative director of Loewe, highlighting the event’s esteemed lineup.
What’s the Inside Scoop on Met Gala Etiquette?
- Early Arrivals for the Elite: The Fabulous Five, as co-chairs, are expected to grace “The Garden of Time” before the rest, setting the tone for the evening’s festivities.
- Co-Chair Duties: While Anna Wintour keeps the specifics strictly under wraps, co-chairs are presumed to play a pivotal role in publicizing the event, ensuring its appeal spans across various industries and demographics.
- Behind-the-Scenes Responsibilities: Co-chairs are rumoured to assist in selecting the theme, curating the guest list, and even deciding on menu and décor details. However, all final decisions rest with the ever-influential Anna Wintour.
- Mysterious Preparations: While the world eagerly awaits the red carpet spectacle, the meticulous planning behind the scenes remains shrouded in secrecy, adding to the Met Gala’s enigmatic allure.
- Strict Dress Code Enforcement: The most basic thumb rule in the Met Gala book is that all attendees are expected to adhere to the dress code, with outfits requiring approval from Wintour herself. However, as witnessed over the years, not every star follows through on that promise. Those who stray often opt for high-end white tie attire, risking Wintour’s disapproval. Amy Odell, who wrote her biography, highlighted in her book that all Met Gala attires are pre-approved by the Vogue personality.
- Pricey Admission: Despite coveted invitations, attendees must shell out a hefty $75,000 for entry, a 30% increase from the previous year’s price of $50,000.
- No-Phone Policy: Wintour maintains an air of exclusivity by enforcing a strict no-phone and no-social media intervention policy, preserving Gala’s mystique and honouring the museum’s timeless treasures.
- Age Restrictions and Conduct Expectations: Attendees must be 18 or older and are expected to adhere to strict guidelines against abusive or discriminatory behaviour, with smoking, including electronic cigarettes, prohibited on or near the premises.
As the countdown ticks away and the Met Gala 2024 looms closer, the excitement is palpable to see a dazzling showcase of creativity and philanthropy, where fashion history will be made amidst the enchanting backdrop of the Garden of Time. So, grab your front-row seat and prepare to witness a night to remember as the stars align at the Metropolitan Museum of Art History awaits!