The Met Gala, known for its star-studded red carpet arrivals and glamorous afterparties, is much more than just a glitzy event. While the public eye focuses on the red carpet portion that lasts for a few hours, there is a whole other side to the evening's proceedings that often goes unseen.
Once inside the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, guests are treated to a tour of the exhibition that will open to the public in the days following the gala. This gives attendees a chance to appreciate the art and fashion on display in a more intimate setting.
Following the exhibition tour, guests are seated for a formal dinner. The atmosphere is one of sophistication and elegance, with a strict no-phone policy at the tables. The seating arrangements are meticulously planned by none other than Anna Wintour, the influential editor-in-chief of American Vogue, who has been organizing the gala since 1995. Wintour's attention to detail ensures that the evening flows seamlessly and that guests are strategically placed for maximum impact.
While the red carpet and afterparties may steal the spotlight, the Met Gala is ultimately a fundraiser at its core. The event raises millions of dollars each year for the museum through the sale of five-figure tickets. In 2023, the gala set a new record by raising nearly $22 million, as revealed in the book 'Fashion's Big Night Out.'
