Fashion Icon Endorses Tech Billionaire's Met Gala Sponsorship
In an exclusive interview with CNN, Anna Wintour has publicly expressed her genuine feelings about Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos stepping into the spotlight as lead sponsors for the prestigious Met Gala. The 76-year-old fashion doyenne addressed recent criticism surrounding their high-profile involvement in one of fashion's most anticipated events.
Wintour didn't hold back her admiration for Sanchez, describing the philanthropist as a 'great lover of costume and obviously of fashion'. She further emphasised her belief that the 55-year-old would prove to be a 'wonderful asset to the museum and the event'.
Generosity and Vision Celebrated
'We're very grateful for her incredible generosity,' Wintour continued during the revealing conversation. 'So we're thrilled she's part of the night.' This endorsement comes at a significant moment for both the Met Gala and Vogue's leadership structure.
Earlier this month, the Metropolitan Museum and Vogue jointly announced that 'Costume Art' will serve as the central theme for the spring 2026 exhibition at the Costume Institute. This revelation means celebrities and designers must immediately begin planning their extravagant designer ensembles for the event.
The New York City museum plans to showcase a compelling juxtaposition of historical and contemporary garments from the Costume Institute collection. The exhibition will be loosely organised into three distinct categories: the classical body and the nude body, aging bodies and pregnant bodies, and the anatomical body.
New Leadership Era at Vogue
This year's gala marks Wintour's first in her expanded role as Vogue's Global Creative Director and Chief Content Officer for Condé Nast. Meanwhile, Chloe Malle assumes responsibility as Head of Editorial Content for American Vogue. Malle brings impressive pedigree as the daughter of actress Candice Bergen and French filmmaker Louis Malle.
Wintour's legendary hands-on approach to the Met Gala over decades has transformed it into the spectacular A-list affair it represents today. Her curation has made the event beloved by fashion icons including Rihanna, the Kardashians, Blake Lively, and Zendaya.
Beyond Sánchez and Bezos, this year's event enjoys sponsorship from French designer brand Saint Laurent alongside Condé Nast, Vogue's longstanding publisher.
The sponsorship decision follows Sánchez's recent appearance on the cover of Vogue's June 2025 digital issue, which extensively covered her lavish Venetian wedding to the Amazon founder. The magazine spread featured exclusive behind-the-scenes photographs of her wedding preparations and dress fitting, created for her by Dolce & Gabbana.
The breathtaking long-sleeve lace gown featured a curve-hugging silhouette, dramatic flared hem, and elegant high neckline that required over 900 hours of meticulous atelier work. Sánchez completed her bridal look with an exquisite lace veil that trailed behind her, later changing into an Oscar de la Renta cocktail dress for the reception celebrations.
Reflecting on her relationship with Bezos, Sánchez told Vogue: 'I'm very happy. More than the dress, I'm happy that I'm getting married and I get to spend my life with my best friend, someone who sees me, someone who adores me, someone who I adore.' She added emotionally: 'I am the luckiest woman on the planet.'
Last June, the couple—who became engaged in 2023—exchanged vows in Italy surrounded by an equally star-studded guest list that included Ivanka Trump, Oprah, and Kim Kardashian. The estimated $20 million, multi-day celebration featured a foam party aboard Bezos' $500 million Koru yacht, an extravagant pre-nuptial dinner, and a post-wedding lunch at the iconic Harry's Bar.
Sanchez was previously married to businessman Patrick Whitesell from 2005 to 2019, with whom she shares 19-year-old son Evan and 17-year-old daughter Ella. She also has 24-year-old son Nikko Gonzalez from her previous relationship with ex Tony Gonzalez.
