The Met Gala, one of the most exclusive events in fashion, is set to take place this evening with significant changes. This year marks the first Gala since Dame Anna Wintour stepped down as Vogue's editor-in-chief, though she remains deeply involved as Condé Nast's Global Chief Content Officer and Artistic Director.
What is the Met Gala?
The Met Gala is an annual charity benefit for the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Held on the first Monday of May, it opens the institute's newest exhibition. The event is renowned for its high-profile guest list, including designers, actors, models, and musicians, all adhering to a themed dress code.
The 2026 Theme and Dress Code
This year's theme is 'Costume Art,' aligning with the museum's exhibition featuring hundreds of outfits spanning 5,000 years. The dress code is 'Fashion Is Art,' urging guests to explore fashion as an embodied art form and celebrate depictions of the dressed body throughout art history.
Who is Attending?
Beyoncé is making a grand return as a host, alongside Venus Williams, Nicole Kidman, and Anna Wintour. Confirmed guests include Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Teyana Taylor, and Zoe Kravitz. The Kardashian-Jenner sisters are regulars, while Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez Bezos are co-chairs, sponsoring the event despite calls for a boycott over workers' rights.
Ticket Prices and Payment
Individual tickets have reached an unprecedented $100,000 (approximately £75,000), a 25% increase from 2025. However, celebrities rarely pay for their own tickets. Brands often purchase tickets and invite celebrities to wear their garments. Full tables cost at least $350,000 (£257,000), typically reserved by fashion houses.
How to Watch
The red carpet livestream, hosted by Ashley Graham, La La Anthony, and Cara Delevingne, begins at 6 p.m. on Vogue. Emma Chamberlain will interview guests. Inside the Met, a strict 'no phone policy' ensures secrecy.
