The Met Gala is making a spectacular return in 2021 and 2022, after the cancellation of last year’s event due to the pandemic.
You heard it right! The Met Gala is making a mega return after last year’s cancellation. The famous Gala traditionally takes place in May. However due to the pandemic, it was unable to go ahead in 2020. Now, fans will be delighted to know that not just one, but two celebrations have been set in stone.
The Gala will return on the 13th of September 2021 and the 2nd of May, 2022. No announcement has yet been made on who the celebrity hosts will be. However, past hosts have included stars such as Harry Styles, Serena Williams, Lady Gaga and Alessandro Michele.
Commonly known as “Fashions biggest night out”, themes of the events will encompass ideas relating to current events,
“The theme will celebrate American designers, as well as political, cultural and social events from the past year.”
Source: Vogue
The star studded celebration is recognised as one the most important events on the yearly fashion calendar. However, it has been reported that it will be a scaled down celebration this year in order to align with government guidelines.
Tickets start at $35,000, with the invite-only event raising a substantial amount of money for The Met Costume Institute.
According to the New York Times, in 2019 the event raised an astonishing $15 million. It was also reported that the Met Gala is the institute’s “primary source of annual funding for exhibitions, publications, acquisitions, operations and capital improvements.”
History of the Gala
The Met Gala was established in 1948 by fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert. Lambert welcomed a group of Manhattan’s high society to a midnight supper at the Waldorf Astoria, intending to encourage donations. The popularity of the event rose in 1972, when former Editor in Chief of Vogue Diana Vreeland was appointed Consultant to the Costume Institute.
Vreeland’s work revitalised the Gala.
“Vreeland transformed the party from a small fundraising dinner into one of the most important nights on the New York social calendar…”
Source: Irish Tatler
In 1989, Vreeland sadly passed away. The position was vacant throughout the early 90s. However, the decade brought a new sense of beauty and charm to the celebration.
In 1996, The Gala hosted royalty with an appearance from Princess Diana who wore a navy creation by Christian Dior. The Gala was taken in a new direction in 1999 with Anna Wintour’s appoinment to Chairperson.
Modern Met
As the years passed, the celebration grew in popularity, with many familiar names and red carpet appearances. The 2016 celebration focused on the difference between Handmade haute couture and machine made fashion. Beyonce made an surprising appearance in a Givenchy Haute Couture dress.
In 2019, Serena Williams wore a yellow Atelier Versace gown. The tennis great also showed off her pair of shiny yellow Nike x Off- White Air Force One sneakers. Other stand-out star studded names include Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga, Naomi Campbell and Madonna.
It has been reported that tickets in the early days were only $100. Invites were also once open to not just Hollywood’s most exclusive, but others including students.
Anticipation and excitement is building. The upcoming Met Galas will bring a sense of normality back for fashion fans.
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