good morning. It's Monday. Tonight is the Met Gala, where money and power intersect. Let's take a look at why this event is important.
New York City's biggest fashion event, the Met Gala, officially the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute benefit, is happening tonight. You'll find out when you go. This is an invitation-only extravaganza, and the guest list is a closely guarded secret.
The gala is an annual event, but this year there may be more photographers and celebrity watchers outside than usual. Condé Union, which represents workers at Vogue, the fashion magazine run by Anna Wintour, the gala's mastermind for 25 years, and other Condé Nast publications were also at risk of being listed. “Condé Nast Management: See you at the table, or else at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.” There was a post from the union on X..
We spoke to Vanessa Friedman, fashion director and chief fashion critic for The New York Times, about why Hollywood, fashion and other power showcases are important to New York, and what to expect as the night progresses. I asked for an explanation.
Why is the Met Gala so important in New York?
I think it's more than that. It's global. You see it when designers come in, celebrities come in, people in power come in.
While it reflects the charm of New York, it also reflects the charm of Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
She has served as chair since 1999. Her first involvement was in 1995, but she was chaired for three or four years by another fashion editor, Harper's Bazaar's Liz Tilberis. However, both galas have been held for some time. It was created by Eleanor Lambert in her 1948 to raise funds for the Costume Society.
But the Met Gala as we know it today is a kind of stew of celebrity and money and glamor and extraordinary dressing and supreme attention, and it's Anna's creation.
Money is—is “stratospheric” the right word?
That's the perfect word. But the Met Gala's raison d'être is to ensure the health and continuity of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. This political party funds the annual operating budget.
When the Costume Institute joined the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the arrangement was that the Costume Institute would pay its own costs. It is the only curatorial department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art that operates in this manner. Everything else, every other department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is funded by the museum's budget. This is not it.
But the Met Gala makes so much money that some of it is actually donated to museums.
Do you know how much?
it's not. The party made $22 million in profits last year. Prices have increased this year. Maybe you can make more money.
Are prices higher than before? how much?
The official price for the seat last year was $50,000, according to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Now it's $75,000.
But if you have 400 guests, you can't just calculate the total cost by multiplying by $75,000. Brands will purchase the tables, which will start at $350,000 this year. Celebrities who participate as “guests” of the brand may also make donations. Additionally, people who purchase tickets individually may sit at a table purchased by a brand.
The rise in “official” prices is outpacing inflation.
It also exceeds the fundraising efforts of all other cultural institutions by an order of magnitude. Nothing comes close.
Does that mean people attending bonus sets, big-ticket galas, are back on the circuit? Will this also be another post-pandemic milestone?
Well, this party is certainly setting records. But this fund is more than just a philanthropic investment, as it includes a centerpiece. There are a lot of famous people. Images of the gala, including photos and videos, are spread everywhere. This is called earned media value, and it's worth a lot of money. It is effectively advertised.
Therefore, galas are both a support for cultural institutions and a highly effective marketing investment. This is unique in cultural fundraising.
It's like the Oscars.
Yes, but it might be bigger than the Oscars. They call the Met Gala the Oscars of the East Coast. I think that may actually be an underestimation of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This is his one of the most concentrated distillations of a living cultural shaper.
And there's homework too. The dress code is based on her short story, “The Garden of Time” by JG Ballard (who died 15 years before her), about her husband trying to turn back time. Did you read it before it was announced at the gala that it would be this year's take-off point?
I wasn't, but I am now, thank you, Met.
Let me tell you, not one person I've talked to about attendee attire has read this book yet.
Is it a metaphor for the Metropolitan Museum of Art and what the gala has done for the Met?
That's the question, isn't it?
In 2021, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stole the show at the Met Gala. Custom Brother Belize Jacket Dress The words “Tax the rich'' were printed on it. Was she invited this year?
I do not understand. The gala is by invitation only.
We know some of the participants. Rihanna announced it in British Vogue, so we know she'll be in it.
You can also make an educated guess. Ben Affleck may be in attendance, as his wife Jennifer Lopez serves as co-host. Presumably actor Tom Holland will be in attendance since his partner Zendaya is also a co-host.
We know they won't be attending, much to the dismay of many, as Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift have announced their absence. Everyone was so excited about Travis and Taylor's idea at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
What should I wear?
my pajamas. I will be watching the live broadcast from a distance. Per New York Times regulations, free tickets are not accepted and $75,000 is over budget.
What will cockroaches wear this year?
huh. Last year, cockroaches ran across the carpet while photographers waited for Rihanna to arrive.
This year's dress code is “Garden of Time” with a nature theme. Cockroaches are part of New York City's flora and fauna. Achieve a true-to-life look.
weather
Temperatures will be in the mid 70s with showers and patchy fog expected. At night it will be mostly cloudy with temperatures dropping into the low 50s.
Alternate parking lot
Valid until Thursday (Solemn Day of the Ascension).
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metropolitan diary
emergency bead work
Dear diary:
It was September 1994, and my boss and I were returning to a midtown hotel after a business meeting.
I was wearing a long necklace of crystal beads that I inherited from my grandmother. As I was getting out of the taxi, I got caught on the edge of the leather folder I was carrying, and the string snapped immediately.
In horror, I watched the beads come loose and bounce on the asphalt. It was rush hour so there was no way to pick them up in traffic.
Clutching the rest of the necklace to my chest, I followed my boss to the mezzanine bar. She was unfazed by my drama and she wanted to drink and report.
Unable to concentrate, I went to the large window in the lounge and looked down. The beads were shining brightly on the road where cars were passing by.
I had to do something, but I didn't know what.
“I’m going back downstairs,” I told my boss. She frowned as she sipped her Tom Collins.
When I got down to the sidewalk, I saw that the traffic was increasing. My rescue mission felt impossible.
Then, in a magical moment, the streets were empty of cars and quiet. The rhythm of the traffic lights on the main street suddenly became my friend.
