The 2024 Met Gala, held on May 6th in New York, once again captivated audiences with its display of high fashion and celebrity glamour. Following this year’s theme, ‘Garden of Time’, inspired by a 1962 short story, cinema, music, fashion, and sports attendees made striking appearances on the red carpet. From Alia Bhatt’s ethereal Sabyasachi sari, crafted by 163 artisans, to Zendaya’s regal-blue John Galliano ensemble reminiscent of a 1999 Dior piece, the stars made their mark.
Often hailed as “fashion’s biggest night out”, the Met Gala is an invite-only affair held annually on the first Monday of May.
However, gaining entry isn’t just about having deep pockets; it’s about receiving a personal invitation from the event overseer, Anna Wintour, the Chief Content Officer of Condé Nast and Global Editorial Director of Vogue.
This year, all 400 attendees received coveted invitations to the cocktail and dinner party.
Yet, even with an invitation, attendance comes with a hefty price tag.
This year, the price of an individual Met Gala ticket has shot up to about $75,000 (Rs 62 lakhs approximately) from $50,000 (Rs 41 lakhs approximately) in 2023, reports BBC. Back in 1995, which marked Anna Wintour’s first year helming the event, an individual ticket cost $1,000 (Rs 83,000 approximately).
But the expenses don’t end there. Guests also face substantial fees for reserving tables at the event. Booking a 10-seater table starts at a staggering $350,000 (Rs 2.9 crore approximately) often snapped up by companies like Gucci, Prada, and Amazon, who then extend invitations to celebrities associated with their brands or adorned in their designs. However, these guest lists undergo scrutiny for approval by event authorities.
As for this year’s hosts, the spotlight shone on rapper and singer Bad Bunny, singer-songwriter Jennifer Lopez, and actors Zendaya and Chris Hemsworth, with Hemsworth making his gala debut. Additionally, Shou Zi Chew, Chief Executive Officer of TikTok, and Jonathan Anderson, creative director of Loewe’s fashion house, served as honorary chairs.
The Met Gala continues to dazzle with its opulence, making it a sought-after event for celebrities and fashion aficionados alike, albeit at a price.