Wake up, sleeping beauties. It’s almost Met Gala time

New York – Kiss or invitation of true love Met Gala? People included in the rare category of international celebrity – and Anna Wintour’s Good graces – no need to choose.

Stars from film, fashion, music, sports, politics and social media will descend on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the first Monday of May – May 6 – to enjoy cocktails, eat dinner and sample the new exhibit, “Sleeping Beauties.” : Reawakening Fashion.” As fashion’s biggest night approaches, it’s time for the Associated Press to release its 2024 edition. Our annual guide.

So what does the Met Gala mean?

It started as a society midnight supper in 1948, and it wasn’t even at the Met. Fast forward more than 70 years, and it’s one of the most photographed events in the world, famous for its spectacular red carpet – although the carpet isn’t always red.

However, it’s important to note that the party has one purpose, to raise money for the Met’s Costume Institute — nearly $22 million last year, a record for the self-funding department — and to launch annual spring exhibition Which brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to the museum.

But it’s the carpet that captures the world’s attention, with the 400-strong guest list the subject of furious speculation right up to the last moment – ​​a collection of luminaries that arguably creates the highest celebrity wattage per square foot of any party World.

Who is hosting this year?

“Anna Wintour Me Pregunto,” bad bunny Could sing. multi-hyphenate Jennifer Lopez adds another role Its a busy year. And then there are two Marvel stars who have been spending a lot of time in the desert lately: Zendayawho continues to stun on the red carpet with her “Dune” and “Challengers” looks, and Chris Hemsworth, who is trading in Mjolnir for the upcoming “Furiosa.” (Hemsworth, in fact, is a First time gala attendee. ,

And, of course, Wintour herself.

What does the Met Gala theme mean?

The theme revolves around “sleeping beauties”. But this has little to do with fairy tales. The title of the accompanying exhibit, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion”, refers to costumes from the Costume Institute’s collection that were “asleep” and will now be on display, some so delicate that they cannot be hung upright, otherwise they Will not disintegrate. Curator Andrew Bolton selected 250 pieces spanning four centuries.

The theme is accompanied by a dress code – this year, it’s “The Garden of Time”. Themes and dress codes are often interpreted… loosely. So after all, there’s a chance you might see the aurora on the carpet.

How much do I have to pay for Met Gala tickets?

Wrong question. You can’t just buy a ticket. The right question is: If I were famous or powerful and I was invited, how much would it cost?

Well, if I were famous or powerful and I was invited, how much would it cost?

Well, maybe you don’t pay yourself. Usually companies buy tables. Then a fashion label will host its desired celebrities. Tickets in the past have cost $50,000 for one person and $300,000 or more for a table.

How can I see?

You can watch the entire carpet unfold on the Vogue livestream. If you’re in New York, you can join fans across the street, behind the barricades, on Fifth Avenue or even further afield on Madison. And the AP will have a livestream of the departure from the Mark Hotel, where a host of illustrious guests will be on hand.

What happens inside?

Entering the museum, Guests typically walk through impossibly huge floral arrangements in the lobby, with what appears to be an orchestra playing nearby, and Over cocktail. Or, they go to see the exhibition. Cocktails take place between 6pm and 8pm, Dinner follows, but the most famous – or those who plan to make the biggest entrance – sometimes (fashionably) arrive later.