The Birth of Met Gala: How Fashion's Biggest Night Began

May 04, 2025 Komal Das

The Met Gala, known as fashion's biggest night, takes place on the first Monday of May each year

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The first Met Gala happened in December 1948 at the Waldorf Astoria, created by Eleanor Lambert as a fundraiser for the Costume Institute

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It started as a dinner event, with tickets priced at \$50, to raise funds for the Institute’s annual exhibit

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In the mid-90s, Anna Wintour pushed the gala into the mainstream, using celebrity star power to elevate its status

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The 2025 theme is "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," celebrating Black fashion heritage and androgynous style

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Catch the full livestream on Vogue’s digital platforms and YouTube on May 5, 2025, starting at 6 PM ET

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