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How & When Did MET Gala Begin? All You Need To Know About History Of Fashion's Iconic Night

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05th May, 2025 16:14 IST

The Met Gala which was known as the Costume Institute Benefit in the past, is one of the most anticipated fashion events in the world. Known for its blend of celebrity, couture, and cultural commentary, the gala has evolved significantly since its beginning. But its roots are far humbler than the lavish spectacle we know today. Every year, we see the greatest fashion parade of global celebrities at this event. But did you know where it all began? Let's find out.

A fundraiser with modest beginnings (1948)

The Met Gala was founded in 1948 by fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert, who was also instrumental in establishing New York Fashion Week and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). At the time, the event was a simple fundraising dinner to support the newly formed Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Tickets were $50, and the affair was attended mainly by members of New York’s social elite.

The Costume Institute had just become part of the Met, and unlike other departments at the museum, it had to fund its own exhibitions and programs. The gala was conceived as a way to do just that-quietly and effectively.

From society event to celebrity showcase

For the first few decades, the Met Gala remained a relatively low-profile event attended by New York society figures and fashion insiders. It wasn’t until 1972, when former Vogue editor Diana Vreeland became a special consultant to the Costume Institute, that the gala began its transformation into a glamorous, media-covered affair. Vreeland’s influence brought in high-profile guests, themed exhibitions, and an elevated sense of theatricality. Cher was the first woman to begin the 'near-naked' trend when she wore Bob Mackie in 1974 at the MET Gala.

Anna Wintour’s influence and the modern MET Gala

In 1995, Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue, took over as chair of the event-a role she continues to hold. Under her leadership, the Met Gala became a global phenomenon, widely regarded as 'fashion’s biggest night out.' The guest list expanded to include Hollywood A-listers, music icons, athletes, and influencers, with each year’s theme inspiring extravagant interpretations from attendees.

The event now serves not just as a fundraiser but as a cultural moment, setting fashion trends and sparking conversations across social media platforms. Themes like 'Heavenly Bodies' (2018) and 'Camp: Notes on Fashion' (2019) have been particularly influential in blending art, fashion, and popular culture.

Today, the Met Gala is not only a key event in the fashion calendar but also a reflection of the evolving relationship between fashion and society. From its very confidential and formal beginnings in the postwar era to its current status as a cultural spectacle, the Met Gala continues to celebrate creativity while supporting the Costume Institute’s mission.

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