One of the most anticipated events in New York is facing criticism and calls for a boycott this year, despite maintaining its glamour, attendance, and budget. The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute will host its annual fashion show and fundraiser on May 4, featuring the theme “Costume Art” aiming to showcase fashion as a continuous element in art history.
The event’s dress code, “Fashion is Art,” offers flexibility for red carpet attire. Curator Andrew Bolton hopes the theme will shift the discussion away from whether fashion belongs in the art world. This year, the Met Gala raised over $31 million US, and the newly expanded Condé M. Nast Galleries will debut as the event’s venue.
The exhibit will feature mannequins representing diverse body types historically overlooked in art. The star-studded event will be chaired by Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Beyoncé, with Anna Wintour leading the host committee including Anthony Vaccarello and Zoë Kravitz.
However, the Gala’s association with Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sánchez Bezos as honorary chairs has sparked controversy. Activists have criticized the event, linking it to worker exploitation and Amazon’s contentious practices. The Gala’s opulent nature has often drawn criticism for its exclusivity and high ticket prices, with Mayor Zohran Mamdani opting not to attend this year.
The Mayor’s absence may signal a shift in the Gala’s cultural significance, particularly as Anna Wintour, the event’s influential figure, nears retirement. Despite challenges and controversies, the Costume Institute has been building a financial reserve from Gala proceeds since 2016 to ensure sustainability in uncertain times.
