Within moments of the Met Gala 2024’s commencement, social media platforms ignited with admiration for the evening’s most captivating celebrity ensembles. A-listers from the realms of cinema, music, fashion, and sports showcased their interpretations of the event’s theme, ‘Garden of Time’, drawing inspiration from JG Ballard’s 1962 sci-fi masterpiece.
An Invite-Only Extravaganza:
Renowned as “fashion’s biggest night out,” the annual Met Gala, held on the first Monday of May, remains an exclusive affair accessible only via personal invitation. Overseen by Anna Wintour, Condé Nast’s Chief Content Officer and Global Editorial Director of Vogue, this black-tie event extends invitations to a select 400 guests, ensuring an evening of unparalleled glamour.
Ticket Costs Surge:
Despite its exclusivity, entry to the Met Gala comes at a considerable price. Ticket proceeds contribute to the funding of the museum’s esteemed Costume Institute, with this year witnessing an unprecedented surge in ticket prices.
Individual tickets for the MET Gala 2024 now command a staggering $75,000 (approximately Rs 62 lakhs), marking a significant increase from the $50,000 (approximately Rs 41 lakhs) price tag in 2023. A stark contrast from 1995, Anna Wintour’s inaugural year overseeing the event, when individual tickets were priced at a mere $1,000 (approximately Rs 83,000).
Table Reservation Costs:
Guests also incur substantial expenses when booking tables at the gala. Prices for a 10-seater table start at an astounding $350,000 (approximately Rs 2.9 crore). Typically, esteemed companies such as Gucci, Prada, and Amazon reserve tables, inviting celebrities associated with their brands or adorned in their designs. However, final guest lists undergo meticulous scrutiny by event organizers.
Celebrities and Influential Figures:
This year, the Met Gala welcomed four prominent figures as event co-chairs: rapper and singer Bad Bunny, songstress Jennifer Lopez, and actors Zendaya and Chris Hemsworth, with the latter making his gala debut. Additionally, Shou Zi Chew, the Chief Executive Officer of TikTok, and Jonathan Anderson, the creative director of Loewe’s fashion house, served as honorary chairs.