Karl Lagerfeld-themed Met Gala is just days away

It remains to be seen how that The Great Hall of the museum is decorated arrive on the first Monday in May, but one thing is for sure: whoever enters will look spectacular. The theme revolves around the late designer Karl Lagerfeld, who left a lasting mark on luxury fashion during his long career at Chanel, Fendi and elsewhere. It is a subject is not undisputed — Lagerfeld was known for controversial statements about everything from #MeToo to curvy bodies.

Want to know what to expect as the big day approaches? Do not worry about it. We’ve dusted off our annual guide with some important updates for you here.

What is the Met Gala anyway?

It began as a society midnight dinner in 1948 and didn’t even take place at the Met.

Over 70 years later, the Met Gala is something else entirely, one of the most photographed events in the world because of its stunning red carpet — although the carpet isn’t always red.

We’re talking rihanna as a jeweled Pope. zendaya as Cinderella with a glowing dress. Katy Perry as a chandelier that turns into a hamburger. Also: beyonce In her “naked dress”.Billy Porter as a egyptian sun god, carried on a litter by six shirtless men.Lady Gagas 16 minute striptease. And hosted last year Blake Lively’s Versace dress – a homage to iconic New York architecture – that changed color before our eyes.

Then There’s Kim Kardashian, taking engagement to a whole other level. One year she wore a dress so tight that she admitted to having to take breathing lessons beforehand. Two years ago she wore a dark bodysuit that even covered her face. And last year she really stole the carpet, showing up at Marilyn Monroe real, rhinestone-studded Happy Birthday, Mr. President dress (on loan from Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum) that changed the minute she stepped inside to protect it. Later there was controversy over the suspicion denied by Ripley’s, that she had done harm. But still – that was an entrance. (And, folks, she’s coming back — she posted a photo from Paris with Lagerfeld’s famous cat, Choupette, noting that she was in the French capital to explore options for this year’s attire.)

It’s important to note that the party has a purpose – last year’s evening Earned $17.4 million for the Met’s Costume Institute, a self-funding department. Yes, that’s a hell of a lot for a gala. It also starts the annual spring exhibition that brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to the museum.

But it’s the rug itself that captures the world’s attention, with the guest list – strategically held back to the last minute – featuring a collection of personalities from film, music, fashion, sports, politics and social media arguably responsible for the highest celebrity wattage. per square meter of a party in the world.

Who is hosting this year?

This year’s five hosts come from television (Emmy-winning author, actor and producer Michaela Coel ); the movies (Oscar-winning actor Penelope Cruz, who has worked with Chanel for more than 20 years); Sports ( recently retired tennis superstar Roger Federer ); and music (Grammy-winning singer Dua Lipa ). Finally there is Vogue Anna Wintour (Need we tell you she’s in fashion?) It’s business as usual.

Is there always a theme?

Yes. As mentioned above, the theme is Karl Lagerfeld, and the exhibition “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” explores “the designer’s style vocabulary, expressed in aesthetic themes that recur in his fashion from the 1950s to his final collection in 2019.” Once again it was created by the Mets Star Curator Andrew Bolton.

Does everyone stick to the theme?

Not really. Some avoid it and just walk away big and crazy. However, expect some guests to carefully research the topic and be perfectly in sync. For example, it was hard to hit the carpet when the Subject was tied to Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination and Rihanna came as Pope, Zendaya channeled Joan of Arc, and Perry navigated the crowd with giant angel wings. For Lagerfeld, the clothes can be a little more down-to-earth.

How much do I have to pay to get a Met Gala ticket?

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

OK if I was famous or powerful and invited how much would it cost?

Well, you might not pay yourself. In general, companies buy tables. A fashion label would then house its desired celebs. This year, the cost has gone up, as it does every few years due to escalating expenses: It’s now $50,000 for a single ticket, and tables start at $300,000.

So who is invited?

This year there will be around 400 guests – similar to previous years, but still fewer than Pre-pandemic highlights from 500-600. Wintour and her team still have to approve each guest.

Are you trying to predict? Take out your pen and jot down some of your favorite names, the livelier the better. New Oscar winners, for example, are a good bet. Broadway is a particular favorite of Wintour. She also loves tennis – it’s not fashionable Federer first Met Gala. Now cross off all but the top of your list. Everyone is on the A-list at this gala.

That must be an exaggeration

Not really. Questions Tina Fey. She left in 2010 and later described walking around trying to find someone “normal”. to sit and talk. That was the end Barbara Walters.

How can I watch?

You can watch the whole carpet unfold a Vogue live stream. If you’re in New York, you can also join the fans across the street, behind barricades, on Fifth Avenue, or even further east on Madison. Timothy Chalamet is known for greeting fans.

Do we know who’s coming? And who isn’t?

It’s a secret. But reports slip out, often about who isn’t coming and why. You can count on different celebrities Chanel Ambassador turn up.

What’s happening inside?

entering the museum, guests pass by What is usually an incredibly huge flower arrangement in the lobby with maybe an orchestra playing nearby and over for cocktails. Or they look at the exhibition. Cocktails are from 6pm to 8pm, but the most famous – or those planning to make the biggest entrance – sometimes come (fashionably) later.

Around 8 p.m., guests are called to dinner—perhaps by a team of buglers (“Are they going to do that between each course?” actor Gary Oldman asked aloud a year ago).

Is everyone having fun?

Occasionally someone says no. Fey described the gala in a 2015 comic rant to David Letterman as an “idiot parade,” saying it included everyone you’d ever want to punch if you had millions of guns. Amy Schumer left in early 2016 and later said she felt uncomfortable and like it was “a punishment”.

So you never came back, right?

Incorrect. Schumer was back in 2017. And then again last year.

Hey, this is the Met Gala.