Thereâs a reason âthe first Monday in Mayâ has become an expression in its own right: The Costume Institute Galaâbetter known as the Met Galaâis usually held annually at that time, and the fashion industry isnât shy about pulling out all the stops.
The event has gone from an annual fundraiser attended by the fashion industry and New York society to a cultural phenomenon attracting global attention. This exclusive fête, with tickets costing as much as a new car, gives designers an opportunity to showcase their most spectacular work on their celebrity musesâand itâs all for a good cause. The Anna Wintour Costume Institute, home to the largest collection of fashion in the world, is the only department at The Metropolitan Museum of Art that has to fund its operations. So, as its exhibitions have become more elaborate, itâs only natural that its benefits, decked with equally spectacular decor, would follow suit. Ahead of this yearâs historic affair, which has a theme of âSuperfine: Tailoring Black Style,â we take a look back at the evolution of the Met Gala throughout its nearly 80-year-history, from its guest list to its decor.