What is the MET Gala and Why the Swalala Over It?

If you want to attend the Met Gala, here’s all you need to know, fashionistas!

It’s that time of the year again!

Your social media timelines will be inundated with photographs of celebrities donning some of most extravagant outfits, and (I’ll just say it now) you can’t even imagine wearing these in the privacy of your bathroom.

But the question is, what is the MET Gala about and why these extravagant outfits?!

What’s the MET Gala?

MET Gala is like the Oscars of fashion or wait... like our Filmare Awards.

Jokes apart, it’s actually the annual fundraising gala for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York City. Not just that. MET Gala also marks the opening of the institute’s fashion exhibit every year. It started in 1946 and has become, over the years, the most notable source of fundraising for the institute.

But why does a fashion institute need such a HUGE fundraiser? All proceeds from the ticket sales go to the Costume Institute.

Let’s Talk Money...

MET Gala is an expensive affair (if you haven’t guessed already). This year, the seats were priced at $30,000 apiece and tables at $2,75,000.

Last year, the event raised about $12 Million. And no, it doesn’t come from JUST those expensive tickets. In fact, not everyone pays for the tickets. Some brands sponsor seats for celebs who donate hefty amounts.

Ms Wintour (Editor-In-Chief of Vogue), one of the hosts, invites upcoming designers who then, I am guessing, try to compensate for the favour?

Final Question: Why Do The Clothes Look So Outlandish?

Each year’s MET Gala has a theme which is based on the theme of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute’s exhibition for that particular year.

This year’s theme was - camp.

And here’s a glimpse of what the celebs wore this year:

Given the flares, we’re wondering how they manage to SIT at any of those expensive tables!

Fun fact:  The celebs don’t have to strictly adhere to the theme, but of course it’s encouraged. 

But, given the millions who follow them on social media, the poor things probably feel pressurized to give in!

Last, but not the least, unlike other fundraisers in New York, this event has entry by invitation only.

So, even if you think you have the courage to don any of the outfits, you’d still be standing outside pining to get in!