Artificial intelligence, projections and soundscapes aren’t exactly the words that come to mind when you think of fashion. But that’s exactly what’s on the menu for the 2024 Met Gala, one of the biggest fashion events of the year that plans to “reawaken” fashion by injecting lifeless pieces with, um, techy stuff.
The Met Gala — or, as the official title goes, the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute benefit — is a black-tie event held annually as a way to raise money for the Costume Institute, the museum’s collection of fashion objects. Each Met Gala has a theme that honors a style, designer or look. And this year, the Met Gala’s theme will try to bring new life into dormant pieces of fashion through technology.
Overseen by Vogue Editor in Chief Anna Wintour, the event is basically a who’s-who party where A-list actors, stylish musicians, and a mix of political and fashion arbiters gather to dress nice, snap a few photos and … just be — in posh dresses or sparkly get-ups, of course.
Because it’s impossible to snag a ticket on your own, the best anyone outside of fashion’s inner circle can do is catch a live stream online, scroll through live blogs and like some Instagram pics of their favorite celebrities.
To get you started on all things 2024 Met Gala, The Washington Post has fashioned an explainer for you.
When is the Met Gala?
The Met Gala takes place annually on the first Monday of May. For 2024, that means Monday, May 6.
Celebrities tend to reach the red carpet between 6 and 6:30 p.m. The event usually wraps up around 8 p.m., though anyone willing to stick around for the credits might spot a Rihanna appearance (and many say that’s worth the wait).