The Met Gala: From Fundraiser to Fashion’s Biggest Night

Once a modest $50 fundraiser held in New York venues like the Waldorf Astoria, the Met Gala has evolved into one of the most exclusive and high-profile nights in global fashion.

Founded in 1948 by publicist Eleanor Lambert to support the Met’s Costume Institute, the gala now raises millions annually, with tickets reportedly reaching up to $30,000 each.

Under the influence of Diana Vreeland and later Anna Wintour, the gala transformed from a society dinner into a themed, celebrity-driven spectacle. Today, its red carpet moments dominate social media, while behind the scenes, it remains a key source of funding for the museum’s fashion exhibitions.