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What the hell is the Met Gala, anyway?

The Met Gala is the talk of the internet every year, but well – what is it?

Metropolitan_museum_of_art_2 Wikimedia Wikimedia

THIS EVENING, CELEBRITIES will be gathering at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York for the very fancy Met Ball (or Met Gala, as it’s also known). 

It’s been a huge event in the fashion lover’s calendar for years now, but what even is a Met Ball? Let us explain.

What is it even for?

2014 Met Costume Institute Gala - New York Press Association Images / Dennis Van Tine Press Association Images / Dennis Van Tine / Dennis Van Tine

To give it its full title, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit raises money for the museum’s fashion wing. Fashion houses (Burberry, Gucci etc) typically buy tables, and dress everyone at their particular table. Basically, it’s a great opportunity for the big fashion designers to show off.

Since 1999, it has been run by Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who has pretty much single-handedly made it into the huge deal it is today. To show the extent of her power – this year, she’s not allowing selfies at the bash. And you know how much celebs love selfies.

But whyyy is it such a big deal?

2014 Met Costume Institute Gala - New York Press Association Images Press Association Images

Because all of the biggest pop stars, actors and models in the world get dressed up in fabulous clothes, come to the gala and get pissed, basically.

If it weren’t for the Met Ball, how would we know that Reese Witherspoon would be gas to have a pint with? Exactly.

Alex Rooney / YouTube

You may remember that at last year’s event, Jay Z and Solange had what ended up being a very public spat in an elevator at the Gala’s after party.

beyoncejayzsolange-attack TMZ TMZ

Things happen at the Met Gala. They just do.

Is there a theme?

Yes. This year, the theme is China’s influence on Western fashion, ahead of the opening of a new exhibit at the museum, China: Through The Looking Glass.

Expect some people to go the whole hog – but if you’ve kept up with previous Met Balls, you’ll know the theme is taken very lightly. These were some attempts at ‘punk’ from 2013:

punkmetball Press Association Images Press Association Images

Who will be there?

2014 Met Costume Institute Gala - New York Press Association Images Press Association Images

Everyone. And we mean everyone. Some of the rumoured attendees this year include Benedict Cumberbatch, Anne Hathaway, Katy Perry, Rihanna and Kimye. A ridiculous amount of celebrities, to be honest.

Keep an eye out on Instagram for ‘getting ready’ snaps and thinly-veiled humblebrags. We know we will be.

Someone dressed up as Nadine Coyle’s ‘lost’ passport, and it was glorious>

There was a dodgy impression of Hozier on Saturday Night Live this week>

Author
Valerie Loftus
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