Met Gala 2024: "Costume Art" Theme to Explore Fashion's Artistic Connections

As fashion's most anticipated night approaches, the Met Gala is set to dazzle once again, this time under the theme "Costume Art." This year's event, a crucial fundraiser for the Met's Costume Institute, promises a spectacular display inspired by the museum's latest exhibition, which intricately weaves together historical garments and significant artworks to illuminate the enduring relationship between fashion and art across centuries.

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Costume Art” will pair some 200 art objects with 200 garments to highlight the connection between fashion and art through the centuries.

The gala, always held on the first Monday in May, is not just a celebration of haute couture but also a vital financial pillar for the Costume Institute, the Met's only self-funding department. Last year's event alone raised a record-breaking sum of over $31 million, underscoring its importance to the museum's operations.

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It’s a fundraiser for the Costume Institute, the only self-funding department at the Met — and it's a huge one.

This year's event will be co-chaired by a star-studded quartet: music icon Beyoncé, acclaimed actress Nicole Kidman, tennis legend Venus Williams, and the formidable Vogue editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour. Adding to the star power, a host committee featuring prominent figures like designer Anthony Vaccarello and filmmaker Zoë Kravitz will also be present. Notably, the event's primary sponsorship comes from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos, a fact that has drawn some attention and protest from activist groups critical of billionaire influence.

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Last year the evening brought in a record sum of more than $31 million.

A significant highlight of this year's gala is the inauguration of the new Conde M. Nast Galleries. This expansive 12,000-square-foot space, formerly the museum's retail store, will provide a grander platform for fashion exhibitions. The new galleries will allow for a more seamless experience for guests, connecting the exhibition directly to the gala's dinner venue at the Temple of Dendur and improving public access once the show opens on May 10. Curator Andrew Bolton's vision for the exhibition also emphasizes body positivity, featuring sections dedicated to body types historically underrepresented in art and introducing 25 new mannequins to reflect this inclusivity.

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The exhibition and benefit are made possible by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos.