Met Gala Host Anna Wintour: 'Party of the Year' Still Makes Me Nervous

As the Met Gala approaches, the legendary Anna Wintour admits that even after decades at the helm, the star-studded event still stirs a potent mix of excitement and anxiety within her. Dubbed the 'Party of the Year,' this iconic gathering, which benefits the Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute, remains her 'favorite time of year – and also my most terrifying.' Wintour's nearly 30-year tenure as host has transformed a once modest affair into the world's largest museum benefit, raising an astounding sum exceeding $500 million for the institute, now bearing her name.

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This is my favorite time of year - and also my most terrifying

This year's Met Gala, scheduled for the first Monday in May, carries particular significance as it coincides with the opening of new, expanded exhibition spaces for the Costume Institute. The theme, 'Fashion is Art,' perfectly encapsulates the event's dual purpose: celebrating the intersection of style and creativity while simultaneously funding the vital work of the institute. Museum Director Max Hollein highlighted the evolution of the event, recalling a time when securing attendees was a challenge, contrasting it sharply with today's reality where demand for invitations far outstrips supply.

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The 'Met Ball' is an annual fundraising event for the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum.

The guest list, as always, promises a dazzling array of stars from music, film, and sports. Anticipated attendees include powerhouses like Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, and Doja Cat, alongside acclaimed actors Nicole Kidman, Zoë Kravitz, and Lena Dunham. Even former tennis pro Venus Williams, who confessed her lifelong passion for fashion over the sport, is expected. The event's co-chairs this year include Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his partner Lauren Sánchez Bezos, adding another layer of high-profile involvement.

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Wintour has hosted the gala, first held in 1948, for the 29th time this year and has already raised more than $500 million in donations for the Metropolitan Museum and its Costume Institute.

Notably, New York City's progressive mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has publicly stated his intention to skip the gala, a departure from his predecessors who were often fixtures at the event. This decision adds a subtle political undertone to the otherwise fashion-focused spectacle. For us, the Met Gala represents more than just a glamorous party; it's a crucial fundraising engine and a powerful platform that elevates fashion to the realm of art, ensuring the continued preservation and exhibition of sartorial history.

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Fashion is Art