LeBron James will be on the bench for this year’s Met Gala.
Although designated as an honorary co-chair for the 2025 event, the LA Lakers superstar announced that he won’t attend the gathering at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, even though his basketball season has already concluded.
Due to the knee injury I picked up during the last season, I regretfully won’t make it to the Met Gala in New York tonight. Many have inquired about my attendance and sent their well-wishes, but I’m disappointed that I can’t be part of this significant occasion!
It’s fortunate that his backup plan is in place: His wife, Savannah James, will still be present. He mentioned, “My beautiful and powerful queen will be there, maintaining the fortress just as she always does!
Prior to his injury, there was uncertainty about whether the 40-year-old could make it to this year’s event because it took place during the NBA playoffs. But when the Lakers were eliminated from the Western Conference semifinals after their loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 30, it appeared more likely that LeBron would be able to attend.
It’s fortunate that we have four other celebrities, Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, and Pharrell Williams, who will work alongside Anna Wintour as official co-chairs. They can all step up to the task.
Without a doubt, since these gentlemen are expected to play significant parts in this year’s event, it’s completely understandable that there is great eagerness to observe how each of them will express the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” particularly adhering to the dress code “Tailored For You.
This year’s event focuses on the theme of sartorial style, or fashion as it pertains to clothing tailoring, and its impact on Black identities. There’s a particular focus on the Black dandy subculture. The dress code has been intentionally created to offer guidance and encourage creative interpretation.
Prior to the Gala, Colman, who first appeared on the Met stage in 2024, hinted that he was preparing something spectacular for the event.
The Euphoria star playfully hinted that he’s interacting with history during an interview with Erin Lim Rhodes of TopMob News’ The Rundown on April 8, and he shared, “Unfortunately, I can’t reveal any more details.
Colman stated, “We kept certain aspects that we adored from one item and added a unique twist to others. This resulted in something that I believe perfectly suits my style and is truly representative of me. It’s also an opportunity to appreciate the art of exceptional craftsmanship.
As the clock counts down to when the initial stars will grace the Met, here’s a sneak peek into some behind-the-scenes facts about this grand event.
Colman stated, “We selected certain aspects that resonated deeply with us from one source, and we dared to innovate in other areas. The result is what I believe will make me feel most comfortable, stylish, and proud – a true reflection of exceptional craftsmanship.
As the clock counts down towards the arrival of the first celebrities at the Met, let’s delve into some fascinating secrets that unfold behind the scenes.
Should fortune favor you with a coveted invitation to the most prestigious fashion event annually, a single seat would set you back by $30,000, whereas a table could be all yours for an impressive $275,000.
Lucky for me, not everyone needs to shell out cash to attend, as I’ve learned that the legendary Anna Wintour often extends invitations to rising designers at the gala. Plus, it’s common practice that the celebrities asked to strut a designer’s creations on the red carpet typically don’t have to dig into their pockets for that privilege either.
Even with its high price, there’s still a strong demand among trendsetters – they’re eagerly waiting on a list for it.
Cameron Silver, a vintage store owner with experience at the event, shared with Page Six in 2017 that some high-profile individuals have been preparing for the possibility of attending, even if they didn’t have a confirmed ticket. They keep their outfits ready, hoping to grab a last-minute seat should one become available, sometimes even days before the event itself.
The attendance can change, but a gathering of around 500 people is often seen as intimate and comfortable, while an event with over 800 guests, which is the maximum the Met Gala has ever hosted, is typically considered too large.
Sylvana Ward Durrett from Vogue shared with Fast Company in 2017 that they aim to make the experience feel more personal for their guests. To achieve this, they’ve actually decreased the number of attendees significantly over the past few years, reducing it by nearly 200 or 300 people.
Regardless of its image as a lavish and glamorous affair, the organizers aim to maintain an exclusive ambiance for those fortunate enough to be invited. As Anna Wintour often begins the guest list, the event typically accommodates around 500 people, with Ward Durrett stating in The First Monday in May, “We want to preserve an intimate atmosphere, that’s what draws people here.
Just because a celebrity is invited, it doesn’t guarantee that their significant other gets an automatic invitation as well. Each individual needs to receive an invite separately.
After the first Monday in May, there’s no time for relaxation for fashion enthusiasts because preparations for the upcoming event typically begin the following Tuesday. It’s worth noting that around 100 individuals are involved in organizing this event year-round, including ten full-time staff members from Vogue magazine.
Ward Durrett, who was once the director of special projects at Vogue, shared that she was particularly fond of what she referred to as a “one-sheet”. This document served as an ongoing task list that expanded as deadlines approached. Every day, regardless of repetition, they would go through this list to keep track of their tasks.
The initial item on her checklist is a tent. To elaborate, you can jot down all the details related to this essential element. This approach aids her in visualizing the entire event, from beginning to end, ensuring that no important steps are overlooked.
Regarding Anna Wintour’s level of detail, Andre Leon Talley, a former contributing editor at Vogue, stated in “The First Monday in May” that she thoroughly checks every aspect, from the table settings like napkins and forks to lighting arrangements. Even details such as flower arrangements and usher attire have been carefully examined for months, if not weeks, prior to the event.
Instead of keeping secrets about her plans, Anna Wintour, a Vogue contributing editor, has chosen to maintain a mysterious air around her, as Plum Sykes told The New York Post. According to Sykes, Wintour prefers not to reveal what she’s preparing until the last moment, when she steps onto the red carpet and enters the venue.
If you’ve ever struggled with setting up seats for a wedding, you might get a small glimpse into the challenges involved in creating the seating plan for the Met Gala. This is one of the crucial elements that the organizing team dedicates significant effort to, as they meticulously place guests based on shared interests and connections, making it a complex and time-consuming task.
In the film “The First Monday in May“, Ward Durrett stated that there is a great deal of careful consideration given to seating arrangements, taking into account whether individuals sat together the previous year, if they’ve ever been seated next to each other at other events. The amount of planning and maneuvering involved is quite surprising, he referred to it as “power-brokering”.
Indeed, the layout of seats undergoes numerous adjustments annually as the event evolves, with Ward Durett sharing her experience in an interview with Vogue. She discovered the importance of using Velcro instead of post-its to prevent mistakes early on. “The seating chart has gone through multiple versions,” she stated. “Initially, we only had sticky notes, and it was a disaster – things were falling off, people were getting lost, and names were being rewritten countless times each day.
Color-coding might be employed in some cases, preferring a sequence of female-male-female-male when feasible. A noteworthy rule that may catch you off guard is: avoid seating spouses together. The primary objective of such events is to connect with new individuals and learn about their activities. If you’re here to socialize only with your partner, what’s the purpose? So, my apologies to Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, but it seems they’ll need to sit apart!
At most events, there’s a specific table reserved for the best or most expensive seats, often located near the kitchen and restrooms. The Met Gala is no different; the location of designer tables tends to shift annually.
Moreover, Wintour is deeply engaged in the proceedings, famously reprimanding her team for attempting to conceal an H&M table during the film The First Monday in May. “We mustn’t hide this table,” she remarked, “truly, that’s not right.
Although they aren’t high-end luxury labels like some others, brands such as H&M (which has advertising in Vogue and similar publications), Topshop, and Zara are increasingly making their mark on the most prominent fashion event. H&M made a significant statement when Sarah Jessica Parker wore a custom-designed gown for them at their 2015 debut.
At such high-profile gatherings, it’s almost inevitable that former partners or rivals like Selena Gomez and The Weekend sharing space with his ex Bella Hadid occur. Similarly, during their feud, Taylor Swift and Katy Perry might have been asked to sit at different tables. However, the grandeur of the event usually outweighs any potential discomfort among the attendees.
In essence, Ward Durrett stated that it’s impossible to satisfy everyone. We strive to believe that there’s no subpar seat in our establishment, but the truth is, there isn’t one. What’s crucial is to maintain faith in your efforts, knowing not everyone will be content. Fortunately, we boast a commendable track record. The instances where customers aren’t satisfied are rare and isolated, and we make it a point to foster better relationships with them the following year to align their expectations with our services.
In an unforgettable moment from the film “First Monday in May“, I found myself secretly wishing for a change. I subtly positioned three Velcro tabs by the side of my seating chart and, with a hint of directness, addressed Anna Wintour, “Those are individuals I’m hoping will step out for a while.
Unfortunately, not all attendees were content with their designated seats. As observed by fashion critic Cathy Horn in her 2006 article for The New York Times, John Lydon, previously known as Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols, was less than pleased with his seat – the last at a long table and arguably one of the least desirable in the carefully arranged seating arrangement. He expressed his displeasure visibly, exiting twice while cursing museum staff.
He eventually took his seat.
In 2018, during an interview on The Late Late Show, James Corden inquired about a celebrity whom Anna Wintour would never extend another invitation to the Met Gala.
To that, she replied: “Trump”, referring to then-President Donald Trump. The Trumps – Donald and Melania – have graced the Met Gala on various occasions throughout the years, with their last appearance on those well-known steps happening back in 2012.
It seems another notable figure, the former mentor of Project Runway named Tim Gunn, has stated that he believes he was excluded from the Met Gala following an incident where he shared an account with The Post that Anna Wintour supposedly found unfavorable.
Back in 2016 on TopMob’s Fashion Police, I exclaimed that things took a wild turn and became utterly chaotic. Since then, we’ve been embroiled in a heated conflict, an ongoing battle, if you will.
Indeed, a meal is certainly provided during the occasion. On one notable instance, Stephen Colbert disclosed that all attendees were required to wait until Anna Wintour took her place before starting to eat.
And, like every other aspect, Wintour is heavily involved in the menu planning for each gala.
A Vogue staff member revealed to The Post that Wintour prohibited certain ingredients due to their potential inconveniences such as getting stuck in one’s teeth (like parsley), causing bad breath (from excessive garlic), or even staining clothing. Therefore, appetizers are designed for effortless consumption.
Wintour often likes the food to align with the theme, but it doesn’t always go as planned.
Owner of Glorious Food, Sean Driscoll, shared that the choice to serve lamb potpies at the 2011 Met Gala themed “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” led to an increase in unique requests since numerous guests preferred not to consume that particular dish.
In addition, they desire the dishes not only to taste great but also to be visually appealing. This was evident when Andrew Rossi, director of The First Monday in May, expressed his surprise at the level of detail. During a tasting with Wintour, he observed her closely scrutinizing presentations on her phone, stating: “Anna herself is seen going on her phone to check different food presentations.
It’s unclear what specifically led to the establishment of this rule, as no clear reasoning or explanation has been provided for prohibiting selfies and social media use at this extravagant, FOMO-triggering event since 2015, which was Anna Wintour’s decision.
Initially, it was disclosed by a Vogue informant to the reporter from Pret-a-Reporter that a notification was distributed to everyone invited, advising them, “Taking photos with phones or posting on social media within the gala is prohibited.
The magazine chose not to provide a statement regarding the report; however, a source reportedly shared with The Hollywood Reporter at that time, “The decision was solely focused on ensuring guests’ safety and their experience during the event.
In the movie “The First Monday in May,” it was evident that I, being Vogue editor Anna Wintour, expressed my disapproval towards using phones at events. A striking instance was when I encountered a well-known male celebrity who had originally declined the invitation but later chose to attend. Upon seeing this, I inquired from Ward Durrett, “Couldn’t he refrain from using his cell phone throughout the event instead?
In an interview with The Post, Ward Durrett described Anna as someone who tends towards old-fashioned traditions. She prefers a dinner party environment where guests engage in conversation directly. While we don’t intrude on others, if a situation calls for it, we may politely suggest reminders to maintain appropriate etiquette.
Regardless of Anna Wintour’s prohibition, celebrity shutterbugs have disregarded this rule on numerous occasions, such as Kylie Jenner who famously flouted it with her bathroom selfie during the 2017 event.
To put it simply, the rule is that you need to be at least 18 years old to participate in the major event. This age limit was established for the Met Gala in 2018, as confirmed by the organizers following Maddie Ziegler’s revelation that she couldn’t attend due to her being only 15 years old. In her words, “I can’t go, because I’m not yet of age.
The event organizer told THR that the event isn’t suitable for individuals younger than 18 years old, and this age restriction was implemented starting that particular year.
Before 2018, notable young attendees like Jaden Smith (who attended at age 17 in 2016) and his sister Willow Smith (attended at age 15 in 2016), Elle Fanning who made her debut at the event when she was only 13, and Hailee Steinfeld who first attended the Met Gala in 2011 at the tender age of 14, were among those who graced the occasion.
As a devoted admirer, I’ve noticed a peculiar exception that seems to benefit the youthful trendsetters of Hollywood: Minors can accompany their parents when they attend events. It’s intriguing, isn’t it?
Although Wintour holds the ultimate authority in deciding each guest’s outfit, those outfits don’t necessarily require her direct approval (even though she keeps informed about every ensemble gracing the renowned red carpet).
Andre Leon Talley remarked in “The First Monday in May” that each celebrity was selected to wear a dress designed by a fashion creator, likening it to assignments. In the words of Riccardo Tisci, former Givenchy creative director who dressed Beyoncé and Madonna for the 2016 Met Gala, “Each designer has their own muse. You choose someone that embodies your style best.
Essentially, it’s the designer who invites a celebrity to an event who has the primary influence on their appearance at that event.
Every year, the gala theme varies – for instance, in 2024, it was “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion”, and in 2019, it was “Camp: Notes on Fashion”. However, there’s no set rule regarding how a guest or designer should interpret these themes.
And so, one might wonder how the theme gets chosen for each exhibition? This decision-making process begins more than a year before the first Monday in May. It’s Andrew Bolton, the dedicated longtime curator at The Costume Institute housed within New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, who carefully selects something culturally significant to guide his choices.
He shared with Vogue that his aim is to focus on topics that are currently relevant and mark a cultural transition, whether already occurring or imminent. Our goal is to create a diverse range of shows, moving between past and present subjects, blending thematic exhibitions with monographic ones dedicated to a single designer. We strive for variety in our offerings.
Once he has made a decision on what he is looking for, he submits this choice to the museum director for their approval. About a year in advance, Wintour will give final approval on it.
The respected British curator explained that achieving the task without Anna’s support would be quite challenging. Anna identifies suitable sponsors for the exhibition, and sometimes the ideas I have aren’t grand or trendy, making them less attractive to potential sponsors.
After strolling down the crimson carpet and braving the legendary staircase, attendees will meet Anna Wintour and fellow hosts (this year’s lineup features Bad Bunny, Zendaya, Chris Hemsworth, and Jennifer Lopez). This is usually a lengthy process, involving multiple rounds of pecking cheeks and friendly conversation.
Following that, they will be given an opportunity to explore The Costume Institute’s exhibition before it becomes accessible to the general public. Afterwards, there will be time for dining, socializing, and networking, with music, dancing, and performances by artists such as Rihanna and Lady Gaga.
As for the well-known artists, a significant portion of the pressure when organizing the Met Gala comes from arranging the evening’s entertainment.
In the well-known account presented in “The First Monday in May“, Ward Durrett encountered a significant financial dilemma while trying to secure Rihanna’s performance for that year’s event.
She mentioned that Rihanna’s yet-to-be-disclosed fee is roughly double what we’ve ever paid for any artist before, following her discussion with a representative from her team. They made it clear they aren’t open to negotiating a lower amount.
Eventually, Wintour was called to step in and figure out the situation.
At the event, celebrities may also be accompanied by their personal security personnel alongside those provided by the museum for the red carpet area.
Indeed, it’s the precious gems that demand the most protective attention. For instance, one time Blake Lively donned jewelry valued at $3.5 million, and Karlie Kloss once adorned herself with a stunning collection from Forevermark worth $2.5 million, both for special events.
A Forevermark representative shared with TopMob News that due to the extraordinarily high worth of the items, the comprehensive security protocols are strictly confidential. However, a security personnel is always on site until the items are securely restored. Furthermore, advanced safety precautions such as RFID tracking and video surveillance are implemented for additional protection.
So yes, Ocean’s 8 definitely got that aspect of the Met Gala right.
Since most dresses worn at the Met Gala are custom-made by designers or taken from their high fashion collections, it is uncommon for celebrities to get to keep these gowns. Instead, they usually return the dresses to the designer’s archive.
In 2018, Olivier Rousteing from Balmain collaborated with Bono and RED to auction off personalized designs worn by stars like Jennifer Lopez, Alex Rodriguez, and Trevor Noah. The entire revenue generated was donated to the Global Fund supported by the foundation.
At the 2021 event, it was mandatory for participants to don face masks and present evidence of their COVID-19 vaccination. However, this requirement resulted in rapper Nicki Minaj deciding to skip the stylish celebrations.
Nicki Minaj stated on Twitter that someone wants her to get a vaccine for an event called ‘The Met.’ However, she clarified that she won’t get vaccinated because of it. Instead, she plans to do more research before making a decision. She encourages everyone to stay safe in the meantime and suggested using a mask with two strings that fits both head and face tightly.
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2025-05-05 21:18