Fashion Resurrection
In the fashion industry, the most awaited event of the year is the MET gala. But, how is it that the anticipation leading up to the event celebrating the Costume Institute always ends in disappointment? How long will the fashion industry keep up the charade that the MET gala is the most fashionable event of the year when it has proven again and again that it is not?
Debuting in 1948, the MET gala has always been a night to remember. Held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the MET Gala—also referred to as the MET Ball—is a fundraiser for the museum’s Costume Institute which raises millions of dollars annually. The guests: singers, actors, athletes, influencers, and designers alike dress up in extravagance when attending the ball. This is a night where everyone is to dress to impress and the saying “all press is good press” is precise.
Over the past years, many people across social media have complained about the execution of the outfits worn at the MET, stating the “attendees were not on theme” and “Anna Wintour disappoints again” as well as calling the men’s looks “simple and dull” (Arul Gnanasivam, The Diamondback). The MET is a time when the boundaries of fashion are expected to be pushed which is making almost everyone question why they are not. One assumption is that Anna Wintour does not know what she is doing, but what many people do not think about is the details that happen behind the curtain. Anna Wintour is not unintelligent or clumsy: she is a strategist and a marketing professional.
There have been a few past galas that have really left an impression such as the 2018 theme of Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination. Following the event, one may guess interest in the gala would go downhill. However, the trend of the galas has been almost like The Wall Street Crash of 1929, which just gained the event more attention. With the next generations having fleeting attention spans, the intrigue that the MET had once aroused now declines rapidly.
At first, this seems like an issue that would require instant repair. From an insider's perspective, I disagree. I believe that this not-so-fashionable mess—though may not have been intentional originally—has turned into one big, scandalous business strategy.
The solution to this problem is rather simple. The best way to keep the attention of these generations is by giving them hope and something to look forward to in coming years. So, without warning, some of the best looks appeared on the 2024 red carpet. Not only was there so much praise for Wintour and the attendees for sticking to the theme and exceeding the viewers expectations, there was still a little bit of criticism for those that were not on theme. The event also faced criticism for being held despite the war going on between Israel and Gaza. People are coming forward stating that the attention of the celebrities and viewers should be directed towards the war and the people that need resources and help rather than the MET gala where money seems to be thrown around without much care. The amount of attention the recent MET gala got seems to be one of the highest ever, resulting in increased revenue for celebrities, designers, media outlets, and the museum. The same thing happened in 2025, the theme was amazing, the looks were fabulous, but left the audience feeling…underwhelmed. These contrasting feelings have left an abundance of anticipation for what may come in the following years: will the MET disappoint again, or is 2026 the year that fashion is resurrected?
Whatever the outcome, it can be acknowledged that Anna Wintour should not only be a respected strategist, but also considered a mastermind. What can be taken away from these past few years is the confirmation that all press really is great press.
Until next time,
Avery M