This year, the annual fashion show and fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York faces criticism, bad press, and calls for a boycott. Despite this, the event, scheduled for May 4, will showcase the theme “Costume Art,” highlighting fashion’s role throughout art history. Curator Andrew Bolton aims to bridge the gap between fashion and art, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the two realms.
Last year, the event raised over $31 million US and will continue in its new 1,115-square-meter venue, the Condé M. Nast Galleries. Notably, Bolton’s exhibit will feature mannequins representing underrepresented body types in art history, including large and disabled bodies. The co-chairs for this year’s gala include celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Beyoncé, reinvigorating the event’s star-studded allure.
However, the gala’s association with Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos as honorary chairs has sparked controversy. The Bezos couple is the primary financial backers of this year’s event, a departure from past sponsorships by luxury brands. This partnership has faced backlash, with protests highlighting Amazon’s alleged worker exploitation practices and controversial ties to governmental agencies.
Criticism of the Met Gala’s elitist nature and high ticket prices persists, especially amidst growing wealth inequality. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s decision not to attend this year’s event aligns with his focus on affordability in the city. This move reflects a shift in the gala’s cultural significance, potentially signaling a changing landscape as influential figures like Anna Wintour, the event’s long-time steward, approach retirement.
Despite uncertainties surrounding its future, the Costume Institute has been preparing for financial sustainability through a rainy day fund built from Met Gala proceeds since 2016. With ongoing challenges and evolving societal dynamics, the 2026 Met Gala remains scheduled for Monday, continuing its legacy in the intersection of fashion and art.