How It All Started: The History Of Met Gala

From a fundraising dinner to a global phenomenon.

POSTED 24.04.26 14:11 BY ANNMARY MAILYAN

The Met Gala is the biggest, most glamorous event in the fashion industry. Even those who aren’t really into this world have heard of it at least once. But for true fashionistas, it is the most anticipated night of the year—even if they’re just watching the red carpet online.

However, many decades ago, things weren’t nearly as luxurious. The gala has come a long way from being an ordinary fundraising dinner to becoming a global phenomenon. Today, let’s learn the history of the Costume Institute Benefit and find out how it all started.

The Met Gala was first held in 1948. That’s right, in two years we’ll be celebrating its 80th anniversary. The ball was established by none other than Eleanor Lambert, who, in case you didn’t know, is one of the most influential faces in the US fashion industry. She founded New York Fashion Week, turning the city into one of the world’s leading runway capitals.

Okay, back to the topic. Originally, the Met Gala was a simple fundraiser dinner for the Costume Institute that was opened at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1946. As mentioned earlier, it was far from the extravagant night we know today. Tickets, which now cost around $75,000, were only $50 back then. What I found most surprising is that the gala wasn’t even held at the museum until 1971. Each year, it took place at different venues across Manhattan.

Things began to change in 1972, when Diana Vreeland—another major fashion figure—became the consultant to the Costume Institute. That’s when the event found its permanent home at the Metropolitan Museum and slowly started to grow in popularity. While earlier attendees were mostly members of New York’s high society, the guest list soon became more celebrity-focused. Names like Elton John, Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minnelli, Barbra Streisand, Cher, Madonna, and Diana Ross were among the first to attend. During Vreeland’s years, the concept of themed exhibitions was also introduced. The first official theme, called “The World of Balenciaga,” debuted in 1973.

1995 marks the beginning of the next important era in the history of the Met Gala. It’s when Anna Vintour stepped into the game, becoming the chairperson of the ball. She’s the one who really brought global attention to the event, inviting not only fashion insiders but also prominent faces from entertainment, business, sports, and even politics. Since then, the event has been getting bigger and more influential every year, eventually reaching its peak in 2025, raising a record-breaking $31 million for the institute and becoming the most successful gala in history. And I have the feeling this is just the beginning.

And, of course, the event wouldn’t be complete without the unforgettable dresses and gowns. If you’re looking for something Met Gala-inspired, my Fizzypicks are at your service.

Elisabetta Franchi petal-embellished maxi dress

ELISABETTA FRANCHI
Petal-Embellished Maxi Dress
$682

How It All Started: The History Of Met Gala

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