Met Gala, or the Costume Institute's profits include the elite fashion spectacle organized by Vogue Magazine's Anna Wintour. The gala exclusivity has earned controversy beyond its long history, as ticket prices are over $75,000 in an effort to raise funds for the event's charity. As Met Gala in 2025 approaches with a reflection of past controversy, future themes and their potential to create progress are important in evaluating the future of events.
Every year, paparazzi flock to the Met Gala to bring attention to the specially designed looks of celebrities, allowing audiences to engage via social media. Fashion and its role in social discourse have intrigued my interest both in the industry's critical and celebratory conversations, particularly regarding the Met Gala. Although I am fascinated by the art of countless designers each year, the social meaning of the event allows for important conversations. Every year Met Gala promotes dialogue surrounding its associated inequality and elitism, and offers suggestions for improvement as the industry evolves.
“Cakes that Eat Them,” a line attributed to Marie Antoinette, the 18th century queen of France, emphasizes the separation of the current world state with 1%. Influencer Haley “Bayley” Khalil's Tiktok features audio containing infamous quotes during the 2024 Met Gala, leading to massive discussions of tone hearing loss and hypocrisy as economic inequality rose. Users begin to compare the event to Suzanne Collins' “The Hunger Games,” looking at the similarities between the show's sights and the harsh reality of economic inequality comparable to the series. The discourse coincided with the rise of digital activism on social media, and with protests of “blockout” or “digital guillotine.” The protest has blocked prominent figures on apps such as Tiktok and Instagram to curb the monetization of posts amid frustration in frustration and lack of frustration, including the war in Gaza.
The ongoing catastrophic humanitarian crisis, characterized by economic inequality, massive hunger and genocide, has strengthened commentary surrounding the Met Gala's strict grasp of elitism and separation from global issues. Fashion is political in nature, allowing for public expression on pressing issues. Notable examples include Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Dn.Y. Despite these efforts to create important conversations, the cutting between the Met Gala and the world state still spurs backlash. But millions of people still see theatrical outfits every year, keeping the event at the forefront of relevance in the fashion and pop culture industry.
The fashion industry, which historically perpetuates exclusiveness, characterized by gatekeeping, racism, physical tendencies and wealth inequality, has sought to address further accessibility, diversity and representation in its recent announcement of the 2025 Met Gala theme and allows for representation. This year's exhibition, “Superfine: Tailing Black Style,” focuses on the history of black fashion from the 18th century to the present, and through a dandyism lens. In addition to this year's Met Gala theme, Tailored for You, we plan to explore the dynamics of identity, power and clothing while appreciating the huge and continuous contributions of black style to the industry.
However, past dress codes, such as the 2015 theme “China: Good-looking Glass,” appear to have promoted aesthetics rather than appreciation, but this year's theme has similarly led to concerns that it allows for cultural appropriation. Alternatively, the dress code also offers an opportunity to spotlight both black designers and the influence of dandyism, highlighting historically oppressed artists. Guests and designers will ultimately reveal whether the theme respects black contributions or tokenize them through budgets. With this in mind, the 2025 Met Gala is guaranteed to encourage further discussion in the coming May, allowing you to determine whether this represents a genuine shift or an attempt at damage management for previous controversy.
As the Met Gala tries to evolve alongside the fashion industry, will the elitist-stained events really be inclusive or will the night allow themselves to entrench themselves in their position? Ultimately, ongoing dialogue and industry advancements will shape its future. As an art form, fashion reflects society's creativity and inequality, and whether this could be a tool for progress remains covered under privilege and historical oppression. The future of the event and the industry as a whole depends on the designers, celebrities and brands that lead their progress. Fashion is not just a sight, it is an accumulation of culture, politics and power, and Met Gala audiences have more influence than ever when it comes to changing industries by challenging the foundations.
Shei can introduce the author Makayla Whitsell mwhitsel@umich.edu.
