As the illustrious fashion journalist, Suzy Menkes, once said, "The Met Ball is a mix of the absurd and the sublime – which is exactly what fashion is." The first Met Gala was held in 1948 as a midnight supper hosted by fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert to raise funds for the Costume Institute. This event became an annual tradition thereafter, but it wasn't until 1971 that it was officially christened the Costume Institute Benefit or the Met Ball.
In 1995, the venerable fashion designer, Anna Wintour, became the co-chair of the event. Under her leadership, the Met Gala became synonymous with extravagance, fashion, and A-list celebrities. The event was subsequently rebranded as the Met Gala in 1999. In 2004, the event moved to its current location at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute.
Each year, the Met Gala has a distinctive theme that is reflected in the dress code and decor of the event. Past themes have included "China: Through the Looking Glass," "Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology," and "Camp: Notes on Fashion."
The Met Gala has become a significant cultural event, with coverage in fashion magazines and news outlets worldwide. The event also raises millions of dollars for the Costume Institute, which utilizes the funds to support exhibitions, acquisitions, and research related to fashion and costume history.
The Metropolitan Masquerade
This name captures the idea of the event being a grand, elaborate affair, where attendees dress up in costume or formal wear and immerse themselves in a world of glamour and fantasy. The word "masquerade" also connotes a sense of mystery and intrigue, which is fitting for an event that often has a theme or dress code that encourages guests to embrace creativity and theatricality. Additionally, the alliteration of "Metropolitan Masquerade" gives the name a pleasing ring and makes it memorable.
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