Each year, the first Monday in May, the whole world fascinates the marches of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Extravagant dresses, spectacular beauty, global celebrities aligned as with a haute couture chessboard: the Met Gala is much more than a simple fashion event, it is a sacred ritual of glamor. But once the spotlights, the rugs and the flashes turned off … What is left? A carefully maintained mystery.
A well -oiled (and ultra private) program
Behind the museum gilding, the event follows a timed course. After parading on the steps and spent the traditional photo session, the guests enter for a reception cocktail. This is one of the only times when looks are still perfectly in place, and exchanges between often discreet but strategic stars.
Then comes dinnerserved in the Temple of Dendur room, transformed each year according to the theme. Starks are asked to create a vegetarian or vegan menu, all thoughtfully thought by Anna Wintour and her teams. But between the plates and the glasses of wine, it is above all the conversations and alliances that are tied there that make the real flavor of the evening.
No phone, but a lot of conversations
Since 2015, mobile phones have been officially banished. Objective displayed: encourage guests to take advantage of the moment and preserve the intimacy of the moment. Unofficially ? Avoid any bad buzz or uncontrolled leak. Result: very few shots filter. Only a few rare shots stolen in the toilets (cultivated) have gone through the years.
This closed camera promotes a form of authenticity rare in this type of event. The stars decide, the exchanges are more natural, the bursts of laughter replace the millimeter poses. We are talking about creation, fashion, beauty … but also sometimes political, business or confidential projects. Some deals have even signed between two desserts.
Private performance and visit
Another strong point: the visit to the annual exhibition of the Institute costume. Themed each year, it is revealed in preview to the guests of the Gala, in a cozy atmosphere. This is one of the only moments of the evening when we really hear … silence. Between whispers and admiration, art resumes its rights.
Finally, a musical performance Generally closing the evening: The Weeknd, Rihanna, Lizzo, Madonna… The names are linked, but the shows remain confidential. Again, few traces, apart from some indiscretions slipped into the press the next day. Everything is designed to create a unique, almost magical atmosphere.
A freer range, but just as scrutinized
Once the evening is over, many go to after-parties organized by fashion houses or major brands. There, the outfits change, the selfies appear (finally), and the beauty is sometimes more daring, even delighted. This is often where the most daring beauty looks arise.
But nothing replaces the carefully orchestrated mystery of the Gala itself. This digital silence has become a powerful weapon: keeping the secret, the Met Gala ensures a precious thing in the era of instantaneity … that we continue to talk about it, again and again.
