Met Gala Backlash Has Already Begun

If your invitation hasn't arrived, here's what you're missing: The 2026 Met Gala rolls out Monday night in New York, with about 450 guests and a theme tied to the Met's new exhibition "Costume Art," showcasing 400 pieces across 5,000 years. The dress code: "Fashion is art," which is expected to spark looks riffing on everything from the Renaissance to Impressionism, with plenty of room for interpretation, per the BBC. Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams share co-chair duties this year alongside longtime gala chief Anna Wintour, who personally approves every attendee. The event doubles as the Costume Institute's main fundraiser and officially opens its spring show, which runs through January 2027.

Tickets reportedly cost upwards of $100,000 each, though celebrities don't usually cough up, with fashion houses instead paying for them to attend. There's strict secrecy around the party itself—not even selfies are allowed—though the red carpet draws plenty of eyes. This year could mark a change, however, with backlash already centering around the involvement of billionaire Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, announced as financial sponsors and honorary chairs. Some have dubbed the event the "Amazon Prime Gala" or "Bezos Ball" with calls for a boycott and reports that some celebrities are planning to opt out as a result, per the New York Times. Arrivals start around 6pm ET, with livestream coverage across Vogue's social channels.