Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez made their debut as honorary co-chairs at this year's Met Gala on Monday, but the honor reportedly came with a substantial price tag. According to Page Six, the high-profile couple paid $10 million for the privilege of networking with former Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and a host of other celebrities, including Beyonce, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams.
Financial Arrangement Raises Eyebrows
Sources told the outlet that the payment has placed Bezos, 62, and Sanchez, 56, in Wintour's favor. Wintour, 76, has spearheaded the Met Gala since 1995, using the event to raise funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Bezos, Sanchez, and Wintour for comment.
William Norwich, a former Vogue editor, commented to Page Six: 'The Bezoses are where the American dream is at right now for status, wealth and style. They display conspicuous consumption and they have the "AWOK" – the Anna Wintour OK.'
This year's gala, themed 'Costume Art,' features the couple's names on the invitations. However, some fashion insiders view this quid pro quo arrangement as tarnishing the event's original philanthropic spirit. 'I'm heartbroken,' said one frequent Met Gala attendee. 'It's being able to buy yourself into the good graces of Anna and the Met.'
Record Fundraising and Celebrity Connections
Last year's Met Gala raised $31 million, the highest total in the event's 77-year history. The Bezoses are also expected to sit with close friend Kris Jenner, whom they invited to their summer wedding in Venice, Italy. Sanchez previously flaunted her June nuptials to the billionaire Amazon founder on the digital cover of Vogue, reportedly earning her another nod from Wintour.
Earlier this year, Wintour stepped down as editor-in-chief of American Vogue, passing the role to Chloe Malle, daughter of Candice Bergen and late filmmaker Louis Malle. Wintour retains dual titles as Condé Nast's Chief Content Officer and Vogue's Global Editorial Director.
Recent Public Appearances
On Tuesday, Sanchez and Bezos attended a formal state dinner at the White House in honor of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Sanchez wore a black gown with a plunging neckline and reportedly wore 200 carats of emeralds. Meanwhile, the former journalist recently revealed she would have a baby with Bezos 'tomorrow' if she could. The couple has seven children between them, but Sanchez would love to expand their blended family. 'I would have a baby tomorrow,' she told The New York Times. However, her spokesperson later clarified that the one-time news anchor is not expecting another child. Sanchez has Nikko, 25, with former partner Tony Gonzales, and Evan, 19, and Ella, 18, with ex-husband Patrick Whitesell.
Sanchez hailed Bezos as her 'best friend,' saying: 'I talk about everything with him. Everything! Jeff is my best friend, and I don't say that lightly. He looks good, doesn't he? He looks good.'
