The Met Gala, once hailed as the best night in fashion, is showing signs of decline. From A-list snubs and protests to uninspired outfits, many are questioning whether the event has run its course. Originally a charitable showcase of creativity, it now faces criticism as a display of wealth amid global issues.
A-List Snubs Abound
This year, notable absentees included Timothée Chalamet, who chose to attend a Knicks game instead. Fans praised his relatability. Other stars like Ariana Grande, Harry Styles, Olivia Rodrigo, Demi Lovato, and Sydney Sweeney also skipped the gala, prioritizing tours, albums, or holidays. Zendaya, a former regular, also sat out. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani broke tradition by not attending, citing a focus on affordability.
Protests Against Bezos Sponsorship
For the first time, private individuals—Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sánchez—were lead sponsors, contributing $10 million. This sparked protests across New York, with posters reading "Boycott the Bezos Met Ball" highlighting alleged worker exploitation and ties to ICE. Organizations like the Service Employees International Union staged a "Ball Without Billionaires" protest, where workers modeled ethically made clothing. Bella Hadid, Taraji P. Henson, and Lisa Ann Walter skipped the event due to Bezos' involvement.
Boring Outfits and Missed Themes
Critics deemed this year's gala one of the worst dressed, with few following the theme "Fashion Is Art." Many attendees wore simple black, red, or white outfits. Margot Robbie's champagne dress and Nicole Kidman's red sequined gown were considered beautiful but irrelevant to the theme. Ashley Graham's nude dress also drew criticism for its lack of creativity.
Previous years saw similar backlash, with the 2024 gala criticized for its $75,000 tickets amid economic crises and wars. Influencer Hayley Kalil faced backlash for quoting Marie Antoinette. The event has been likened to the Capitol in The Hunger Games, with some calling it a "shameful display of wealth."
With protests, snubs, and lackluster fashion, the Met Gala's future appears uncertain. Whether it can reclaim its status as fashion's premier event remains to be seen.
