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2026 Met Gala Raises $42 Million
The 2026 Met Gala raised a record $42 million, driven by Silicon Valley sponsors including Jeff Bezos as a lead backer. Celebrities interpreted the 'fashion is art' theme with outfits inspired by artists like Yves Klein and John Singer Sargent. Protests targeted Bezos's involvement, while the event highlighted inclusive fashion exhibits and marked returns for stars like Beyoncé.
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The 2026 Met Gala raised a record $42 million, putting the Costume Institute on track to become self-sustaining. Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos served as lead sponsors and honorary co-chairs.
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Protests occurred against Jeff Bezos’s involvement in the 2026 Met Gala. One protester was detained after attempting to enter the event. This followed pro-Palestine demonstrators protesting outside the Met Gala in 2025.
Several tech CEOs attended the 2026 Met Gala, with some skipping the photo op and entering inside. Lauren Sánchez Bezos posed for cameras at the event but did not participate in interviews. Some regular attendees skipped the Met Gala in 2026 due to the presence of Silicon Valley figures.
The official livestream of the 2026 Met Gala red carpet occurred on May 4, 2026. Anna Wintour, the Vogue editorial director and Met Gala co-chair, gave a speech before the event emphasizing the work of hairdressers, drivers, and caterers in making it possible. On the red carpet, Wintour stated that the livestream encourages tourists to visit the Met in person.
The 2026 Met Gala theme was 'Costume Art,' focusing on the intersection of fashion and fine art. The 2026 Costume Institute exhibit features nine new mannequins modeling body types including those in wheelchairs, pregnant, or missing limbs. Tessa Thompson wore a Valentino garment inspired by Yves Klein at the 2026 Met Gala.
Klein explored International Klein Blue throughout his career and used models drenched in blue paint as human paintbrushes in one project. Thompson’s dress was in International Klein Blue with sculptural pattern cuttings and evoked paint splatter; she even coated her fingers in blue makeup.
