The 2023 Met Gala: Everything you need to know about the exclusive bash

Fashion’s biggest night is upon us once again, with a slew of stars gearing up to walk the iconic staircase in just days.

The 2023 Met Gala returns Monday night to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, where everyone from Kim Kardashian to Paris Hilton will be attending the annual fundraising event.

Since 1948, stars have ascended the majestic staircase to a very exclusive party where no selfies are allowed.

Here are all the details fashionistas should know about the lavish event:

WHAT TIME DOES IT START?

Traditionally, the event takes place on the first Monday of May. It is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM EST on May 1, 2023.

Fans can follow the event in real time via a live stream on Vogue.

WHAT IS THE THEME?

This year’s theme is Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty. The late German designer was the creative director of Chanel for a long time. He passed away at the age of 85 in 2019.

His beloved cat, Choupette, is even invited to the festivities.

WHY IS KARL LAGERFELD A CONTROVERSIAL CHOICE?

The decision to honor Karl has sparked controversy given the many offensive comments he’s made over the years, from criticizing the #MeToo movement to opposing same-sex marriage.

“I’m against it for a very simple reason: in the ’60s they all said we were entitled to the difference. And now they suddenly want a civilian life,” he said Shame of same-sex marriage.

‘It’s hard to imagine – one of the daddies at work and the other at home with the baby. What would that be like for the baby? Don’t know. I see more lesbians married with babies than boys married with babies. And I also believe more in the relationship between mother and child than in that between father and child.’

Although he eventually expressed his support for same-sex marriage at his Chanel haute couture show in the spring of 2013, he still said he was “less enthusiastic” about adopting same-sex children, according to the AP.

WHO IS HOSTING THE EVENT?

Along with Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, who leads and hosts the annual event, the 2023 MET Gala will also be co-hosted by Penelope Cruz, Dua Lipa, Michaela Coel and also Roger Federer.

WHAT’S THE ADVANTAGE?

While the show may be known for its glitzy and over-the-top red carpet — with details about what goes on inside that often remain mysterious — at its heart, it’s a fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute.

Last year, the 2022 MET gala alone raised a total of $17.4 million, reportedly Billboard.

HOW MUCH DO TICKETS COST?

This year, the entry fee has increased from $30,000 to $50,000, according to Page six.

HOW WILL YOU GET INVITED TO GALA?

Even if you have the money, that doesn’t guarantee entry to the party.

Every guest must be invited and there is a waiting list for the coveted golden ticket.

And status matters, according to The New York Timesmeaning the hottest stars are often shoo-in for an invite.

WHO IS INVITED THIS YEAR?

Paris Hilton is one of the big names attending what will be her first Met Gala.

Meanwhile, Blake Lively, a frequent visitor, announced that she will not be at the party.

“I’ll look,” she said, according People.

Elle Fanning, Kim Kardashian and La La Anthony are among the other celebrities in attendance.

WHAT IS ANNA WINTOUR’S ROLE?

Vogue’s editor-in-chief hosts the party and oversees the guest list and even the menu.

She has been the president of the Met Gala since 1994 and continues to stand guard at every event.