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Rihanna has confirmed her presence. Given the hosts, it’s also a pretty safe bet that Ben Affleck, Ms. Lopez’s husband, will be there; ditto Elsa Pataky, Mr. Hemsworth’s wife. Chances are likewise high that Loewe faces such as Greta Lee, Josh O’Connor, Taylor Russell and Jamie Dornan may also show. There will probably also be a Kardashian/Jenner or two, judging from years past, and odds are good that Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez will step out — though the hottest speculation is around such names as Caitlin Clark, Sam Altman and the current celebrity royal couple, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.
Last year a cockroach made a surprise, and very New York, appearance.
Do the celebrities buy their tickets?
Do dogs fly? No, they get invited by brands (or by brands on the instruction of Vogue), who buy their seats at the table, as well as often custom-making their looks, flying them in and putting them up. In return, the famous guests work the fashion angle. They can also, of course, always make a donation to the museum.
Does anyone eat?
It’s a mystery! What happens in the room stays in the room. Despite the TikTok presence, there is a social media ban inside the event that guests mostly obey. There is a meal — this year, as with every Met Gala since 2018, the food is being done by Olivier Cheng Catering — but eating is not really the point, especially when wearing borrowed finery. Schmoozing different tables is the point, and then grooving to the surprise entertainment (last year it was Lizzo). Either way, the last thing anyone wants is a sauce spot on their couture dress.
How can I watch?
Some stalwart fans line up on Fifth Avenue behind sidewalk barriers and security officers across from the (tented) museum steps, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite celebrities as they emerge from their Sprinters and Escalades, but Vogue keeps a tight leash on the livestream (no “Live From E!” for the Met red carpet), and this is not a moment for the rabble. You get a better view from your small screen or computer, anyway. We’ll be live-blogging the arrivals, so tune in here.
