Following two days of heavy rains, crews from Flemington Department Store spent the morning rolling out the red carpet in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where in just hours, the museum will transform into the star-studded Met Gala, an annual soiree dubbed ‘Fashion’s biggest night out.’
Nearly hours before celebrities would begin to arrive at the Met’s now tent-covered entrance along Fifth Avenue, Upper East Site spotted two small groups of people already camped out across the street from the venue, huddled on the sidewalk behind police barricades.
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The group of friends hailing from midtown had been there out front since around 5:30 am and planned to stay there all day long. By 11:00 am, they weren’t the only ones hoping to make a celebrity sighting as the street corners began to fill up with spectators.
Before noon, Upper East Site spotted actor and comedian (and Upper East Sider) Michael Rapaport outside the museum trying to crash the event while filming for his popular podcast. Rapaport asked security how he could get into tonight’s festivities, but was unsuccessful in negotiating his way inside.
Attending The Met Gala, which serves as a fundraiser for the museum’s Costume Institute, reportedly costs $50,000 per person— though you can’t simply buy a ticket— it is by invitation only.
Screenwriter Michaela Coel, actor Penélope Cruz, tennis great Roger Federer, singer Dua Lipa and Vogue’s Anna Wintour are co-chairs of the 2023 event.
Among this year’s attendees, you can expect to see WNBA star Brittney Griner — released from a Russian prison last December — Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Salma Hayek and Pete Davidson, according to Page Six. TMZ says fans should watch for Paris Hilton, who will be attending for the first time, and Gisele Bündchen, who will go without Tom Brady.
The Met Gala’s theme for 2023 is ‘In honor of Karl,’ paying tribute to German-born fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, the focus of the Costume Institute’s spring exhibit.
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‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty’ highlights the designer’s influences and collections throughout the decades, from his beginnings in the 1950s until his final pieces in 2019.
To watch live coverage of the Met Gala’s celebrity red carpet arrivals on Monday evening, tune in to E! on television or visit Vogue magazine’s website to see the official livestream hosted by La La Anthony, Derek Blasberg, and SNL cast member Chloe Fineman. The festivities begin at 6:00 pm.
