The Met Gala, the Costume Institute’s annual gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, dazzled onlookers once again with its grandeur and high fashion. This year’s theme, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” along with the “Garden of Time” dress code, inspired attendees to wear their most striking and original outfits. Held on a Monday, the gala drew a diverse array of celebrities from billionaires and fashion icons to tech moguls.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Make Their Met Gala Debut
Highlighting the evening was the Met Gala debut of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his partner, Lauren Sánchez. Having been a public couple for five years, they picked this lavish event for their first appearance. Sánchez chose an elegantly subdued Oscar de la Renta gown, a shift from her typically bold, low-cut ensembles, as she mentioned in a Vogue interview. Throughout the evening, they were seen engaging with other distinguished guests, establishing their place among the night’s celebrated figures.
Billionaires and Business Moguls Unite
The Met Gala is known for its exclusive guest list, which is personally approved by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. Tickets to the event come with a hefty price tag, with individual tickets costing $75,000 and tables starting at $350,000. Despite the steep cost, the event attracts a who’s who of billionaires and business moguls.
Among the attendees was Ray-Ban heir Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio, who inherited a 12.5% stake in his father’s eyewear company, EssilorLuxottica, along with his mother and six half-siblings. Del Vecchio, who has an estimated net worth of $4.6 billion, was accompanied by his girlfriend, Jessica Serfaty.
Fashion Icons and Rising Stars
The fashion industry was well-represented at the Met Gala, with designer Tom Ford making an appearance. Ford, who recently sold his stake in his eponymous label and another fragrance and cosmetics business to Estée Lauder for $2.8 billion, has dressed numerous celebrities for the event in recent years. The designer, now worth $2.2 billion, continues to be a driving force in the fashion world.
Another notable attendee was 31-year-old Norwegian billionaire Gustav Magnar Witzøe, who owns nearly half of Salmar Asa, one of the world’s largest salmon producers. Witzøe, with an estimated net worth of $3.9 billion, received his stake in the company from his father at the age of 19.
Tech Leaders Make a Statement
The tech industry also made its presence known at the Met Gala, with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew attending the event. TikTok served as a sponsor for this year’s gala, marking Chew’s first public appearance since Congress passed the “TikTok ban” two weeks prior. Chew was accompanied by his wife, Vivian Kao, as they navigated the star-studded affair.
A Night to Remember
As the Met Gala 2024 came to a close, attendees and onlookers alike were left with memories of a truly spectacular evening. The event, which raises funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, continues to be a highlight of the social calendar for the rich and famous. With its unique themes, stunning fashion, and exclusive guest list, the Met Gala remains a testament to the enduring power of art, fashion, and celebrity culture.
