Met Gala
These are the most bizarre rules of the fashion event
If you don’t want to mess with Anna Wintour, you have to follow a few rules at the Met Gala.
© Christopher Lane/SIPA/action press
Selfie ban, no onion flag and a strict seating arrangement: Anna Wintour sets some bizarre rules for the Met Gala.
On May 6th in New York everything revolves around fashion. The The Met Gala is back, this year with the theme “The Garden of Time,” inspired by JG Ballard’s 1962 science fiction short story of the same name. Sensual creations that represent fashion as an emotional art form are expected. While the stars are given a lot of freedom overall when it comes to designing their outfits, there are some bizarre rules at the Met Gala when it comes to etiquette, food and seating arrangements.
No selfies
Anyone hoping for exclusive insights from celebrities on Instagram etc. can wait a long time. Because selfies are not allowed at the Met Gala. It was already reported in 2015 that the prominent guests received a message before the event stating that according to “Page Six”.: “The use of phones for photography and social media is not permitted within the gala.” The reason for this is that they do not want to endanger the safety of the guests. But the focus should also be much more on having fun at the event.
No children under 18 years old
Since 2018, stars such as Kim Kardashian (43) have no longer been able to take their offspring with them to the fashion event. Because children under 18 are not allowed to attend the Met Gala. According to a spokesman, the age restriction was introduced at the time because the event was not appropriate for minors.
Smoking is prohibited
The stars and starlets have been caught several times at the Met Gala with a cigarette in their hand. New York has had a smoking ban in indoor public spaces such as bars, theaters and office buildings since 2003. The organizers have confirmed that this also applies to the Metropolitan Museum of Art according to “Page Six” explicitly emphasized again in 2018.
No onion flag
Of course, the celebrities are treated to a formal dinner at the fashion event of the year. However, some foods are now being left out, at the request of “Vogue” editor-in-chief Anna Wintour (74), who is also co-host of the event. The stars will not find dishes with onions or garlic on their plates. The reason is quite simple: Wintour apparently doesn’t like bad breath. To avoid unpleasant photos with leftovers between your teeth, parsley is also prohibited in the kitchen.
Strict seating arrangement
The “Vogue” boss also attaches great importance to adhering to the seating arrangement, which is planned every year down to the smallest detail. Sylvana Ward Durrett, former head of special projects at Vogue, said in the 2016 documentary “The First Monday in May” (the Met Gala takes place on that day every year) that so much is taken into account “that it is shocking”. Since the aim is for the guests to get to know each other better, even married couples don’t sit together. It is said that repetitions with those sitting next to you should also be avoided.