Fashion's biggest night, the annual Costume Institute ball, has repeatedly found itself at the center of public controversy over its decades-long history. The latest instance involved the unprecedented cancellation of a planned 2027 exhibit honoring designer John Galliano following significant pressure from Jewish leaders, city officials, and Met donors.
The Costume Institute had announced in July that Galliano would be the subject of its spring 2027 exhibition. However, the selection immediately drew backlash due to Galliano's past. He was fired from Dior in 2011 after videos surfaced showing him making antisemitic remarks. The exhibit's scheduled opening on May 3, 2027, also coincided with Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, a timing that further intensified criticism from Jewish groups. Galliano ultimately withdrew his participation on August 31, stating he did not want the controversy to place the Met in a difficult position or distract from the Costume Institute's work.
This decision placed Anna Wintour, who had personally supported the Galliano exhibit, in a challenging position, with one insider describing the handling of the situation as "mortifying."
Tech Money and Activist Protests
The 2026 "Costume Art" gala faced scrutiny over its record-setting sponsorship of at least $10 million by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. This substantial financial backing, which earned them honorary co-chair titles, highlighted growing concerns about tech industry influence in high fashion. The Amazon founder's involvement prompted protests around New York City, with activists projecting messages such as "No red carpet for Trump's billionaires" onto buildings visible from the couple's residence. During the event, one demonstrator breached red carpet barricades before being intercepted by police. Several high-profile attendees reportedly chose not to attend, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani declined, citing the decision as contrary to his beliefs.
Scrutiny Over Designer Remarks
The museum's 2023 tribute to Karl Lagerfeld, the influential designer known for his work with Chanel, Fendi, and his own label, also generated debate. Critics pointed to Lagerfeld's history of inflammatory comments made prior to his death in 2019, including remarks about body types and his dismissal of the #MeToo movement. Actress Jameela Jamil publicly criticized the theme, and a fan-run Met Gala event announced a boycott in protest. Despite the criticism, the exhibit proceeded as planned.
Political Statements on the Red Carpet
In 2022, Kim Kardashian drew widespread attention for wearing Marilyn Monroe's original "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" gown, a historical piece valued at over $10 million. To fit into the dress, Kardashian adhered to a strict diet and exercise regimen for three weeks, a choice that faced criticism for promoting potentially unhealthy messaging. Although accusations of damage to the gown surfaced, both Kardashian and the owner, Ripley's Believe It Or Not!, denied these claims.
The following year, in 2021, U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made her Met Gala debut in a white gown by Aurora James that featured the phrase "Tax the Rich" emblazoned across the back. This statement sparked immediate accusations of hypocrisy from both sides of the political spectrum. Ocasio-Cortez defended her choice on social media, arguing that the dress served as a powerful message and highlighting that New York City officials are often invited to such events due to their oversight of cultural institutions.
Historical Misinterpretations and Designer Associations
Scarlett Johansson's choice to wear a Marchesa gown in 2018, months after the Harvey Weinstein scandal broke, also sparked controversy. Marchesa is co-founded by Georgina Chapman, Weinstein's estranged wife. The designer's appearance on the red carpet marked the brand's first major public outing since the exposés and drew criticism given Johansson's prior support for the Time's Up movement. Anna Wintour later defended the decision, stating that Chapman should not be held accountable for her husband's actions.
The 2015 "China: Through the Looking Glass" exhibit faced accusations of Orientalism, with attendees criticized for wearing kimonos, dragon motifs, and chopstick hair accessories. The exhibit, framed as an examination of how Western fashion has misinterpreted Chinese aesthetics, saw its nuance overshadowed by red carpet choices that some argued perpetuated stereotypes.