Met Gala 2025: The dos, don’ts and no garlic-parsley rule
The Met Gala 2025 is ready to roll out its legendary red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and this year, it’s all about glamour, precision tailoring, and unapologetic opulence.
This year’s theme, “Tailored for You“, coincides with The Costume Institute’s new exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, which celebrates the cultural depth of Black Dandyism and the meticulous craftsmanship of Black designers through the decades. The event will take place on May 5 (May 6 in India).
While the red carpet is the most visible aspect of the Met Gala, what happens inside the museum is shrouded in secrecy – and governed by a meticulous set of rules. Let’sdecode the key dos and don’tsand take a look at the Indian celebrities making waves in the 2025 edition.
THE UNWRITTEN (AND WRITTEN) RULEBOOK
No Phones, No Selfies
What happens inside, stays inside. Guests are strictly forbidden from using phones during the event. That means no Instagram stories, or bathroom selfies (well, at least officially). The “no social media” rule is one of lead chairperson Anna Wintour’s non-negotiables, yet each year a few sneaky uploads still make it to the gram.
No Garlic, Onion, or Parsley
Wintour-approved menus come with their own set of bans – namely, ingredients that could lead to bad breath or awkward green specks on teeth. Even beloved dishes like bruschetta are axed, simply because they’re too messy for couture.
Absolutely No Smoking
The museum is a smoke-free zone and for good reason. The curated fashion exhibits could be damaged by smoke. Light up in the wrong room, and you may never receive a Met Gala invite again.
No Free Passes
Being famous doesn’t mean it’s free. A solo ticket this year reportedly costs $75,000, while a table can go up to $350,000. Most guests are sponsored by fashion houses who dress them – its fashion meets fundraising.
Outfit pre-approval is a must
Every look must be AWOK-short for “Anna Wintour Okay.” Yes, even billionaires and Oscar winners need her nod of approval before stepping onto the carpet.
Seating plans
You can’t sit with your partner. Literally. The seating chart, carefully crafted by Vogue’s special events team, aims to spark conversation and fresh networking. Relationships, feuds, and past dynamics are all factored in.
INDIA’S BIGGEST LINE-UP YET: WHO’S WALKING
This year, India is making its most powerful Met Gala statement to date, with a record number of high-profile debuts and stylish returns:
