While the 2026 Met Gala made headlines for its extravagant fashion and star-studded guest list, it also triggered online debate over the growing influence of tech billionaires at the event.
According to Max Hollein, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's director, this year's gala raised a record $42 million for the Costume Institute — the highest amount ever collected in the event's history.
From $50 To Multi-Million-Dollar Event
What started in 1948 as a modest charity gathering with tickets reportedly priced at just $50 has now evolved into one of the world's most exclusive events.
Tickets for the 2026 gala ranged between $75,000 and $100,000 per guest, while corporate tables were sold for nearly $350,000 each. Several major technology companies reportedly secured tables this year, including Meta, OpenAI, Snap Inc. and Shopify.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sánchez were among the biggest contributors to the fundraiser, donating close to $10 million.
Celebrity Guest List
This year's guest list, approved by former Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, featured a mix of Hollywood stars, fashion figures and major names from Silicon Valley.
Among those seen at the event were Snapchat co-founder Evan Spiegel with model-wife Miranda Kerr, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri, Google co-founder Sergey Brin and OpenAI partnerships head Charles Porch.
Lauren Sánchez drew major attention in a Schiaparelli outfit inspired by the iconic painting “Madame X.” Bezos did not walk the main carpet but was reportedly present backstage and at pre-event celebrations. Meanwhile, stars like Mark Ruffalo, Olivia Rodrigo and Zendaya were among the big names who skipped the gala this year.
Behind Met Gala Fashion
The fashion itself reflected the gala's massive scale. Reports suggest celebrity outfits for the Met Gala can start at around $50,000, while some of the most iconic looks in past years have reportedly cost millions of dollars.
Luxury labels, including Dior, Chanel and Louis Vuitton, were behind several major celebrity looks this year. Designers are also believed to spend between $50,000 and $500,000 on a single outfit to gain worldwide visibility through media coverage and social media attention.
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Protests Outside Met Gala 2026
Outside the museum, demonstrators organised a protest called “Ball Without Billionaires.” Workers connected to Amazon, Whole Foods and The Washington Post gathered to protest against wealth inequality and the influence of billionaires in culture and media.
Online criticism also intensified after a video showing a 72-year-old Amazon warehouse worker was projected onto a luxury property linked to Bezos.
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The 2026 Met Gala ultimately reflected how fashion's biggest night now sits at the intersection of celebrity culture, corporate power and growing public scrutiny.
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