Met Gala spotlights ‘Costume as Art’ as protests greet Bezos, Sánchez outside

New York: This year’s Met Gala arrived with the theme Costume as Art, bringing a more reflective tone to the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. But the mood outside carried a sharper edge.

Protesters gathered near the museum entrance, directing chants and placards at honorary co-chairs Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. The pair joined Anna Wintour, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Beyoncé in leading the event.

The scene underscored a familiar New York contrast: flashbulbs and couture on one side of the barricades, protest signs and shouted slogans on the other — both determined to be seen.

Inside, guests embraced the theme with sculptural gowns and conceptual designs aimed at elevating fashion to fine art. The night proceeded as planned, while demonstrators continued to voice concerns over wealth and influence just beyond the red carpet.