The upcoming 2026 Met Gala is generating considerable buzz, particularly regarding the involvement of Lauren Sánchez, wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Anna Wintour, the influential figure behind the event, has expressed her support for Sánchez, calling her a “wonderful asset” as the gala prepares for a new chapter.
In an interview with CNN, Wintour, who has played a pivotal role in the Met Gala for decades, praised Sánchez for her contributions to both the event and the museum. “I think Lauren is going to be a wonderful asset to the museum and to the event,” Wintour stated. She highlighted Sánchez’s passion for fashion, adding, “[I’m] very grateful for her incredible generosity, and she’s a great lover of costume and obviously of fashion, so we’re thrilled she’s part of the night.”
Controversy Surrounds Bezos’ Involvement
Wintour’s comments come amid ongoing debate regarding Jeff Bezos’s role as a donor for the prestigious event. The Met Gala has historically relied on support from major fashion houses, and some critics are concerned about the potential impact of Bezos’s increasing political visibility. His recent attendance at a state dinner with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, alongside notable figures such as Elon Musk and Tim Cook, has only intensified scrutiny surrounding the gala’s creative direction.
Despite stepping down as editor-in-chief of Vogue U.S. after a remarkable 37-year tenure, Wintour continues to serve as Vogue’s Global Creative Director and Chief Content Officer at Condé Nast. She will still oversee key aspects of the 2026 Met Gala, which is set to be the first under her successor, Chloe Malle.
The 2026 Met Gala, scheduled for May 4, 2026, will embrace the theme “Costume Art.” The event aims to raise funds for the Costume Institute at the museum, with contributions from both Sánchez and fashion house Saint Laurent. The related exhibition is set to run from May 10, 2026, until January 10, 2027.
Looking Ahead to an Exciting Event
As preparations for the gala continue, the combination of a new theme, a fresh leadership structure at Vogue, and high-profile donors suggests that the 2026 Met Gala may be one of the most anticipated editions in recent years. With Wintour’s endorsement of Lauren Sánchez, the event is poised to attract significant attention as it balances tradition with emerging influences.
