Amidst the grandeur of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, James Corden playfully strutted alongside Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, embodying a sense of ownership. While Corden, a Met Gala regular, exuded confidence, newcomers like the K-pop band Stray Kids and Ayo Edebiri displayed starstruck wonder and nerves akin to those of new school entrants.
Stray Kids, dressed in Tommy Hilfiger designs, embarked on their inaugural gala journey, initially feeling jittery but gradually easing into the atmosphere as they conversed with celebrities like Chris Hemsworth and Steven Yeun. Similarly, Ayo Edebiri, attending her first gala, expressed sheer excitement after exchanging pleasantries with notable figures like Jennifer Lopez and Anna Wintour.
Inside, the gala's enchanting forest-themed exhibit, "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," mesmerized guests with its whimsical ambiance. Attendees marveled at the intricate garments and experienced a sensory immersion into the world of fashion as art, appreciating its profound significance beyond mere aesthetics.
Notable personalities like Seth Meyers injected humor into the evening, while Broadway stars such as Jonathan Groff reminisced about past galas. J. Harrison Ghee, reflecting on their journey from gala attendee to Tony-winning actor, highlighted the transformative power of fashion.
Lauren Sánchez's distinctive dress, evoking themes of resilience and beauty, captivated attention, embodying the gala's spirit of creativity and expression. As guests convened for dinner, a choir serenaded them with original music, signaling the commencement of the culinary festivities, which featured a sumptuous menu inspired by fairytales.
Late arrivals only added to the gala's allure, underscoring its timeless appeal and enchanting ambiance that transcended the confines of tradition.