Spotlight on Antiracism: Nearly Entirely Black Attendees at Met Ball

A Black-Centric Met Gala in NYC: The (Nearly) All-Black Starry Night

Statement on Anti-Racism: Nearly Monochromatic Affair at the Met Gala - Protest against racism: nearly everyone attending Met Ball dons black clothing

Getting hitched with high-end fashion, New York's elite gathered at the Metropolitan Museum for the annual Met Gala—an event that's become a spectacle of both wealth and extravagance. Star-studded celebrities, like Kim Kardashian, Lauryn Hill, Nicole Kidman, Stevie Wonder, and Madonna, graced the blue carpet in custom black designer outfits, aligning with the exhibition's title, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."

Rihanna, the sensational singer, stole the show by her late entrance, flaunting a noticeable baby bump. Journalists congratulated her, to which she responded warmly. Her husband, A$AP Rocky, later confirmed the pregnancy to reporters on the red Met carpet, saying, "We're both overjoyed, and we're glad everyone's excited for us because we sure are!"

Met Gala: A Cash Cow for the Metropolitan Museum

Taking place on the humble first Monday of May, this glitzy event has been a New York high society staple for quite some time. But under the guidance of Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of US Vogue magazine, it has evolved into an extravagant display of opulence. In spite of the pouring rain, avid fans gathered on Fifth Avenue for hours, hoping to catch a peek of their idols.

Nicknamed the "party of the year," the Met Gala is the Costume Institute's annual fundraiser. This year, tickets cost $75,000 per seat, and a full table went for $350,000. The grandiose affair aims to open the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition.

A Statement on Diversity and the Anti-Racism Movement

In 2020, after the tragic death of George Floyd, the Black Lives Matter movement gained traction, leading to a call for institutional reform. This year's Met Gala aligned with these sentiments, with a focus on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Such initiatives have gained momentum in American academia and corporate circles, particularly as the Black Lives Matter movement strengthened.

Relevant Enrichment Data:

The Met Gala's Financial Clout (2021)

The Met Gala serves as the primary source of revenue for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. The 2021 edition, postponed due to the pandemic, garnered roughly $16.4 million, according to Business of Fashion (BoF). The funds were raised through ticket sales along with sponsorships and marketing deals, both in print and digital platforms. All proceeds from the event contribute to the Costume Institute, serving as its annual budget.

The Met Gala's Impact on the BLM Movement (2025)

In 2025, the event stood out for its emphasis on Black fashion, with some reports dubbing it "Black fashion, centerstage." This year's gala generated a record $31 million, with a strong focus on celebrating and supporting Black designers and artists. This direct alignment with the anti-racism movement made it a significant event for cultural equity and Black artistry.

Categorization Summary:

| Year | Revenue | Theme/BLM Movement Focus ||--------|--------|---------------------------|| 2021 | $16.4 M | Pandemic-delayed, no explicit anti-racism focus || 2025 | $31 M (record) | "Black fashion, centerstage," strong alignment with the anti-racism movement |

Rihanna, a fashion icon and sensational singer, was among the celebrities who graciously confirmed their attendance at the Costume Institute Gala in New York City, held at the Metropolitan Museum.
When asked about her lavish black outfit, Co-chair and actor Colman Domingo highlighted the alignment with the exhibition's title, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."
Joining the list of attendees, Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, and Anna Wintour added an air of exclusivity to the starry night, making headlines in Vogue and other fashion-and-beauty lifestyle publications.
Despite initial concerns about the event, due to its previous lack of focus on diversity and the anti-racism movement, the organizers of the 2025 Met Gala made a statement by focusing on promoting DEI programs and celebrating Black designers and artists, bringing in a record $31 million.
In 2021, the Met Gala served as the primary source of revenue for the Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute, raising roughly $16.4 million, as reported by Business of Fashion, despite being delayed due to the pandemic.