As the fashion world prepares for its most anticipated night, Anna Wintour sets the record straight on a rumor that has followed her for years. In a candid conversation with Michael Strahan on Good Morning America, the 75-year-old Vogue editor-in-chief addressed speculation that she personally approves every Met Gala outfit before it hits the red carpet.
With the Met Gala approaching on Monday, May 5, the topic couldn’t be more relevant. Wintour, known for her sharp editorial eye and commanding presence, clarified that while she is often consulted, she doesn’t dictate every look. “Many call and ask our advice, so we try and help some of them as best we can. Some, no idea,” she said, implying that her influence varies from guest to guest.
Despite the enduring myth of her fashion dictatorship, Wintour’s comments suggest a balance between offering guidance and respecting creative freedom. The 2025 Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” is poised to be one of the event’s most culturally significant. Paired with the dress code “Tailored for You,” this year’s Gala invites attendees to showcase personal interpretations of Black style through the lens of craftsmanship and identity.
Wintour appears confident in her guest list, which includes a dynamic group of co-chairs. Actor Colman Domingo, Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, musicians A$AP Rocky and Pharrell Williams, and honorary chair LeBron James will join her in hosting the event. This mix of seasoned Met Gala attendees and fresh faces will bring prestige and contemporary relevance to the evening.
Strahan shared a lighthearted anecdote during the interview, revealing that Domingo had already texted Wintour a photo of his outfit. Her reaction? Pure admiration. “He said he quoted ‘died’ in response to your telling him it was a ‘work of art, ‘” Strahan recalled. Wintour smiled, acknowledging Domingo’s creative vision, calling it “a clever idea.”
While Domingo was eager for feedback, not all co-chairs are revealing their looks ahead of time. Wintour joked that Lewis Hamilton is holding back. “Lewis, I’m not sure I entirely believe him, says he doesn’t have a picture, but it’s great,” she said, adding confidently, “I trust Lewis. Lewis knows what he’s doing.” However, Pharrell Williams and A$AP Rocky have already described their outfits to Wintour, and both have received her approval.
Attending the Met Gala remains an exclusive privilege. Beyond the coveted invitation, guests are expected to purchase a ticket or attend as a guest of a confirmed attendee. In 2024, a single ticket reportedly cost $75,000, with table prices starting at $350,000. For those wondering, that price tag is unlikely to decrease in 2025.
The Gala also upholds strict policies once inside. A longstanding “no cellphone policy” is meant to preserve the event’s privacy, though it has been broken numerous times. From selfies in the bathroom to candid snaps from the dining area, celebrities have often found creative ways to document their attendance, bending the rules for the sake of social media.
In recent years, the evolving guest list has sparked debate. In 2024, rumors surfaced that multiple A-list celebrities were unhappy about influencers being invited to the Gala. Concerns about preserving the event’s exclusivity fueled speculation. However, sources quickly debunked these claims, confirming that no official rule bars influencers from attending. The event’s organizers, including Wintour, curate a list that reflects a balance of fashion icons, industry leaders, and cultural influencers who shape modern conversations.
The 2025 Met Gala’s theme stands out for its cultural depth and historical significance. Inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, this year’s Costume Institute exhibition will explore the evolution of Black style and dandyism from the 18th century to today. It will highlight how Black individuals reclaimed fashion as a form of self-expression, evolving from symbols of objectification to global style leaders.
The exhibit promises to feature garments, paintings, photographs, and more, illustrating the transformation of Black style through generations. In doing so, it aims to contextualize fashion not just as an aesthetic, but as a tool of empowerment and cultural narrative.
While Wintour’s role is often mythologized, her influence undeniably shapes the event’s tone and expectations. Rather than personally approving every outfit, her guidance ensures the Met Gala maintains its stature as fashion’s most important night. She fosters a space where creativity thrives, yet remains rooted in the evening’s chosen theme.
With such a significant theme, anticipation for standout looks is high. From Hamilton’s mystery ensemble to Rocky and Pharrell’s highly anticipated interpretations, fans are eager to see how attendees will honor the theme while pushing fashion boundaries.
The Met Gala’s power lies in merging fashion with cultural conversations. Each year, it reflects broader societal shifts while offering a platform for artistic expression. In 2025, that reflection will center on tailoring, history, and the global influence of Black style.
As for Wintour, her confidence in her co-chairs and guests suggests this year’s event will be one to remember. Her influence may not extend to rubber-stamping every gown or tuxedo, but her legacy continues to shape the Met Gala’s place in fashion history.
Since its humble beginnings in 1948, the Met Gala has become a global spectacle. Ticket prices, themes, and star power have all grown exponentially, but the core remains the same — a celebration of fashion as art, identity, and culture.
With Wintour at the helm, the 2025 Met Gala promises to be another chapter in that ongoing story.
