**Met Gala:** What You Need to Know Before the A-Listers Hit the Red Carpet – Livestream, Theme, Co-Chairs, and More!

New York, NY – As fashion enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the annual Met Gala, known for its gathering of A-list celebrities from various industries, it’s essential to be prepared for the grand event. Vogue will host an exclusive livestream of the gala, starting at 6 p.m. Eastern Time on Vogue.com, along with other digital platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Additionally, E! will provide coverage of the event, including livestreams on X, TikTok, Instagram, and Peacock.

The Associated Press will also be present outside the Mark Hotel to capture the pre-event preparations of celebrities before they make their way to The Metropolitan Museum of Art for the renowned red carpet walk. While viewers can enjoy the red carpet proceedings, the gala’s cocktail hour and private dinner remain off-limits to spectators.

The Met Gala is not just a glamorous party but also a significant fundraiser for the Met’s Costume Institute. Last year, the gala raised approximately $22 million, benefiting the department’s financial sustainability. The event is organized by Met trustee Anna Wintour, who imposes a no-phone policy to maintain an air of exclusivity.

Each year, the gala’s theme corresponds to the museum’s spring exhibition, with guests expected to adhere to a dress code set by Wintour. The 2024 theme, “The Garden of Time,” draws inspiration from J.G. Ballard’s short story and anticipates a floral-centric fashion display. The museum’s exhibition this year, titled “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” showcases 250 rare garments from The Costume Institute’s collection, emphasizing engagement of all senses, including smell.

The Met Gala’s co-chairs play a crucial role in the event’s success, with this year’s line-up featuring Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, and Chris Hemsworth. Additionally, Shou Chew of TikTok and Jonathan Anderson of Loewe serve as honorary chairs and sponsors for the gala and exhibition. Though the guest list remains undisclosed, hints suggest that Rihanna, Ben Affleck, Tom Holland, and Lily Gladstone will attend.

Follow the AP’s extensive coverage of the Met Gala for live updates, videos, and more at: https://apnews.com/hub/met-gala.