Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez to Fund 2026 Met Gala, Anna Wintour Expresses Gratitude

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez will be the primary donors for the 2026 Met Gala. The announcement was made alongside the theme “Costume Art” on November 17. The event will take place on the first Monday of May in 2026 at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. This marks a significant leadership change for the prestigious fundraiser.

Anna Wintour, the longtime chair, has publicly endorsed the couple’s involvement. She told CNN she is “very grateful” for their incredible generosity. Wintour also stated that Sánchez is a “great lover of costume and obviously of fashion.”

New “Costume Art” Theme to Transform Fashion’s Biggest Night

The 2026 theme honors a major new exhibit of the same name. The “Costume Art” show will be the first to occupy the museum’s new Condé M. Nast Galleries. This expansive wing covers nearly 12,000 square feet.

Curator Andrew Bolton believes the exhibit will be transformative. He said it highlights the museum giving a central location to fashion. The focus will be on the indivisible connection between our bodies and the clothes we wear. This philosophy may influence the celebrity dress code for the gala evening.

Behind the Scenes of the Met Gala’s Lavish Production

Planning for the event is a year-round endeavor. A team of about 100 people, including 10 full-time Vogue staff, works on the gala. The process famously begins the Tuesday after the current year’s event concludes.

Anna Wintour is known for her meticulous oversight of every detail. This includes everything from the flower arrangements to the dinner menu. According to reports, she has even banned ingredients that could stain gowns or cause bad breath. The seating chart is another critical element, with guests strategically placed to encourage networking.

The 2026 Met Gala is poised to be a landmark event under its new financial backing. The “Costume Art” theme promises a fresh perspective on the intersection of fashion and art. This combination ensures the 2026 Met Gala will be one of the most watched in recent history.

Info at your fingertips

What is the 2026 Met Gala theme?

The theme is “Costume Art.” It is based on a new exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. The exhibit will explore the connection between the dressed body and art.

Who is funding the 2026 Met Gala?

Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez, are the primary donors for the 2026 event. Other sponsors include the fashion house Saint Laurent and the publisher Condé Nast.

What did Anna Wintour say about the new donors?

Anna Wintour expressed her gratitude for their generosity. She told CNN that she believes Lauren Sánchez will be a “wonderful asset” to the museum and the event.

How much does a Met Gala ticket cost?

An individual ticket to the Met Gala costs $30,000. Purchasing an entire table for the event costs $275,000. Many attendees, however, are invited by designers and do not pay.

Who decides what celebrities wear to the Met Gala?

Designers typically invite celebrities who represent their aesthetic. While Anna Wintour is aware of all the looks, the final outfit choice is a collaboration between the designer and the celebrity.