The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Vogue cancelled their annual fundraiser, Met Gala, in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization will bring the event back in 2021 but will have to implement policies regarding COVID-19, which remains a serious public health issue in the United States.
The Met is taking the proper precautions necessary in order to safely and securely host celebrities, artists and patrons for the event. The Met Gala normally takes place in May; however, this year it will be on September 13.
The 2021 event will be different than its predecessors due to the organization’s need to follow the vaccine mandate and wear masks while attending the event. All attendees must show proof that they have been fully vaccinated. In addition, attendees will be required to wear a mask at all times, except for when they are eating and drinking.
According to a spokesperson for The Met, “Currently, all attendees at The Met Gala on September 13 must provide proof of full vaccination and will also be expected to wear masks indoors except when eating or drinking. We will update these guidelines as needed,”
In a somewhat surprise move, the menu at the event will be entirely vegan. Anna Wintour was able to contact some of the country’s leading vegan chefs and cooking staff in order to promote a healthy lifestyle. While the majority of attendees will not be vegan, the decision to make it the entire menu may strike a positive reaction to attendees as they will be able to juxtapose the need to stay healthy during the pandemic with healthy food choices.
This year’s theme is “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion”. It will be hosted by Billie Eilish, Naomi Osaka, Amanda Gorman and Timothée Chalamet. Tom Ford and Wintour will be making appearances as co-hosts.