A symbol of excess, or a cultural moment? The Met Gala divides opinion.

The Met Gala is hailed as the pinnacle of global fashion, but it also draws criticism. Some view it as a necessary celebration of art, whereas others see it as a tone-deaf display of wealth in a struggling economic climate.

The 'Gilded Lie' of Luxury:

Professor Lisa McNeil, from the Department of Marketing at Otago Business School, noted that the event often highlights a massive gap between the "ultra-wealthy" and the rest of society. She mentioned that the term "gilded lie" is frequently used to describe the Gala’s symbolism.

Critics often compare the spectacle to the 'Hunger Games' because of the stark contrast between the opulence and luxury on screen and the reality for many viewers.

"It’s showcasing immense wealth," McNeil explained. "It’s really difficult in the face of many people around the world struggling with basic life necessities.”

It is believed tickets are priced around $100,000 USD (NZD$169,000), a figure that many find staggering during high inflation.

Art vs. Superficiality:

Despite the backlash, there is an argument for the event's cultural importance. Fashion historians often view the Gala as a critical event for preserving art and elevating creativity.

Professor McNeil points out that it raises money for the Costume Institute, which is one of the only departments at the Met that must raise its own funds, making the Gala a tool for philanthropy.

The 2026 dress code, 'Fashion is Art', aims to bridge this gap by showcasing fashion as a legitimate art form alongside 5,000 years of history.

Performative social action?

Professor McNeil suggested that even when the Gala tries to address ‘real issues’ like sustainability, it can backfire.

The 2024 'Garden of Time' theme sparked a huge backlash at the time, and many said it was ironic, given the story by J.G. Ballard is a dystopian take on elitism and aristocracy. 

It was also an attempt to bring attention to sustainable fashion, but it did not go down well. 

"While it attempted to... highlight nature and the importance and beauty of nature, it also really underscored the consumption model of fashion at the luxury level," she recalled. This, she added, echoed the "disposability culture" of fast fashion rather than offering a solution.