The Met GalaWithout a doubt, it is one of the most anticipated and colorful events in the world of fashion, where glamor and elegance go hand in hand with art and creativity. Beyond the spectacular outfits and the presence of iconic figures from various industries, there is a crucial component that plays a fundamental role in the success of the gala: the seating organization.
Eaddy Kiernanthe person in charge of planning the Met Gala, told in Vogue about how seating is decided at this important event.
Planning the location of the guests for the Met Gala It is not a simple task. It begins months before the event, when the list of attendees is compiled. According to Kiernan, the first sketch of the seating layout is made in December, but the final version is not finalized until approximately a month before the gala. This process involves Kiernan and his team, who review in the offices of Vogue meticulously detailing the seats during the month of April for ensure guests enjoy the evening.
“The first outline is done in December, when we have the names of the guests,” Kiernan explained. “But the final version is not made until a month before the event, when we get an idea of the layout of the room and the development of the evening,” she said.
The planning team strives to think carefully about who should sit next to whom, and thus try to promote ideal matches between people who could get along wonderfully, but who may not be aware of their common interests or projects. This implies a deep analysis of the personalities, interests and possible topics of conversation among the guests.
The exact location of the tables in the dining room is one of the things that is studied with great attention. Not only aesthetic reasons are taken into account, since the decoration changes every year, but also the logistics of the event and the flow of guests. For example, it is important that everyone attendees have a clear view of the stageand that, in turn, uncomfortable situations are avoided, such as someone finding themselves in front of an old partner.
To facilitate this meticulous process, the team uses the “Lilah labels”named in honor of its inventor, Lilah Ramziof Vogue. “They are virtually indestructible,” Kiernan said. These labels, attached with Velcro, carry the name of each guest and are used to organize the seating arrangement on a huge whiteboard.
The Met Gala guest list varies each year, which means seating plans change, too. Over the years, Kiernan has amassed a fascinating pop culture archive by remembering the different seating configurations and potential collaborations that could have originated in previous editions of the gala.
For the 2024 Met Gala edition, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is preparing to host an event inspired by nature and sustainability through fashion. The exhibition “Sleeping beauties: the awakening of fashion“, inspired by the story of J. G. Ballard “The garden of time”will seek to pay tribute to nature and explore sustainable fashion.
In keeping with the theme, guests are expected to show off outfits with elements related to nature, such as flowers, butterflies and other botanical motifs, contributing to a coherent and stimulating visual and thematic experience.
Elements such as common interests, potential for collaboration, event flow, and attendance history tracking are considered by the Kiernan team to optimize the attendee experience, from event aesthetics to logistics and fostering interactions. significant among the guests.
Met Gala seating is an art that requires precision, planning, and a deep understanding of social dynamics. It is the mastery of execution It is these details that help make the Met Gala an unforgettable event year after year, where fashion, art and human connections intertwine in unique and memorable ways.
