The Fashion Icon's Departure and the Question Left Behind

As Anna Wintour steps down from her position as editor-in-chief of American Vogue after 37 years, the fashion world marks the end of an era. The Met Gala, which she has led since 1995, has become more than just a charity event—it has become a symbol of global fashion culture.

Following the news of Wintour's departure, the fashion industry is focused on one question: How will the Met Gala evolve? The New York Times recently analyzed that the Bal d'Été event held in Paris may have provided one answer.

New Possibilities Shown by Paris's Bal d'Été

Bal d'Été is a charity event for the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. While not as glamorous as the Met Gala, it attracted attention with the attendance of celebrities including actors Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons.

The significance of this event lies in its demonstration of an alternative model to the Met Gala. While the Met Gala focuses on fundraising for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, Bal d'Été covers the broader artistic realm of decorative arts.

Paris fashion industry insiders evaluate that "Bal d'Été could set a precedent for various cultural institutions to host their own fashion galas in the future." This represents a shift away from a structure dependent on one person's influence, toward a trend where each city and cultural region creates its own fashion events.

The Met Gala in the Anna Wintour Era

When Anna Wintour took over the Met Gala in 1995, the event was merely a small dinner for New York's social elite. Wintour transformed it into a global fashion event.

Held annually on the first Monday in May, the Met Gala is called the Academy Awards of the fashion world. Individual ticket prices reach $50,000 (approximately 70 million won), while table reservations cost up to $300,000 (approximately 400 million won). Through this event, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has raised $15-20 million annually.

Wintour's influence is maximized in guest list selection. From Hollywood A-list actors to K-POP stars and tech company CEOs, her chosen guest list itself symbolized cultural power. The 2025 Met Gala attracted attention with attendees including Zendaya and Ayo Edebiri.

The Decentralizing Fashion Gala Ecosystem

Wintour's departure is expected to accelerate the democratization of fashion events. Several cities are already preparing their own fashion galas.

London is likely to center around the Victoria and Albert Museum, while Milan may use the Triennale Design Museum as its base. Seoul is also in discussions about a K-fashion gala utilizing the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP).

Fashion critics evaluate that "a structure where multiple diverse regional events coexist is healthier than one massive event." As fashion events reflecting each city's cultural identity emerge, the fashion world's regional diversity is also expected to strengthen.

Future Outlook [AI Analysis]

The Met Gala is likely to remain the fashion world's premier event. However, with the departure of Wintour as an absolute authority figure, changes in operational methods and invitation policies are anticipated.

Whoever becomes the new Head of Editorial Content (HOEC) at Vogue will find it difficult to build Wintour's level of influence in a short period. While this could weaken the Met Gala's status, it also presents an opportunity to evolve into a more open and inclusive event.

As Paris's Bal d'Été, London's V&A Gala, and Milan's Fashion Night establish themselves as global fashion events with their own distinct characters, the fashion world appears set to reorganize around a pluralistic network rather than a single authority.

One thing is certain: the legacy of the Met Gala created by Anna Wintour will not disappear. The proposition she proved—that "fashion is art, business, and culture"—will remain the core philosophy of fashion galas going forward.