Live reporter
Since 1995, Dame Anna Wintour has been at the helm of the Met Gala as its co-chair.
This year’s theme is the first to focus on menswear in 22 years, and in particular, fashion pioneered by black men. Besides Dame Wintour, all five co-chairs are highly successful black men drawn from sports, music, fashion, and film.
“I have been very inspired by seeing how much it means to the black community”, Wintour told actress La La Anthony on the red carpet.
“It is putting a spotlight on amazing black talent… At this moment in our political history, I think it is important to stand next to the black community.”
Though Wintour referred to political events in the US, this year’s theme was chosen well in advance of President Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election.
His administration has led efforts to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from the federal government and extended the policy to also include some private institutions.
Proponents of DEI policies say they address historic or ongoing underrepresentation and discrimination against certain groups including racial minorities, but critics say such programmes can themselves be discriminatory by specifically calling attention to race.
Dame Wintour also touched on some lighter topics – including how she plans to decompress after the big night. Foot massages, she responded.
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