Met Costume Institute Gala: Predicted To Be A Lesser Affair

by LIZ JENEAULT · April 20, 2010

    As the Met's 2010 Costume Institute Gala is quickly approaching, rumors have begun to fly. Due to certain financial circumstances, the event is predicted to be a "much less splashy affair."

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    Last year, both Vogue and the Met faced destructive financial situations. The Met, forced to layoff 14 percent of their workers, eliminated 169 job positions. Parallel to the Met's job cuts, Vogue faced a 22% decline in sales of advertisement pages.

    The museum, however, welcomes the "lesser affairs" of this years event. And the gala, instead of being an event catered towards celebrities, will focus on trustees and benefactors.

    Another change to the 2010 gala, is the institution of Sylvana Soto-Ward as Vogue’s Director of Special Events. Sylvana, whom took the reign from Stephanie Winston Wolkoff last year, will take on the gala for her first time.

    Gap will be sponsoring the event, however, individuals doubt the level of visibility which the brand will see on the red carpet (unless Anna Wintour decides to wear destroyed denim).

    However, this year's host, Oprah Winfrey, will fit the gala's theme well (American Women: Fashioning A National Identity). And with a host of Oprah's stature, the event hopes to hold its title as the "East Coast Oscars."

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