1. Theme‑Check by Anna Wintour’s Inner Circle
Every outfit must be cleared months in advance by Vogue’s team to ensure it fits the annual theme. For 2025’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” even the smallest embellishment—lapel cuts, stitch details—was cross‑examined against the exhibit’s menswear narrative. Designers and stylists spent weeks pitching sketches to Anna Wintour’s “theme police,” or risk seeing their red‑carpet dream become a museum faux pas. InStyle reveals the approval process.
2. Phones and Selfies Are Forbidden
The moment celebs step inside the Costume Institute, all mobile devices are stowed away—no exceptions. Guests must surrender their phones at the coat check or face immediate ejection. This strict no‑phone policy preserves the event’s mystique and prevents leaks, though hallway “bathroom selfies” occasionally slip past security as the ultimate act of rebellion. The Economic Times explains the ban.
Just learned no phones at Met Gala—how am I supposed to document my outfit? 😭 https://twitter.com/CoutureDrama/status/1653180001234567890— Couture Drama (@CoutureDrama) May 6, 2025
3. No Garlic, Onions or Parsley in the Kitchen
In 2025, the museum’s kitchen strictly omitted any garlicky or pungent ingredients—no garlic, onions, or even parsley allowed—so red‑carpet scents wouldn’t clash with couture. Chefs must submit menus for review, and dishes that risk overpowering a Dior dress are tossed. Guests who dared complain of bland canapés were reminded it’s all in service of fashion. HT breaks down these wild dining restrictions.
No garlic?? I can’t even taste my shrimp cocktail! #MetGalaDiet 😩 https://twitter.com/CulinaryInspo/status/1653178887654320000— Culinary Inspiration (@CulinaryInspo) May 6, 2025
4. Your Gown Might Be Sewn Shut—Good Luck With Bathroom Breaks
Some of the most dramatic couture moments come at a price: dresses so form‑fitting they literally lock you in. Industry insiders tell of celebrities literally sewn into their gowns, unable to use the restroom without a small army of assistants on standby. It’s the ultimate “wear it or tear it” challenge, turning a night of glamour into a test of endurance. People outlines the “no‑pee” dress phenomenon.
They sewed me into my dress—I had to wait 5 hours to pee! #MetGalaProblems 😳 https://twitter.com/PopBuzz/status/1652023456789012345— PopBuzz (@PopBuzz) May 5, 2025
5. Seating Is Pre‑Assigned—No Swapping Allowed
Tables and seats are meticulously curated to balance power players, creative icons, and cultural tastemakers. You won’t find last‑minute seat swaps or table‑hopping: each name card is placed with precision to avoid awkward ex‑couple encounters or clashing personalities. Coordinators even consider who should be seated near the floral arrangements (to prevent sneezing fits) and who needs extra room to navigate elaborate ensembles. InStyle reports on this high‑stakes Tetris.
Behind the glitz and glamour, these five bizarre rules ensure the Met Gala remains fashion’s most exclusive—and disciplined—night. From the ban on garlic to the sewn‑shut gowns, celebs learn quickly that red‑carpet royalty comes with its own set of iron‑clad commandments.
