The Met Gala 2024, a beacon of fashion’s grandeur, is undergoing a profound metamorphosis as internet personalities witness a decline in their representation on the Met Gala 2024 guest list. Per a report, this shift, in stark contrast to previous years, where influencers like TikTok stars Addison Rae and Dixie D’Amelio took center stage, has piqued curiosity with this year’s event featuring only one major internet figure: YouTuber Emma Chamberlain.
The Met Gala, long celebrated for its exclusivity, traditionally reserved its Met Gala invite list for the crème de la crème of celebrities and elite personalities. However, with the emergence of internet influencers and their growing cultural influence, a few managed to secure a spot on the coveted guest list in recent years, dubbing them the met gala influencers.
The trend began in 2015 when blogger Chiara Ferragni made her Met Gala debut, followed by YouTuber Liza Koshy in 2018 and makeup guru James Charles in 2019. Last year’s gala featured several influencers, but this year marked a departure from the norm, with Chamberlain as the sole representative of the internet star realm.
As Vogue’s YouTube channel’s official red carpet host for the third consecutive year, Chamberlain made a striking appearance in a Miu Miu ensemble. Despite her presence, the inclusion of influencers has faced criticism over the years. Some argue that their presence dilutes the event’s exclusivity, while others question their contributions to the fashion and entertainment industries. These debates highlight the tension between the traditional celebrity stature and the emerging influence of internet personalities.
In addition to influencers, controversial invites have extended to figures like Kim Kardashian and her family, who have become synonymous with pop culture. Their attendance has sparked conversations about the gala’s evolving guest list and exclusivity, with some arguing that their presence detracts from the event’s high fashion focus, while others see it as a reflection of the gala’s adaptability to changing cultural landscapes.
Detractors argue that including influencers and non-traditional celebrities dilutes the event’s exclusivity and glamour, long associated with the elite world of high fashion. They maintain that the Met Gala should remain a space reserved for industry insiders, A-list celebrities, and fashion icons who have made significant contributions to the fashion and entertainment industries. At the heart of the Met Gala’s evolution, this debate invites the audience to engage in the conversation about the event’s future.
However, proponents of diversity and inclusivity argue that the evolving guest list reflects the changing dynamics of fame and influence in the digital age. They contend that internet personalities have amassed massive followings and influenced fashion trends and consumer behavior, deserving recognition alongside traditional celebrities. As the debate continues, the future of internet stars at the Met Gala remains uncertain, with each year’s guest list closely scrutinized for signs of shifting trends in the fashion and entertainment industries.
As the Met Gala continues to evolve, the presence of internet personalities and other non-traditional guests, such as reality TV stars and social media influencers, prompts debates about the event’s essence and relevance in an ever-changing cultural landscape.