The 2023 Met Gala: Everything you need to know about the exclusive bash

Fashion's biggest night is upon us once again, with a slew of stars preparing to walk the iconic staircase in just a matter of days.

The 2023 Met Gala will be returning to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on Monday evening, with everyone from Kim Kardashian to Paris Hilton set to attend the annual fundraising event.

Since 1948, stars have ascended the majestic staircase into a very exclusive party where no selfies are allowed. 

Here are all the details fashionistas need to know about the lavish event:

Met Gala madness! Fashion's biggest night is upon us once again, with a slew of stars preparing to walk the iconic staircase in just a matter of days

WHAT TIME DOES IT START?

In keeping with tradition, the event will be held on the first Monday of May. It is scheduled to begin at 6:30PM EST on May 1, 2023. 

Fans can watch the event unfold in real-time via a livestream on Vogue.  

WHAT IS THE THEME? 

This year, the ball's theme is Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty. The late German designer was Chanel's long-time creative director. He passed at age 85 in 2019. 

His beloved cat, Choupette, has even been invited to the festivities. 

Fashion legend: This year, the ball's theme is Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty. Lagerfeld was the late German designer and long-time creative director for Chanel who passed at age 85 in 2019

WHY IS KARL LAGERFELD A CONTROVERSIAL CHOICE? 

The decision to honor Karl has sparked controversy given the many offensive remarks he has made over the years, from slamming the #MeToo movement to opposing same-sex marriage.

'I’m against it for a very simple reason: In the 60s they all said we had the right to the difference. And now, suddenly, they want a bourgeois life,' he told Vice of same-sex marriage. 

'It’s difficult to imagine—one of the papas at work and the other at home with the baby. How would that be for the baby? I don’t know. I see more lesbians married with babies than I see boys married with babies. And I also believe more in the relationship between mother and child than in that between father and child.' 

While he ultimately showed his support for same-sex marriage at his spring 2013 Chanel haute couture show, he still said he was 'less keen' on same-sex couples adopting children, according to AP.

WHO WILL BE HOSTING THE EVENT? 

Along with the Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who runs and hosts the annual event, the 2023 MET Gala will also be co-hosted by Penelope Cruz, Dua Lipa, Michaela Coel and also Roger Federer. 

The hostess with the mostess: Along with the Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who runs and hosts the annual event, the 2023 MET Gala will also be co-hosted by Penelope Cruz, Dua Lipa, Michaela Coel and also Roger Federer

WHAT DOES IT BENEFIT? 

While the show may be known for its glitzy and over-the-top red carpet - with details of what occurs inside often remaining mysterious - at its heart, it is a fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. 

Last year, the 2022 MET Gala alone raised a grand total of $17.4 million, reported Billboard. 

HOW MUCH DO TICKETS COST? 

This year the price of admission has been raised from $30,000 to $50,000, according to Page Six.

A-list: Status matters when it comes to who lands an invitation 

HOW DOES ONE GET INVITED TO THE MET GALA? 

Even if you have the funds, that doesn't guarantee you entry into the party.

Every guest has to be invited, and a waiting list exists for the coveted golden ticket.

And status matters, according to The New York Times, meaning the hottest stars are often a shoo-in for an invite.

Not this year! Blake Lively, a frequent attendee, announced she will not be at the party

Fashion icon: Vogue's editor-in-chief has been the face of the bash for decades and oversees the guest list and even the menu

WHO IS INVITED THIS YEAR?

Paris Hilton is among the big names attending in what will be her first Met Gala.

Meanwhile, Blake Lively, a frequent attendee, announced she will not be at the party.

'I will be watching,' she said, according to People.

Elle Fanning, Kim Kardashian and La La Anthony are among the other celebs attending. 

WHAT IS ANNA WINTOUR'S ROLE?

Vogue's editor-in-chief organizes the bash and oversees the guest list and even the menu. 

She has served as the Met Gala's chairwoman since 1994 and continues to serve look after look at every event.