Anna Wintour and Lauren Sanchez Bezos Lead Met Gala Press Preview

The Met Gala's traditional pre-event festivities kicked off Monday with key figures in fashion and philanthropy assembling for the press preview at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

The 76-year-old Wintour, former Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, appeared alongside Lauren Sanchez Bezos, who is serving as an honorary co-chair for this year's event. Also present were Venus Williams, who holds the position of co-chair, and her husband Andrea Preti.

Wintour took the opportunity to reflect on the gala's evolution since she first attended in 1982 while working at New York Magazine. "Years ago this was a very small event and honestly, we sometimes had to chase people to attend. Fashion, we were a bit of a curiosity. Now fashion is everywhere and belongs to everyone," she remarked.

Recounting her early experience with the gala, Wintour described herself as a newcomer to the city and industry at that time. "I was a nobody that night, but it meant the world to me. A foreigner who had arrived in New York not so long before, to be part of something so important to the city and to the daunting world of fashion where I was making my way," she said.

The evening's fundraising efforts are substantial, with this year's gala generating $42 million for the Costume Institute.

Sanchez Bezos delivered remarks emphasizing fashion's significance as an art form. "As we all know, no one has done more to elevate fashion as an art form, or to create in this industry the respect it deserves. Thank you, Anna," she said. She continued, highlighting the Costume Institute's role: "The Met has always understood something the rest of the world is finally catching up to: Fashion is art. The designers we celebrate tonight are true artists. The Costume Institute is the custodian of their work—the way the Met is the custodian of any great painting or sculpture."

Williams spoke about fashion's personal impact on her athletic career, noting how it distinguished her on the court. Wearing Herbert Levine shoes to the preview, she explained how fashion allowed her to express individuality while competing. "Fashion distinguished me from my fellow players—because it was a contest about power, strength, will, skill, and being the best-dressed. And I tried to win it all. It also allowed me to connect with passionate fans across the world. But most of all, it allowed me to connect to myself," she said.