Anna Wintour has chaired the Met Gala since 1995 and helped make it a major global fashion event.
Wintour became editor-in-chief of American Vogue in 1988 and used her influence in fashion, publishing, and celebrity culture to expand the gala's profile. Under her leadership, the guest list, sponsorship structure, and red-carpet coverage grew substantially.
She also served as a trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and became one of the event's most recognizable decision-makers. Wintour is closely involved in selecting guests and honorary co-chairs, while the museum's Costume Institute develops the exhibition and theme.
Diana Vreeland is another important name in the institute's history: she served as a special consultant from 1973 until her death in 1989. Vreeland shaped the exhibition program, but she did not chair the gala throughout the modern era.