Anticipation for this year's Met Gala, often dubbed the Oscars of fashion, has peaked with the unveiling of the star-studded guest list that promises an evening of glamour, style, and high-profile appearances.
According to Page Six, among the luminaries set to grace the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York are none other than music and fashion icon Rihanna, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, and reality TV star turned-model Kendall Jenner.
Joining these household names are rising stars Lily Gladstone and Ayo Edebiri, adding a fresh and dynamic element to the prestigious event.
Speculation is rife over whether Gisele Bundchen will be accompanied by her boyfriend, jiu-jitsu instructor Joaquim Valente, following reports of their deepening romance earlier this year. The supermodel, who has previously attended the Met Gala alongside ex-husband Tom Brady, is sure to turn heads with her impeccable style and grace.
Meanwhile, Rihanna, known for her daring and headline-grabbing ensembles, is poised to make yet another memorable entrance at the Met Gala. From her iconic yellow fur-trimmed gown to her pink-petaled masterpiece, the singer always delivers a show-stopping fashion moment.
Not to be outdone, Kendall Jenner will be making her mark on the Met Gala once again, continuing her streak of high-profile appearances at the event. However, the attendance of other members of the Kardashian-Jenner clan remains uncertain, leaving fans eager to see who else will make an appearance.
Joining this illustrious lineup are stars such as Olivia Rodrigo, Uma Thurman, Sarah Paulson, and Cara Delevingne, ensuring a diverse and star-studded affair.
Barry Keoghan, known for his role in Saltburn, has also secured a coveted invite after making waves with his red carpet debut last year.
The 2024 Met Gala theme is 'Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion' and an official dress code of 'The Garden of Time' promises to inspire creativity and innovation from the attendees, who will no doubt pull out all the stops to interpret the theme in their own unique ways, as per Page Six.
With tickets priced at USD 50,000 per person and approval required from fashion maven Anna Wintour, the Met Gala remains one of the most exclusive events on the global fashion calendar.
Leading the charge as co-chairs for this year's gala are Zendaya, Chris Hemsworth, Bad Bunny, and Jennifer Lopez, with the latter rumoured to be donning a creation by Ralph Lauren for the occasion.
Past themes, including 'Camp' and 'Heavenly Bodies,' have set the bar high for creativity and spectacle, leaving fashion enthusiasts eagerly awaiting what promises to be another unforgettable night in the world of haute couture.
The Met Gala has been traditionally taking place every first Monday of May.
Commonly referred to as either the Met Ball or the Met Gala, the event is formally known as the Costume Institute Gala and is fundraiser dedicated to New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute.
The Met Gala also marks the opening night of the Costume Institute's annual fashion exhibit.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.