On November 17, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) in New York City unveiled new details about the 2026 Met Gala and its upcoming exhibition. The theme, “Costume Art,” explores more than 5,000 years of art and dress, reframing the human body as a central subject in art history.
Yet, among all the announcements, what drew the most attention was not the exhibition itself, but the names listed as its primary donors: Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos.
Vogue Acquisition Rumors That Shook the Fashion Industry
The Bezos couple has long been known for their deepening involvement across the fashion and media landscapes. In July, they made global headlines with a lavish three-day wedding in Venice, reportedly costing around $46 million.
But what dominated industry conversations was not the ceremony itself — it was the speculation that followed: rumors that Bezos was preparing to acquire Vogue or even Condé Nast as a whole.
The rumors intensified when Lauren Sánchez appeared on the cover of Vogue’s digital edition wearing a Dolce & Gabbana wedding dress handpicked by Anna Wintour. The timing coincided with Wintour’s announcement that she would step down from her editor-in-chief role after 37 years, prompting questions about whether major negotiations were unfolding behind the scenes.
Adding fuel to the speculation, the Daily Mail reported that Jeff Bezos was considering a purchase not just of Vogue but of Condé Nast itself.
A Pivotal Role as Major Donors
Amid this backdrop, the MET’s announcement regarding the 2026 Met Gala offered another striking detail. In the official press release, the museum stated plainly:
“The exhibition is made possible by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos.”
While Saint Laurent and Condé Nast also appear as supporting partners, the prominence given to the couple’s names is unusual. The donation amount has not been disclosed, but the MET’s decision to foreground their contribution signals the scale of their influence.
The Met Gala is also familiar territory for the couple. In 2024, they attended together under the theme “Garden of Time,” with Sánchez drawing attention in a custom Oscar de la Renta gown.
Inside the “Costume Art” Exhibition
The upcoming exhibition will juxtapose approximately 200 artworks with 200 garments and accessories, exploring the evolving relationship between the body and dress across millennia.
For Vogue’s newly appointed Head of Editorial Content, Chloe Malle, the 2026 Met Gala will serve as her first time overseeing the event. The exhibition will run from May 10, 2026, through January 10, 2027.
Their role as major donors this year clearly signals the couple’s deepening ties with the fashion world and cultural institutions. And it is evident that, beyond the Met Gala, the movements of the Bezos couple will continue to draw significant attention in the future.
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