The MET Gala is the fashion event of the year, with it's invite-only guest list and extravagant dress codes, its an event not to be missed in the social calendar. Also known as the Costume Institute Gala, the Met Gala is a massive fundraising event that celebrates the opening of a new fashion exhibition each year at the Metropolitan Museum.

Founded by publicist Eleanor Lambert, the annual benefit was first held in 1948 to encourage donations from New York's high society. Nowadays, it's the hottest ticket in town with everyone from Blake Lively to Lady Gaga clamouring to be invited.

Each year a different dress code is chosen as the theme of the evening to tie in with the exhibition opening. Previous themes have included 'Punk: Chaos to Couture' and 'China: Through the Looking Glass'.

With each new dress code comes a new photo booth moment that entices celebrities to pout and pose in what will no-doubt become an Instagram-worthy, viral hit. But exactly what does it take to create a MET Gala-worthy photo moment and how we can we take inspo from this event?

Have you seen the MET Gala Photo Booth?

It feels like every other week we receive a client email asking us to re-create one of the MET Gala's photo moments. And rightly so, the content has proven its viral success. From light projections to light tunnels and incredible video effects, the MET Gala photo moments are definitely shareable.

What's the Secret?

Attendees at the MET Gala are celebrities comfortable with the limelight. So a photo booth they puts them centre stage is the natural choice. But it's not just a photo. Each photo or video captured is complimented with clever videography, lighting and special effects. Guests aren't just having a photo, they're becoming the star of the show.

In our age of selfies, oversharing and content creation this resonates. Event attendees look for an experience when they step into the photo booth. With spot on lighting and effects, they have a mini 'celebrity' moment that's instantly shareable. It's thumb-stopping content that will get their friends talking. For a brand, this means a positive onsite brand experience and a personalised piece of content that's going to get eyeballs.

Our Fave MET Gala Moments

Here at Social Playground we're always tuning in excitedly to the MET Gala in May, to discover the photo moment that perfectly blends art, fashion and photography. We know it'll become a pop culture point of reference and a favourite amount our clients. Below are a few of our faves from the past few years.

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Looking to create your own MET Gala inspired photo moment? Photo moments like this don't just 'happen'. They take months of planning, choreography and celebrities who shine in the spotlight. But that doesn't mean you can't bring your own 'Vogue-moment' to your brand activation. With a well thought out set design and some simple choreography, event attendees can take centre stage and have their own Instagram moment that can lead to a tonne of earned media. We'd love to chat.

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