Lauren Sanchez went outside the box to achieve her look for the 2026 Met Gala.
For fashion’s biggest night, Sanchez, who served as honorary co-chair, showed off her slim figure in a super-cinched designer piece.
Although fans had mixed opinions about the ensemble, the wife of billionaire Jeff Bezos couldn’t help but gush about the rigorous training she underwent in preparation for the Met.
Apart from the numerous fittings and a facial, Sanchez explained that she spent the hours before appearing on the red carpet undergoing an unusual procedure.
Speaking to Vogue, the former TV correspondent recalled, “I went to visit the New York Fire Department and did their training. It’s probably the most unique Met prep ever.”
The NYPD training involves wearing official gear, learning how to save a life, and crawling through an obstacle course filled with smoke. Describing the experience as “bananas,” Sanchez confessed that she “probably lost about two pounds doing it.”
The rapid weight loss, alongside Sanchez’s fitness routine, proved effective, as her toned figure was on full display at the Met Gala.
All About Lauren Sanchez’s Outfit At The 2026 Met Gala
For the big day, Sanchez stunned in a fitted dark blue Schiaparelli gown that featured a plunging neckline and bejeweled straps that hung loosely over her shoulders.
The socialite kept her makeup subtle and simple, letting her brunette hair styled in a side parting frame her face. Explaining why she opted for the dress, Sanchez noted she chose Elsa Schiaparelli because of the theme.
“The theme is ‘Costume Art,’ and that’s exactly what Elsa Schiaparelli was doing 100 years ago,” she noted.
Sanchez collaborated with celebrity stylist Law Roach and Schiaparelli creative director Daniel Roseberry to come up with the masterpiece, allowing them creative control. However, she had just one major request.
“I was like, ‘Let’s do a waist,’” she recounted. “That might’ve been the one direction that I gave Daniel.” To achieve that super tiny waist look, the gown featured a laced-up corset behind the seams.
The Schiaparelli design was inspired by John Singer Sargent’s Madame X portrait in the Met’s collection. Often described as one of the museum’s most famous paintings, the artwork features a depiction of French socialite Madame Pierre Gautreau in a black fitted gown, with one strap slipping off her shoulder.
Protest Against Jeff Bezos Almost Rocked the Met Gala
Although Sanchez co-chaired the prestigious night without any hitch, that almost wasn’t the case as drama reportedly brewed behind the scenes.
With Bezos and Sanchez being named as sponsors, critics became vocal about how the event, which was meant to celebrate the art of fashion, was now catering to the billionaire’s whim.
As a result, the event was plagued with threats of protests and demonstrations disagreeing with Bezos’ sponsorship.
According to The Blast, just hours before the Met Gala kicked off, staff members were thrown into pandemonium after discovering hundreds of bottles filled with a yellow liquid substance all over the museum.
Besides the demonstration, outside the venue, more chaos ensued as passersby noticed baskets containing plastic bottles and a sign that read, “The Met Gala VIP toilet. Installed in honor of Met Gala chair Jeff Bezos. Go ahead, it’s good enough for his staff.”
How Jeff Bezos And Lauren Sanchez Earned Anna Wintour’s Approval
The usual excitement around the Met Gala dampened with the announcement of the power couple’s substantial role, with many speculating that their wealth earned them undeserved access.
Sources seemingly confirmed the speculations, saying Bezos and Sanchez reportedly donated $10 million to the event. Others say the contribution goes as high as $20 million. As a result, the hefty financial investment planted the couple in Anna Wintour’s good graces.
“The Bezoses are where the American dream is at right now for status, wealth, and style. They display conspicuous consumption [and] they have the ‘AWOK,’ the Anna Wintour OK,” a Vogue insider revealed, per The Blast.
Unfortunately, the approval from Wintour didn’t resonate across the board, with some parties expressing disappointment that access could even be bought.
A-listers Boycott Met Gala Over Jeff Bezos And Lauren Sanchez
Industry critics weren’t the only ones disapproving of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez being the faces of this year’s Met Gala.
Some Hollywood powerhouses felt rubbed the wrong way by the decision and boycotted the fashion event to take a stand. Among them was reportedly Meryl Streep.
As The Blast reported, the iconic actress, who posed alongside Wintour on Vogue for “The Devil Wears Prada,” was reportedly considered for the co-chair position. However, Streep allegedly declined because of the Bezoses’ association.
