Anna Wintour
👤 SpeakerAppearances Over Time
Podcast Appearances
They signaled cultural relevance that no amount of wealth could buy.
The Met Gala looks like a party.
It's a machine for manufacturing power.
Anna controls the three levers that matter.
First, the guest list.
Reality stars with millions of followers can't buy their way in.
By saying no to money, Anna created a currency more valuable than money.
Second, the seating chart.
Anna places emerging designers next to billionaire investors, models next to beauty executives.
She deliberately separates couples, forcing new connections.
Anna wanted people to meet other people, a former planner revealed.
That's where a lot of business came from.
Third, the content engine.
One night generates 12 months of coverage.
The anticipation, the arrivals, the analysis.
When Lady Gaga spent 16 minutes changing outfits on the steps, that wasn't spontaneous.
That was strategy.
Vogue.com breaks traffic records every Met Gala Monday.
Ad sales follow eyeballs.