The Met Gala 2025, fashion’s most iconic night, dazzled the world once again with its grandeur, themes, and high-profile guest list. But behind every glittering gown and paparazzi flash stands one woman who pulls all the strings—Anna Wintour.

As the long-time editor-in-chief of Vogue and the undisputed boss of the Met Gala, Anna Wintour is the sole authority behind every decision—from setting the theme to approving (or denying) the guest list. Even global superstars like Shah Rukh Khan or Priyanka Chopra can’t walk the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art without her say-so.

At 75, Anna Wintour remains one of the most powerful figures in global fashion. Daughter of a prominent British magazine editor, she entered the publishing world in the 1970s. After stints at publications like Harper & Queen, she moved to the U.S. and eventually took the helm of Vogue in 1988.

Under her leadership, Vogue wasn’t just a fashion magazine—it became a cultural powerhouse, blending fashion with politics, art, and technology. In 2020, she was appointed Global Chief Content Officer of Condé Nast, extending her influence across the publishing world.

Wintour joined the Met Gala as chairperson of the Costume Institute Gala in 1995. Since then, she has redefined the event into a global spectacle—a fusion of celebrity, art, fashion, and philanthropy. Her vision turned what was once a niche fundraiser into the "Oscars of Fashion."

Every year, Anna personally chooses the Met Gala theme, from “Heavenly Bodies” to “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” and curates the guest list with precision. Entry is by invitation only, and it’s Wintour who gives the final approval. The result? An elite gathering where A-list actors, designers, and artists align with the event's vision—or risk being left out.

The myth is real: no one attends the Met Gala without Anna Wintour’s permission. Whether it’s Hollywood royalty or global icons from Bollywood, her decision is final. She decides who is in and who is out. That means even Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, or any other Indian megastar must have her approval to walk the carpet.

Even in the digital age, Wintour’s relevance hasn’t waned. She's successfully steered Vogue into the digital era while maintaining its legacy. Her sharp bob, signature sunglasses, and unflinching standards have made her a fashion legend. And while many follow trends, Anna Wintour sets them.