Mamdani Skips Met Gala, Spotlights Fashion Workers Instead

India-West News Desk

NEW YORK, NY – As celebrities gathered for the annual Met Gala, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani chose a different stage, using the moment to highlight the workers behind the fashion industry rather than its red carpet stars.

In April, Mamdani had earlier said he and his wife, Rama Duwaji would not attend the gala.

On May 4, Mamdani featured on his social media handle, six New Yorkers whose labor underpins the global fashion economy. The group included tailors, union organizers and delivery workers.

“While the world’s eyes are on fashion’s biggest night, we’re turning ours to the garment, retail, and warehouse workers who keep the industry running,” Mamdani wrote on X. “From true love found on the picket line to a free tailoring school out of a Brooklyn basement — meet the New Yorkers who make it all possible.”

The Met Gala, held annually at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, raises funds for the museum’s Costume Institute and is widely regarded as one of the most exclusive events in fashion and entertainment.

This year’s gala drew additional attention due to its high-profile honorary chairs, including Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos. Their involvement also sparked criticism from activist circles. A group calling itself Everybody Hates Elon — a name referencing tech billionaire Elon Musk — urged celebrities to boycott the event.

Mamdani’s decision to bypass the gala and instead spotlight labor voices reflects a broader effort by his administration to center working-class narratives.