Pictured above: Anna Wintour and Andrew Bolton at a press preview at the Met in October 2020.

In accordance with the city of New York's COVID-19 safety mandates, Fashion Week [1] is not the only event where guests and staff members on site will have to provide proof of vaccination. Right on the heels of the announcement that came from the CFDA and IMG [2], which are both hosting events during the second week of September 2021, the Met will follow suit. The gala that will take place on Monday, 13 September with an intimate red carpet that celebrates segment one of the exhibit: "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion" will require proof of vaccination for attendees who will also be expected to wear masks indoors except when eating or drinking, according to a representative who spoke to POPSUGAR, confirming guidelines will be updated as needed.

Speaking of dining, for the first time ever, the ball will host 10 up-and-coming chefs from New York City who are carrying out an all-vegan menu to be catered by Olivier Cheng. Fariyal Abdullahi, Nasim Alikhani, Emma Bengtsson, Lazarus Lynch, Junghyun Park, Erik Ramirez, Thomas Raquel, Sophia Roe, Simone Tong, and Fabian von Hauske will each contribute one recipe for either a canapé, an entrée, or a dessert in a new interpretation of regional American cuisine. "After a difficult two years for the restaurant industry, this will showcase the work and tell the stories of a dynamic group of chefs while presenting an exciting menu of delicious, plant-based dishes," said Marcus Samuelsson of Bon Appétit, who chose the emerging talent.

You can read more about the co-chairs and theme of the gala [3] here, and watch this space as we learn more about what indoor NY events will look like in the upcoming weeks following New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's statement [4] and encouragement of all folks to get vaccinated against COVID-19.