The Met Gala is fast approaching. Tonight's event is a mainstay on the calendars of celebrities, fashion's elite and New York high society, the extravagant event. Officially called the Costume Institute Benefit, it takes place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the first Monday in May, with guests dressed in keeping with the gala's theme (or ignoring it altogether).

This year, the dress code is "In honor of Karl," a tribute to Karl Lagerfeld, the late fashion juggernaut with an indelible influence but controversial reputation. All eyes will be on the red carpet to see how guests interpret Lagerfeld's complicated legacy — as well as if his beloved tortie cat, Choupette, will strut up the museum's front steps.

Co-chairing this year's event are actors Michaela Coel and Penélope Cruz, tennis giant Roger Federer, singer Dua Lipa and, as always, Vogue's editorial director Anna Wintour.

Lagerfeld's career will also be explored in the Costume Institute's spring exhibition "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty," opening to the public the following day.

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A long legacy

Serving as creative director of the storied French fashion house Chanel from 1983 until his death in February 2019, as well as the luxury Italian house Fendi from 1965, the German fashion designer loomed tall within the fashion industry. He left his mark on Chloé, Patou and Balmain as well over the course of his long career, working with each fashion house in different capacities (in addition to his own eponymous label), and has influenced countless others.

His final Fendi collection was shown at Milan Fashion Week just days after his death, with models including Gigi and Bella Hadid and Kaia Gerber walking the runway. The following month, Cruz made her runway debut at his final Chanel presentation.