Peek Inside the Met Gala with Ukrainian designer Yuliia Tykhonenko

The first Monday in May has now become a national holiday in the fashion industry, for the past 77 years it has marked the annual Met Gala where the most prominent figures in fashion, music, art, and entertainment come together at the Met Museum in New York for the annual charity gala. The Met Gala is the most exclusive event in the world, as the invitation-only event has a strict guest list controlled by Anna Wintour herself. Even if a designer or brand purchases a table, Wintour ultimately decides who gets to attend. Many have wondered and speculated about how Anna curates the guest list and what happens inside the Met Gala.

We’ve interviewed Ukrainian designer and founder of the clothing brand Biara (formerly ColorFull Studio), Yuliia Tykhonenko, to find out what the Met Gala is really like behind the cameras.

Interviewer: “So, Yuliia you attended this year’s Met Gala, what designer did you choose to dress you for the most important night in fashion”

Yuliia: “I actually designed my own dress, I wore a custom gown from my brand Biara”

Interviewer: “The Met Gala is the most exclusive event in the world, that draws millions of viewers from around the world. How did you prepare yourself for such a prestigious event”

Yuliia: “ Being inside the Met Gala was surreal. I spent six months preparing to get into the Met Gala. It’s incredibly difficult, almost impossible. You need to get accreditation and passes for yourself, your car, your team—even just to film on your phone has to be approved by Anna Wintour.”

Interviewer: “So you saw all of the celebrities arrive in person, what did you think of this year’s Met Gala looks”

Yuliia: “Everyone looked even more stunning in real life, the looks were breathtaking. It was an emotional fireworks show. Zendaya in a classic Louis Vuitton suit, pregnant Rihanna, and Jenna Ortega in a Balmain gown—just wow. I was completely blown away”

Interviewer: “So can you describe your full day on Met Monday”

Yuliia: “Before the event, we arrived at The Mark Hotel, where all the Met Gala attendees were getting ready for the red carpet. Then we headed to the Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum. The main event lasted three hours. After that, we went to the after party, where our table was right next to Leonardo DiCaprio, Madonna, Sabrina Carpenter, Orlando Bloom, Doja Cat, and even the mayor of New York. Everyone was dancing and having fun, and at one point, we were all dancing together. All the stars went to the Met Gala after party—except for pregnant Rihanna.

Interviewer: “As a Ukrainian designer, how big of an accomplishment was it for you to attend the Met Gala”

Yuliia: “I’m completely overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude for being able to attend the Met Gala. After taking a chance and moving from my native Ukraine to the U.S., I truly feel that success is achievable no matter where you come from. Nothing is impossible and all opportunities are right at your fingertips. It’s all in your mind. I have so many plans for my brand and the best is yet to come. Attending the Met Gala was just the beginning for the Biara brand. Next year, I would love to dress a celebrity in one of my custom Biara looks for the Met Gala red carpet. The sky is the limit!”

About WWD

WWD, or Women’s Wear Daily, is a fashion industry trade journal that provides news, trends, and imagery for the fashion, retail, and beauty industries.