The annual Met Gala on the first Monday of May is always a highly anticipated event, marked by the grand opening of the Costume Institute's exhibit, the glamorous departures of celebrities from renowned hotels, and iconic red carpet appearances. However, the celebrations extend far beyond the museum's steps, with exclusive after-parties setting the stage for continued revelry. Among these, the gathering at Boom at the Standard High Line stands out as a traditional and spirited continuation of the night's festivities.
This year, the vibrant after-party at Boom was orchestrated by the talented designer Gabriela Hearst, actress Grace Gummer, and Yola Mezcal. A constellation of stars graced the event, including musical sensation A$AP Rocky, acclaimed ballerina Misty Copeland, dynamic performer Janelle Monáe, pop icon Adam Lambert, fashion designer Wes Gordon, supermodel Coco Rocha, and emerging fashion figure Ella Emhoff. Upon ascending to the top floor, attendees were met with a flurry of camera flashes before navigating a dimly lit corridor and passing through a grand oak door. Beyond lay the Art Deco interior of Boom, a legendary New York venue celebrated for its stunning architecture and unparalleled panoramas of downtown Manhattan. The atmosphere was enhanced by carefully curated mood lighting, a sophisticated sunken bar serving specialty mezcalitas and mezcal martinis, and an electrifying playlist that promised an unforgettable night.
The evening's musical journey was skillfully managed by DJs Samantha Ronson and Questlove, who expertly blended diverse genres. Their set creatively transitioned from Pink Floyd's 'Money' to Lil Jon's 'Get Low,' and from ABBA's 'Dancing Queen' to Justin Timberlake's 'Rock Your Body.' This eclectic mix compelled Uruguayan designer Gabriela Hearst to the dance floor, champagne flute in hand and arms raised in joyous abandon. She humorously remarked to Vogue, "Anything with bass makes me want to dance." Indeed, she remained on the dance floor throughout the night, joined by fellow guests such as Tommy Dorfman, Annabelle Dexter-Jones, Tina Leung, Georgia Fowler, Hilary Taymour, and EJ Johnson.
As the clock neared 1 a.m., the party reached its zenith. Guests, shedding the formal attire of the red carpet, appeared in more alluring and abbreviated ensembles, their daytime glam subtly adapted for the nocturnal hours. Grace Gummer, for instance, exchanged her metallic gold Gabriela Hearst gown—a creation Hearst herself lauded as "so good"—for a chic brown, hooded suede piece by the same designer. With the mezcalitas flowing and the energy in the room pulsating, singer Kelela made a dramatic, unannounced appearance atop the sunken bar. Her performance of 'LMK' and 'Happy Ending' ignited the crowd, with Janelle Monáe, strategically positioned at the front, singing along with the most enthusiasm.
Kelela's electrifying performance sustained the high-octane energy well into the early morning. Eventually, guests began to disperse, making their way back to the cobblestone streets of the Meatpacking District, some undoubtedly bound for the next stop in the multi-faceted party marathon unfolding across the city. The night, a testament to fashion, music, and vibrant camaraderie, was a spectacular extension of the Met Gala's grandeur.
