Met Gala 2019: Everything you need to know about the 'Oscars of Fashion'

We blinked and the 2019 Met Gala is already here!

The first Monday in May has long been considered the "Oscars of Fashion" and one of the most elite events Hollywood has ever seen. In preparation for Monday's big event, we're revisiting the nearly 70-year history of the biggest night in fashion and its industry significance.

What is the Met Gala?

The Met Gala is an annual fundraiser held by New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art to benefit its Costume Institute and yearly exhibition. The biggest names in fashion turn up for the event, which is organized by Anna Wintour and her committee, for a red carpet debut, private dinner and first look at the exhibition.

When is the 2019 Met Gala?

Since 2005, the Met Gala has been held on the first Monday in May. This year's Met Gala will be held on May 6th.

Who gets to go to the Met Gala?

The Met Ball has long been hailed as one of the most exclusive industry events. Tickets for the gala can cost an upwards of over $30,000 and invitees are handpicked by Anna Wintour herself. Brands and designer houses can buy tables for an estimated $300,000.

Whereas the gala used to be reserved for wealthy New York socialites, it's moved on to include models, musicians, actors, athletes and their designer counterparts. Members of the royal family, like Princess Diana and Princess Beatrice, have attended in the past, as have political figures like Mitt Romney and Donald Trump (before he was president!).

When Wintour took over as co-chair in 1995, she turned it into what we think of the event today: The Oscars of Fashion.

This year's guest list includes Lady Gaga, Serena Williams, Harry Styles, Lupita Nyong'o, Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lopez. Julianne Moore, Karlie Kloss and Zendaya are all slated to make appearances and we expect them to be joined by big names like Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Kardashian and Rihanna.

What is the theme for this year's Met Gala?

Every year, Anna Wintour picks a theme for the exhibit, which also acts as the dress code for the party. Celebrities may or may not follow the dress code, and with a theme like this year's "Notes on Camp," it may be particularly hard to interpret.

Past themes have included "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination," "China: Through the Looking Glass,” and "AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion."

Where can I watch this year's Met Gala?

The only part of the Met Gala that is televised is the red carpet. The exhibition and dinner, which are both packed with celebrity performances, are not televised. In fact, not even selfies are allowed.

However, guests can get their sartorial fix by watching pre-show and red carpet coverage on "E! Live from the Red Carpet." And of course, despite the no social media rule, celebrities will probably be posting before, during and after the event -- so you may want to have your Instagram ready.