Anna Wintour Defends Bezos Met Gala Role

Anna Wintour has publicly supported Lauren Sánchez Bezos's role as a lead sponsor for the 2026 Met Gala, calling her a "great lover of fashion" and a "wonderful asset." Wintour expressed gratitude for Sánchez Bezos's "incredible generosity." The announcement of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos as lead sponsors, alongside Saint Laurent and Condé Nast, quickly drew criticism on social media. Many expressed concerns about the increasing influence of billionaires on cultural institutions and questioned the allocation of their vast wealth.

Critics argued that the Bezos couple's involvement signals a shift towards elite control of the arts, with some finding their presence inappropriate given their capitalist backgrounds. While luxury brands and tech firms have historically sponsored the event, this sponsorship has amplified discussions about income inequality and the perception of "buying culture." Parallels have been drawn to Kim Kardashian's ascendance in the fashion world, suggesting a similar ambition for Sánchez Bezos.

Despite the controversy, Sánchez Bezos has been increasingly active in the fashion sphere, attending Paris Fashion Week and participating in a sustainability initiative with the CFDA. The Met Gala's decision also includes naming a gallery space after Condé Nast's late founder. However, the timing coincides with publisher layoffs, leading to uncomfortable optics surrounding wealth and cultural influence.