WNBA Stars Shine at the Met Gala
Sabrina Ionescu found herself amidst a swirl of excitement on Monday as she prepared for the prestigious Met Gala at The Surrey, an upscale hotel located on New York City’s Upper East Side. Joining her were teammates Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, all members of the championship-winning Liberty team. Although the trio is well-acquainted with high-profile events, the Met Gala presents a unique experience that sets it apart from their usual engagements.
The Pinnacle of Fashion and Celebrity
The Met Gala is widely recognized as the most significant night in the fashion world, attracting a diverse array of celebrities from various fields, including fashion, art, sports, and entertainment. Each year, on the first Monday of May, this exclusive event draws the most prominent figures to the largest art museum in the Americas. Without an invitation, attending this star-studded affair requires a hefty $75,000 for a single ticket, underscoring its elite status. As Stewart noted, the opportunity to participate in such a renowned event is a remarkable experience.
Women’s Basketball Gains Visibility
This year marked the third consecutive occasion that WNBA players attended the Met Gala. Brittney Griner made headlines as the first WNBA player to grace the event in 2023, shortly after her release from a Russian prison. Last year, Angel Reese made her own debut at the gala. The presence of the Liberty players this year signals a growing recognition of women’s basketball in popular culture. Jones expressed her pride in being part of the WNBA during a transformative era that allows female athletes to step into spaces once dominated by their male counterparts.
A Whirlwind Day at the Gala
The day unfolded like a whirlwind for the athletes. Arriving at the hotel around 9 a.m., they did not depart for the famous blue carpet until after 5 p.m. Each athlete donned custom couture outfits designed by Sergio Hudson and styled by Courtney Mays, with months of preparation aligned with this year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” The experience of walking the carpet was exhilarating yet nerve-wracking, with camera flashes illuminating the path as they posed for photographs.
Star-Studded Encounters Inside
Upon reaching the top of the grand staircase, the players were warmly welcomed by Pharrell Williams and Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour. Inside, they explored a new exhibit focused on black dandyism, set to open to the public soon. The athletes also mingled with other high-profile guests. Stewart was particularly thrilled to encounter Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, and Wintour, even extending an invitation to Anne Hathaway to attend a Liberty game this season. Meanwhile, Ionescu expressed her admiration for Omar Sy from the Netflix series “Lupin” and shared moments with icons like Serena Williams and Simone Biles.
A Night to Remember
Jones engaged in lively conversations with stars such as Megan Thee Stallion, Zendaya, and Coco Jones, relishing the opportunity to socialize. The evening transitioned to a grand hall where dinner was served, featuring performances by Usher and Stevie Wonder. Reflecting on the experience, Ionescu described the event as extraordinary, emphasizing the joy of sharing it with her teammates and Liberty owner Clara Wu Tsai. The chance to connect with influential figures from various creative industries made the night truly special and memorable.
