Anna Wintour Supports Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez
Anna Wintour, the global editorial director of Vogue, has stepped up to defend Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez after their announcement as lead sponsors for the 2026 Met Gala faced significant backlash online.
During a red carpet interview at the Franca Fund gala in Doha, Qatar, Wintour remarked, “I think Lauren will be a great asset to the museum and to our events.” She expressed enthusiasm about her support for Sanchez, calling her a “huge lover of costume and, of course, fashion.”
Wintour continued, “We are so grateful for her incredible generosity. She loves costumes and, yes, fashion, so we’re just thrilled to have her with us on this night.” Her comments come after the Metropolitan Museum of Art revealed that the Bezoses, along with sponsors like Saint Laurent and Condé Nast, will underwrite next year’s Costume Institute exhibition.
Set for May 4, the gala and spring show will focus on “Costume Art,” examining the significance of the “clothed body” throughout the museum’s collection.
The announcement of the Bezoses as lead sponsors triggered immediate criticism on social media, with many Instagram users commenting that the couple is attempting to “buy” cultural legitimacy.
One user lamented, “This is such an iconic theme and so sad to see it watered down and scrapped by sponsorship choices.” Another declared, “The Metropolitan Museum of Art sold to the highest bidder!!! It’s just so unpleasant.”
Some critics questioned the couple’s fashion credentials for such high-profile sponsorships. However, it’s worth noting that tech companies sponsoring costume-related events isn’t a new phenomenon. Amazon funded the event back in 2012, and other companies like TikTok, Instagram, and Apple have also provided backing in years past.
In recent months, the Bezos couple has been actively engaging with the fashion scene, attending Paris Fashion Week and mingling with celebrities at luxury events. Although they missed the 2025 Met Gala to prepare for their wedding in June, they did make their red carpet appearance together in 2024. Sanchez recently graced the digital cover of Vogue in a white lace wedding dress by Dolce & Gabbana.
