Former Vice President Kamala Harris graced the Met Gala in New York City on Monday evening amidst whispers of a possible political return.
For the event, she donned a striking custom black and white silk gown with a long scarf, dramatic sleeves, and a pleated skirt designed by Ib Kamara of Off-White.
At 60, Harris’ first appearance at the gala was captured in a portrait for Vogue, taken by former White House photographer Cameron Smith.
On the red carpet, she was accompanied by her husband, Doug Emov, who sported a tuxedo by Brunello Cucinelli.
There had been much speculation about her attendance, particularly since this annual event attracts many of the rich and famous, serving as a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. This curiosity intensified after Harris and Emov were spotted leaving the Polo Bar the night before.
The security detail for Harris included taxpayer-funded Secret Service, NYPD officers, and several SUVs as they mingled and posed for pictures.
Access to the gala remains notoriously exclusive, overseen by Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour.
Wintour has contributed over $287,000 to Democratic candidates and causes since 2004, according to Federal Election Commission records.
This year’s ticket to the gala was reportedly $75,000, a notable jump from $50,000 the previous year.
Harris’ presence was interpreted by many as an indication that she may be contemplating a run for California governor in 2026, as well as the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028.
Polling indicates that she remains a leading figure, though opinions are divided regarding her potential candidacy for governor. An Emerson College poll last month revealed that about 50% of respondents believe she should not enter the race.
Harris mentioned that she would decide her course of action by the end of summer, though some reports suggest she remains committed to the political arena.
Recently, she came out of a lower profile to criticize former President Trump’s handling of various issues, marking her most significant public remarks since her 2024 election loss.
At the gala, Harris made her debut at this high-profile event, having been in the spotlight previously—but with her stepdaughter, Ella Emov, making a Met Gala appearance in 2021, in a standout jeweled bodysuit.
