Met Gala

Approximately 20 Delegates - Single Delegate

Welcome to the Met Gala! The Met Gala, held each spring at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is the world’s most anticipated fashion event, uniting designers, celebrities, and cultural icons. Known for iconic moments like Cher’s 1974 Bob Mackie gown and Rihanna’s 2015 Guo Pei ensemble, it serves as a stage where fashion and fame intersect to shape popular culture. This year’s theme, “Legends & Legacies,” challenges attendees to honor and reinterpret the figures and movements that have defined culture while reflecting on their own place in history. Every decision delegates make, from outfits to media portrayal, becomes a battle over narrative, influence, and visibility. Ultimately, delegates must navigate questions of authorship, authenticity, and appropriation to decide what legacy they will leave behind.

 

Dear Delegates,

I am excited to welcome you to the Met Gala Crisis Committee of ILMUNC! My name is Dado Aw, and as one of your chairs, I look forward to guiding you through engaging and impactful discussions that explore various aspects of international peace and security.

Often referred to as the “Oscars of Fashion,” the Met Gala stands as one of the most influential cultural events in the world, where art, celebrity, and haute couture intersect. Yet beneath the glamour, the Met Gala functions as a stage where reputations are made or destroyed, alliances are tested, and crises can unfold in real time. This committee will challenge delegates to navigate the chaos behind the velvet ropes—whether that means responding to scandal, managing media narratives, or leveraging influence to advance their agendas. In this space, diplomacy is measured not by treaties, but by headlines, partnerships, and public perception. I look forward to seeing how you balance spectacle with strategy to steer the course of the night.

A little bit about me, I am a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences studying Sociology and minoring in Legal Studies & History at Wharton. I’m from New Jersey and attended Red Bank Catholic High School, where I participated in my high school’s Model UN club. This will be my second conference that I have helped to plan with ILMUNC, and I hope that you all have an enriching and valuable experience! Outside of ILMUNC, I am a math tutor through Penn’s Weingarten Center, Assistant Chief of Alumni Relations for Intercol (Penn’s Model UN team), a member of Penn’s Black Pre-Law Association, and also associated with Greek Life.

Nico, Ria, and I are all looking forward to working with you in the Met Gala committee. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions regarding the committee.

Best,

Dado Aw

Chair, Met Gala Crisis Committee

dadoaw@sas.upenn.edu

 

Dear Delegates,

Welcome to the Met Gala Crisis Committee at ILMUNC! My name is Nicolas Wellington, and I’ll be serving as your chair. I’m excited for the chance to watch you take on one of the most creative and unpredictable crisis simulations this conference has to offer.

The Met Gala is more than a night of high fashion; it’s a battleground of influence, image, and intrigue. In this committee, you’ll need to think quickly, craft bold strategies, and navigate the shifting alliances that unfold behind the scenes. Every decision will shape the headlines and determine who leaves the gala in glory or scandal.

I’m a senior at the University of Pennsylvania studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. I grew up in Washington, DC, and first discovered my love of Model UN back in high school. Last year I staffed ILMUNC, and it was such a rewarding experience that I knew I wanted to return as a chair. Outside of MUN, I keep busy with research, tennis, and exploring Philly.

Dado, Ria, and I can’t wait to see the energy and originality you’ll bring to this committee. Please feel free to reach out with any questions as you prepare for the weekend.

Best,

Nicolas Wellington

Chair, Met Gala Crisis Committee

 

Dear Delegates,

Welcome to the Met Gala Crisis Committee of ILMUNC! My name is Ria Sood, and as the crisis director, I’m looking forward to leading you through exciting situations as you navigate the world of the Gala.

The Met Gala is more than just a fundraiser. It holds a place in the spotlight, and as one of the most influential cultural events in the world, it has the power to make or break someone's career. This committee will challenge you to think outside the box, doing anything you can to ensure that you come out on top. You’ll delve deep into everything that goes on behind the scenes at the gala, and ultimately, the decisions you make will define how the event unfolds. I look forward to seeing how you balance your personal goals with those of the committee, and I can’t wait to see the gala in action.

A little bit about me, I am a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences studying economics and minoring in urban studies. I’m from Maryland, just outside Baltimore, and went to McDonogh, where I participated in my high school’s debate and mock trial clubs. Last year, I co-chaired the OOSA committee, and I’m excited to be a part of ILMUNC again this year! Outside of ILMUNC, I am Assistant Chief of Staff for Intercol (Penn’s Model UN team), a calculus tutor through Penn’s Weingarten Center, and I help to tutor students in West Philly schools.

Dado, Nico, and I are looking forward to working with you in the Met Gala committee. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions regarding the committee.

Ria Sood

Crisis Director, Met Gala

riasood@sas.upenn.edu