Exclusive 1st look inside Vogue's May issue and new Met Gala details

Vogue featured models Karl Lagerfeld loved to work with ahead of the Met Gala.

April 11, 2023, 8:18 AM

Vogue has revealed its May cover story celebrating 10 models Karl Lagerfeld loved to work with in anticipation of this year's Met Gala, which will honor the life of the iconic designer.

Cover of Vogue Magazine, May 2023.
Vogue

The outlet, which helps organize the annual fete, shared an exclusive first look inside its May issue that accompanies the exhibit's debut.

Vogue gathered models, including big names like Naomi Campbell, Amber Valletta, Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner, who shared a history with the late German designer to speak on their relationship with Lagerfeld and his work.

Each model is featured wearing new creations from 10 different designers who were inspired by Lagerfeld's vision.

Adut Akech pictured in Vogue 2023 May issue.
Vogue/Annie Leibovitz

Fans of the longtime Chanel creative director may notice that the models, shot by legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz, are posed at Paris' Grand Palais. The site, which is currently under construction, was home to many of Lagerfeld's history-making fashion shows.

Lagerfeld died at the age of 85 in February 2019. In addition to serving as Chanel's creative director from 1983 until his death, he is well-known for having dressed some of the biggest stars in history.

Naomi Campbell pictured with Karl Lagerfeld’s beloved cat, Choupette in Vogue 2023 May issue.
Vogue/Annie Leibovitz

This year's Met Gala will take place at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1. The museum will reveal its new Costume Institute 2023 exhibition "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty," which features more than 150 objects that span Lagerfeld's six-decade fashion mastery at Chanel, Chloe, Fendi and his own label.

The exhibit will be open to the public starting May 5 through July 16.

Natalia Vodianova, Gigi Hadid, and Naomi Campbell pictured in Paris for the Vogue 2023 May issue.
Vogue/Annie Leibovitz

Famously known as one of the biggest nights in the world of fashion, the 2023 Met Gala dress code is simply "in honor of Karl." Co-chairs of the event include Dua Lipa, Penélope Cruz, Roger Federer and Michaela Coel.

Anna Wintour and Karl Lagerfeld attend the British Fashion Awards 2015 at London Coliseum, Nov. 23, 2015, in London.
Mike Marsland/WireImage via Getty Images

The Met Gala was initially organized and presided over by Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour in 1995. The fundraiser largely functions as the primary source of funding for exhibitions, publications and operations for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute.