The Met Gala, an annual extravaganza of fashion and celebrity, has long been a spectacle of glitz and glamour. But behind the scenes, a less glamorous challenge looms for attendees: navigating the logistics of using the restroom while donning their most elaborate ensembles. This year, as the red carpet rolled out at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the question on everyone's mind was: how do A-listers manage to relieve themselves when their outfits are as intricate as their schedules?
Heidi Klum, who transformed into a living sculpture in a custom look by Mike Marino, offered a glimpse into this hidden world. Her TikTok video, captioned 'Thinking about the fact that statues don’t get bathroom breaks', highlighted the absurdity of the situation. While it's easy to imagine Klum's statue-like ensemble as a metaphor for the challenges faced by Met Gala attendees, the reality is far more complex.
The logistics of using the restroom while dressed in a gown or suit are a delicate matter. Miranda Almond, a stylist to Olivia Colman, revealed that it often involves no drinking, assistance with disrobing and re-robing, and a lot of self-control. Brian Daniel, founder of the Celebrity PA Network, added that some stars have their own assistants on-site to help with these tasks.
The solution? Discreet zippers, hidden trap doors, and a lot of planning. Mickey Freeman, a stylist who previously dressed Tony Award-winning producer Cody Renard Richard for the 2025 Met Gala, praised designers and tailors for their ingenuity in these situations.
But the question remains: how do celebrities manage to hold it in for hours on end? Katy Perry, who wore a crimson custom Maison Martin Margiela gown to the 2017 event, offered a hint. Her solution? 'GoGirls', little contraptions that allow you to urinate standing up. Kim Kardashian, who wore a custom latex beaded Thierry Mugler dress at the 2019 event, revealed a more unconventional approach: 'if it’s an emergency, I think I pee my pants and then have my sister wipe my leg up'.
The Met Gala, with its theme of 'Fashion Is Art', is a celebration of the indivisible connection between clothing and the body. But for attendees, it's also a test of endurance and ingenuity. As the red carpet rolls out each year, the question of how to use the restroom in an extravagant look remains a critical one, a testament to the challenges faced by those who dare to push the boundaries of fashion and style.
