By Chloe Barth
You’re exhausted. You’ve just spent hours in glam, getting your photograph taken, and dining and chatting at the most star-studded event of the year: the Met Gala. But the night’s not over yet. Instead, you get to close out the night at one of the illusive Met Gala after parties. And not only that, but you have a multitude of parties to choose from. As celebrities scatter across the boroughs of New York, you have to make a choice: Which party will you attend?
The safest choice would be to go to the Boom Boom Room. The Boom Boom Room sits at the top floor of The Standard hotel. With a picturesque view of the High Line, the room is exclusively available for private events. The Boom Boom Room hosts the unofficial Met Gala after party. This year marks its 11th consecutive year hosting an after party, this time by Kacey Musgraves. The party even gives a special shout out to the Kardashian-Jenner clan by serving Kendall Jenner’s new 818 tequila. If you choose to go to the Boom Boom Room, you’ll find yourself hanging out at what may be described as the tamest party of the night.
Of course, all your plans may come to a halt when Rihanna posts on her Instagram story, “if you planning a MET Ball after party…..don’t.” And it seems her warning is needed. You can find her at DAVIDE, that is, if you stay long enough. It isn’t enough for Rihanna to show up to the Met Gala fashionably late; she has to make an entrance at her own party too at the mere hour of 2:30am. But if you come “early,” you’ll run into guests such as Chance the Rapper, Lil Nas X and Megan Thee Stallion. You’ll also notice her incredible cocktail selection- made with Jay Z’s Ace of Spades champagne, of course. After missing the 2019 Met Gala, the billionaire makes up for her absence with this wild after party. The grandest and the most anticipated party of the night draws in celebs from all walks of life. Even Real Housewives star Kathy Hilton stops by for a pic with Rihanna, as party hoppers make sure to make a stop by and see what the Fenty Beauty creator has to offer.
But you’ll find the most A-List celebrities at Cathedrale in the East Village. Guests include the likes of Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Machine Gun Kelly, and Megan Fox. The event is officially co-hosted by Balenciaga, Justin Bieber, and Drew House. If you stay long enough, you’ll even get to hear the host shout out his wife, Hailey Bieber, during a performance that falls on their third wedding anniversary. Talk about a romantic gesture.
If you’re feeling bold, you can turn up with LaQuan Smith, who is hosting by far the most unusual after party of the night. His is the only party to take place outdoors, reigning in vendors and celebrities to celebrate under the Kosciuszko Bridge. There is little room for disappointment: Smith plans his event for your enjoyment from start to finish. After checking in, you’ll be chauffeured to the bridge via golf cart. You’ll find cupcake stations, a vegan burger food truck, and THC-infused shrimp cocktails. Midway through the night, A$AP Ferg and City girls take the stage donning matching catsuits. On your way out, you can stop by the Moët & Chandon station for some champagne and grab a free pair of sandals at the Teva booth. Planned to the very last detail, this party under the stars may be the most decked-out of the night.
Kerby Jean-Raymond also chooses a unique location for his celebration. The founder of Pyer Moss brings his friends to Junior’s cheesecake in Brooklyn. But the venue is no typical cheesecake shop. Stepping inside, you’ll find that the Junior’s is transformed into a dance floor, complete with all the best party needs- stacks on stacks of speakers, cocktails, and even a performance by Lil’ Kim.
Last but not least comes Alicia Keys’ party. If you come here, you’ll likely bump into Leonardo DiCaprio, Elon Musk, Zoe Kravitz, and Channing Tatum. Her event takes place at Casa Cipriani. If the name wasn’t clue enough, her party gives off an aura of sophistication. The event is sponsored by Cincoro tequila, so guests can sip gracefully while listening to the hostess play the piano in high style.
As the Met Gala comes to a close, you’ll find yourself overwhelmed by the array of choices on how to end your night. But no matter which party you attend, you’re guaranteed to have a fun night. Parties last way into the AM, so get ready to drink, dance and take pictures, and do it all again next year.