As Met Gala draws criticism, Brooklyn’s 2026 People’s Ball celebrates inclusivity

Criticism has also centered on the staggering $100,000 ticket price, which some argue is tone-deaf given the current economic climate. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and First Lady Rama Duwaji are also breaking with a long-standing tradition of mayoral attendance at the event, opting to skip it.

TV and radio personality Bevy Smith and actor Ariel Polanco hosted the event, which featured live performances by Tony Award winner and three-time Grammy nominee Melba Moore, along with DJ sets by DJ Fritzo.

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the People’s Ball celebrated the enduring legacy of American fashion.

Honorees included Bethann Hardison, the first high-profile Black fashion model and activist; June Ambrose, an award-winning creative director, costume designer, stylist and entrepreneur; and Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo), an internationally recognized Native American fashion and textile designer known for blending Indigenous artistry with contemporary culture.

Co-curator Souleo, who introduced this year’s honorees, noted, “There is no America without the cultural contributions of women, the native and the black communities.”

Before the doors opened, fashionistas strutted their designs on the Brooklyn Library’s plaza.

Park Slope resident Corrie M.’s dress was inspired by the monsters of “The Last of Us,” a post-apocalyptic drama series based on a video game franchise. She designed a cosplay ballroom gown, complete with a headdress and a moss scarf.

The People’s Ball, she said, gave regular people a chance to show their creative side and “strut their stuff,” adding that the Met Gala paled in comparison.

“I think it’s gonna be so boring, and I think [the People’s Ball] is going to outshine it,” Corrie said.

Amaryllis Greene wore a white gown accented with bright red feather borders, red gloves and red high-heeled pumps, titled “Scarlet Authority.”

“The heavy theme of the color of the dress is red. I made it so I could feel powerful,” Greene told Brooklyn Paper, noting it was the first time she had sewn an outfit. “I love making sure people can feel like they have authority, like a person of authority, because, depending on how you look, people will make assumptions very quickly, just based on how you’re dressed. So I really feel like an authority figure in this dress.”

Greene said she loved the concept of the People’s Ball because it gives the event back to the community.

“There are a lot of beautiful, beautiful people out here, and they can really make some fire outfits,” she said.

East Flatbush resident Jackie Williams waited in line alongside her friends Eunice Jemmott and Dolores Herbert — the trio calls themselves the “Chocolate Cuties.” Williams told Brooklyn Paper she attended the event for the first time last year but didn’t fully understand it until her friend decided to walk the runway at the last minute.

“I said, ‘You know what? I’m going to do it this time. I’m an 84-year-old fun-loving, adventurous lady, and one of the Chocolate Cuties, so I’m gonna walk along,’” Williams shared, proudly wearing a dress that was a Christmas gift from her daughter.

“This outfit is very special to me. And I want to walk the walk. So I like to be kind of dazzling if I can. So I thought this would be the most fitting for [the event],” Williams said.

Mother-daughter duo Astrid and Amara said they were looking forward to a fun night out.

Nine-year-old Astrid, wearing a headpiece adorned with flowers and butterflies paired with a butterfly top, told Brooklyn Paper the ball was “fun, cool, and very fashionable.”

Her mother added that the ball supports the community, unlike the invitation-only Met Gala.

“This is for the community. Let people come in as they are, or whatever inspires them to come and dress up and represent who they are,” Astrid said. “And it’s a good way for people to have fun. You know, sometimes you just need a night out and just to have fun.”