Richie Akiva’s Annual Met Gala "The After" Party Returned with a Heightened Sense of Grandeur

Casa Cipriani became a temple of after-dark elegance for Richie Akiva’s annual post-Met Gala party, aptly named “The After.” Madonna, Hailey Bieber, Dua Lipa, Venus and Serena Williams, and Jenna Ortega arrived clad in “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” couture, joining hosts Tyla, Doja Cat, Coleman Domingo, and Edward Enninful. DJs Pedro and Kitty Cash lit up the dance floor as Cardi B, Marcelo Hernandez, and Heidi Klum twirled under dim chandeliers. Build-your-own margarita bars and specialty pours were offered from 1800 Tequila, while a Raising Cane’s gastro lounge dished out hot chicken fingers, sweet tea, and mocktails to an A-list crowd including Colin Kaepernick, Stormzy, and Ty Dolla $ign. On the terrace, a Cane’s food truck kept the energy pulsing well past midnight, while designers like LaQuan Smith, Carlos Nazario, and Brick Owens held court in the speakeasy. As Kaytranada closed out the set, Akiva took the mic and the crowd danced into the sunrise.