The founder of the footwear brand Le Monde Béryl hosted a 100-plus-person gathering at her artist sister’s home in Harlem.

Forget Cannes. Forget Davos. If you want to see how modern brands win hearts, headlines, and hashtags, look at the Met Gala.

What to wear to a gala is an ever-evolving question—as is the quest to find the perfect gala gown.