Chase Sui Wonders sarcastically refers to her initial Met Gala experience as "effortless"—check out all that happened…

      The Met Gala exists in two vastly different timelines simultaneously: the flawlessly curated final appearances that grace the carpet and the contrasting chaos that takes place in hotel suites in the 24 hours leading up to the event. For actress Chase Sui Wonders from The Studio, the pre-event chaos involved late-night movie marathons, hopping between five different beauty treatments, and a playlist that encompasses every genre and decade of music in just half an hour. This year was significant for her as it marked both her first Met Gala and her debut as a member of the host committee—a journey she described as a "fever dream" in the best sense.

      While numerous celebrities try to portray their day as starting in perfect, Pinterest-worthy bliss, Sui Wonders offered a refreshingly honest account, revealing that her day didn’t kick off with meditation or green juice. Instead, it started somewhere between fiction and adrenaline. "I watched Total Recall and Die Hard back-to-back until 3 a.m., so technically, it began with John McClane saying 'Yippee ki-yay, motherfucker!'" she revealed. If that tone seems slightly off-kilter, it’s because the entire day is indeed chaotic, yet from that chaos emerged a look deeply rooted in romance.

      This year's theme, Fashion Is Art, allowed for extensive interpretation, but Sui Wonders had a surprisingly specific inspiration. "I thought about my favorite pieces of art I've seen in the past year and immediately remembered the wall murals I fell in love with when I visited Pompeii a couple of weeks ago,” she shared with Who What Wear. "They’re almost perfectly preserved portraits of daily life in ancient Rome, created with all-natural pigments. They are incredibly romantic, and some date back to 200 BC." The result was a lilac silk georgette and satin gown from McQueen's A/W 26 collection, adorned with an oversized bow and raw edges that gave the ensemble a sense of intentional imperfection. Styled by Thomas Carter Phillips, the gown was complemented by Wolford layers, McQueen's satin sandals, and Jean Schlumberger Tiffany & Co. jewelry that elegantly climbed up the ear. The overall effect was a blend of ethereal and grounded beauty. "The raw edges of the dress made it feel complete yet undone. Plus, I didn't have time for a manicure! Sue me!" she quipped.

      For Sui Wonders, the choice of McQueen was instinctual, particularly under the direction of Seán McGirr. "I’ve always been a fan of McQueen, and Seán McGirr has infused the brand with brilliant freshness," she noted. "My jaw dropped when I saw his latest collection. The Jean Schlumberger Tiffany & Co. jewels that climb up the ear elevate it all to another level."

      Ultimately, the look was more romantic compared to Sui Wonders's previous red carpet appearances, a shift she embraced fully. "It's more feminine. I'm a bit of a tomboy, but there’s a little lady in me, and she was on display tonight," she acknowledged. If there’s a myth regarding Met Gala preparation that needs debunking, it’s that it unfolds in a graceful and effortless manner. The truth is, it’s chaotic.

      "I did five separate beauty treatments today. Life is effortless. ✨" Her glam squad—which included makeup artist Shayna Goldberg and hairstylist Blake Erik—brought everything together, using Ilia makeup and Milk_Shake hair products for a soft, romantic conclusion. While one might expect green juice and elaborate snacks leading up to the carpet, Sui Wonders kept it simple. When asked about her go-to meal for the day of the event, she candidly replied, "Air, deep breathing, maybe a cube of ice, or perhaps a mint for a treat. Just being real here." Like any notable getting-ready session, the playlist set the vibe: eclectic, nostalgic, and slightly chaotic. "Madonna, Addison, Daft Punk, Skatt Bros, Air, Peter Ivers. The classics," she recommended.

      With her role on the host committee and her inaugural walk up the Met steps, the night held special significance, and once it concluded, the processing began almost immediately: "[It was] such an honor! It was my first Met, and I was on the host committee?! Getting to gossip with Chloe Malle and Chioma Nnadi right after the event was a dream. It was a perfect way to process the fever dream. (Also, see photos for when I received the news.)"

      As for what she would remember the most? That part, it seems, stays off the record. "Nothing I can put in writing ;)))))))))," she said. However, she did share the feeling that lingered long after everything wrapped up—the sentiment that doesn’t appear in photos. "Feeling like life is beautiful 🔮 and it 🔮takes 🔮 a 🔮v