'The First Monday in May' documentary gives inside look at Met Ball

UPPER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) -- The Metropolitan Museum of Art is closed to the public only a few days each year and Monday is one of those days. Monday marks "The First Monday in May," the date of the annual charity ball to raise money for the Met's 'Costume' Institute.

The Met Ball has been called the "Super Bowl of Fashion" and includes a red carpet like no other and now, "The First Monday in May" is also the title of a new documentary about last year's charity event.

The documentary is directed by Andrew Rossi and cuts between preparations for an exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and planning for its biggest event.

"I didn't want the film to be a 'puff piece' about a party or simply about the mechanics of people coming together and having a good time," said Rossi. "Instead, the film really looks at the marriage of art and commerce."

Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who reportedly inspired Meryl Streep's character in "The Devil Wears Prada," plays a huge role in the Met Ball each year and in "The First Monday in May." Wintour is the ultimate arbiter of who's in and who's out at a Met Ball; she has made the party of the year.

"You have Hollywood stars. You have fashion designers. You have politicians and you have leaders of finance and I think it's the mix that's fascinating to watch," said Rossi.

To get into the museum on "The First Monday in May," you have to be somebody but the film makes a larger point that "genius speaks to everybody."

Only about one percent of the richest one percent will ever get to go to the Met Ball but thanks to "The First Monday in May," you can get a feel for the charity ball without ever leaving your living room.

The documentary is available at home via video on demand starting Monday.