HAVE QUESTIONS?
Reach out to our team
by email theformulagala@gmail.com
Please Allow 48-72 Hours
for a response.
)%20-%2013.png)
This experience is intentionally curated.
Please be in the mindset of respect, curiosity, and the love for the black community.
)_png_PNG.png)
Meet The Curator
Visionary.
Creative Force.
Cultural Architect.
Crystal Bailey, the blueprint behind some of today’s most transformative experiences, brings you The Formula Gala — a bold, immersive declaration of Black brilliance. What she created in the past was just a stepping stone to what the future holds and for what she wants her community world wide to explore. With over 15 years producing groundbreaking events across culture, fashion, and legacy, Crystal invites you into a space designed to awaken your senses, amplify our stories, and reclaim the narrative; beautifully.
).png)
NOVEMBER 15TH | 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PA | LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED
)%202.png)
)%20-%2012.png)
WE ARE THE BLUEPRINT.
WE ARE THE FORMULA.
The Formula Gala is an immersive experience inspired by The Met Gala aesthetically that narrates the Impossible Conversation around Black Culture shaping society.
The Formula Gala is a Black Tie affair celebrating Black culture as the formula for legacy, style & presence using all 5 sense to experience: art, fashion, food, entertainment, community and a unmatched vibe; only we could create for one night.
WHY
my
THE NARRATIVE
This event is the translation. This event represents the formula. Black culture is the equation the world copies but never fully understands.
Formula Black: Impossible Conversations is a dual-room immersive experience where the raw meets the regal, the street meets the stitched, and the culture meets its reflection. Guests don’t just attend—they decode.
It’s not about proving anything.
It’s about presenting everything.
THEME
The Formula – The Incomplete Conversation
An editorial teaser reclaiming Black culture’s place as the origin of fashion, art, influence, and storytelling — wrapped in elegance, symbolism, and presence. Inspired by the 2012 Met Gala theme “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations” — but re-centered through the lens of truth.
Dress Code: Black Tie, Elevated
Inspired by the spirit of the Met Gala’s “Impossible Conversations” and reimagined through the lens of Black culture, The Formula Gala is a formal black-tie affair — not a cocktail hour, and certainly not your average night out.
Gowns are expected. Statements are welcome.
This is a celebration of style, legacy, and elevation. We ask all guests to arrive in full-length evening wear. Cocktail dresses will not be permitted.
For men:
Tuxedos, tailored suits, or formal attire is required. While we honor Black cultural expression — including fashion-forward footwear — sneakers must be upscale, clean, and in alignment with the elevated tone of the evening. This is not a streetwear moment. It’s a statement of refined culture.
Not permitted:
• Full-sheer or overly revealing attire
• Casualwear of any kind
• Denim or streetwear
• Basic sneakers or athletic shoes
This isn’t just about fashion. It's about us showing up like the BLUEPRINT. This is the formula. Dress accordingly.
The Experience: The Event is a 2 Part Experience.
The Formula Gala is an immersive evening that redefines Black excellence through fashion, art, and sensory storytelling.
The night begins with a guided dinner experience using your personalized Formula Card, engaging all five senses—sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. From curated visuals to rich flavors and live soundscapes, dinner becomes a journey, not just a meal. Dinner is presented Family Style to embody the traditions of classic Sunday dinners at grandma's house. We will be taking soul food and cultural traditions and adding a elevated twist.
As the evening unfolds, the space transitions into a lively cocktail hour featuring open bars, interactive signature drinks, photo installations, and live performances. You’ll move through curated moments designed to spark conversation, connection, and celebration.
Inspired by the Met Gala, surprise fashion moments and elevated style experiences will unfold throughout the night.
We close with a luxury-style afterparty—allowing each attendee to let their hair down but remain classy. Where the music is lit, the room is brilliant, and the energy is unmatched. It’s a celebration with class, grace, and cultural pride.
Doors open at 7:00 PM | Experience ends at 12:00 AM
A Night of the Senses
Prepare to experience dinner like never before.
Upon arrival, you’ll receive your personalized Formula Card—a guide through a fully immersive, multi-sensory journey. You’ll select your entry point: sight, sound, taste, touch, or scent. From there, your card will lead you step-by-step through each moment of the evening.
Every course, every activation, every space is designed to awaken your senses. From aromatic elements and flavor profiles to textured moments and melodic soundscapes, you won’t just attend the dinner—you’ll feel it.
As you transition from dinner to cocktail hour, your senses will continue to unlock layers of the experience—each interaction building upon the last.
It’s unexpected. It’s unforgettable.
This isn’t just a meal.
It’s a formula for how Black brilliance is felt.
Ticket Purchasing Details
After registration ends, approved members will gain access to purchase tickets during one of two exclusive sales dates—one in mid-August and one in September. Only those who have completed the registration process and been officially accepted will be eligible to attend. Each guest must register and be approved individually; plus ones are not permitted without approved access. For duo or table purchases, every seat must belong to a registered and approved guest.
What's Included
Each ticket includes a multi-course family-style dinner (appetizers, entrée selections, sides, and dessert), access to immersive sensory-driven activations, curated entertainment, live performances, photo installations, and multiple signature open bar experiences—including champagne entry and non-alcoholic options. Guests will also receive a few surprise takeaways upon departure.
Exact ticket pricing and release dates will be shared privately with approved members.
Day Two: The Formula Black Market
The celebration continues with The Formula Black Market—an all-day, highly curated shopping experience spotlighting innovative Black-owned brands across fashion, beauty, wellness, home, food and culture from all over the US.
This is more than a market—it’s a movement. Expect not only premium products, but also on-the-spot services, live consultations, and hands-on demos from trailblazing entrepreneurs and creative professionals. Come discover, support, and invest in the visionaries shaping the future of our economy and style.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the dress code?
This is a formal black-tie affair. Gowns and elevated eveningwear are required. Cocktail attire, sheer full-body looks, and casualwear — including sneakers — are not permitted. Gentle exceptions may be made for culturally intentional footwear within reason. The standard is elegance, culture, and class.
2. Do I have to be a Philadelphia resident to attend?
Not at all. This is a global cultural experience. Approved members from across the world are welcome to attend.
3. What is the minimum age requirement?
You must be 25 years of age or older to attend.
4. Can I bring a plus one?
Yes, but every individual must apply, be approved, and purchase their own ticket. You may attend as a single guest, a duo, or part of a full table. If your plus one is not approved, your purchase will be refunded accordingly.
5. Can I transfer or sell my ticket?
All tickets are non-refundable. However, transfers are permitted only if the person receiving the ticket is approved. There will be a cutoff date for acceptable transfers. Name and ID will be verified at check-in. No exceptions.
6. How will I receive event updates and check-in instructions?
All approved members will receive detailed instructions via email, including arrival time, check-in details, parking or transportation info, and what to expect.
7. When will the location be released?
To maintain the integrity and energy of this experience, location details will be released privately to approved members 48 hours prior to the event, along with arrival instructions and access information.
8. Are phones allowed at the event?
Yes, but we encourage being present and immersing yourself fully in the experience. Specific photo moments and content areas will be designated. A media notice will be sent with full guidelines.
9. What are the expectations for behavior and social presence?
All attendees must align with the spirit and standard of The Formula. Any excessive or disruptive behavior in person or reflected on social media (including violence, explicit language, or overt sexual content) may result in denied access, removal from the event, and revoked membership — with no refund.
10. Do I have to participate in the immersive experience?
Yes. Your Formula Card will guide your journey through the senses. Every approved guest is a part of the story being told — through taste, sight, sound, smell, and touch.
11. What if I have dietary restrictions?
Approved members will be able to submit dietary restrictions at the time of ticket purchase. While we cannot guarantee all accommodations, our team will do its best to honor your needs.
12. How will I use my senses at the event?
Upon arrival, you’ll receive a Formula Card that maps your personal journey through the immersive dinner, cocktail hour, and celebratory afterparty. Every moment is designed to activate your senses — from curated scents to custom tastes, immersive visuals, textured installations, and more.