As celebrities arrived at the highly anticipated Met Gala on Monday, the accessory of choice wasn’t a daring dress or an oversized headpiece. Instead, the must-have item was a boxy cargo van, specifically the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
According to New York Times author Brett Berk, the Sprinter van has become the preferred mode of transportation for a wide array of celebrities, including actors, singers, athletes, and reality television personalities. It’s now a common sight outside major events such as the Oscars and the Met Gala.
The demand for these vans was so high this year in New York, that the Mark Hotel’s general manager mentioned that Sprinter vans were brought in from other cities such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Miami, to meet the needs of the fashion elite. The Times noted that this trend highlights the emphasis these stars place on roomy interiors, allowing them to enter and exit with ease, even while wearing elaborate designer ensembles. The vans’ high rooflines make it easy to avoid damaging outfits.
Some celebrities are so dedicated to their transportation choice that they’ll even disregard their own safety for the sake of fashion. People magazine reported that actress Sarah Jessica Parker made her arrival ‘standing’ in a Sprinter van. She later explained to the photographers that her dress prevented her from sitting down. Of course, standing in a moving vehicle without a seatbelt is not advised.
This celebrity transportation trend has been around long enough that some young adults have grown up with it. For example, Amelia Gray Hamlin, when speaking about her Met Gala experience, mentioned that as a child, she would watch the arrivals from a friend’s apartment, using binoculars to watch the celebrities exit their vans.
For those interested in purchasing a Sprinter van, the 2024 model is available with two 4-cylinder turbodiesel engines and both rear-wheel (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) options. Prices begin at just under $60,000. An electric eSprinter option is also available, starting at $74,181, including a destination and delivery charge, for those who want to be more environmentally friendly. However, the Times points out that celebrities often use models that have been outfitted by high-end luxury refitters, that can cost between $350,000 and $450,000.
