The Met Gala, often dubbed “fashion’s biggest night out,” showcases the most extravagant and innovative outfits in the industry. Each year, celebrities and designers interpret the theme in remarkable ways, leading to iconic moments that leave a lasting impression. Here, we explore ten of the best Met Gala looks of all time, each representing a unique intersection of art, fashion, and culture.
| Year | Celebrity | Designer | Look Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Rihanna | Guo Pei | Yellow cape with a dramatic train |
| 2016 | Beyoncé | Givenchy | Sheer gown adorned with crystals |
| 2017 | Lady Gaga | Brandon Maxwell | Four outfit changes showcasing versatility |
| 2018 | Katy Perry | Versace | Angel wings and a striking red dress |
| 2019 | Zendaya | Tommy Hilfiger | Cinderella-inspired light-up gown |
| 2021 | Billie Eilish | Oscar de la Renta | Classic ball gown with corset detailing |
| 2022 | Blake Lively | Versace | Transformative gown inspired by New York City |
| 2014 | Sarah Jessica Parker | Oscar de la Renta | Black and white ensemble with a dramatic headpiece |
| 2013 | Kate Upton | Michael Kors | Elegant gold gown with intricate detailing |
| 2009 | Anne Hathaway | Marchesa | Romantic off-the-shoulder gown with floral accents |
Rihanna – 2015
Rihanna’s 2015 Met Gala look is perhaps one of the most talked-about outfits in Met Gala history. The stunning yellow gown designed by Guo Pei featured an enormous fur-lined train that cascaded behind her, making her the center of attention. The gown was a nod to Chinese culture, aligning perfectly with the event’s theme, “China: Through the Looking Glass.” Rihanna’s bold choice and unapologetic confidence in wearing such a monumental piece solidified her status as a fashion icon.
Beyoncé – 2016
Beyoncé turned heads in a breathtaking sheer gown adorned with crystals, designed by Givenchy. The 2016 Met Gala celebrated the theme “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology,” and Beyoncé’s outfit showcased an exquisite blend of craftsmanship and modernity. The gown clung to her figure and was an embodiment of beauty and strength, enhancing her status as a queen of the red carpet.
Lady Gaga – 2017
Lady Gaga’s 2017 Met Gala appearance was nothing short of a spectacle. She stunned the audience with four distinct outfit changes throughout the night, each more fabulous than the last. Designed by Brandon Maxwell, the looks ranged from a dramatic black gown to a striking silver ensemble. This performance art approach to fashion showcased Gaga’s versatility and commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional red carpet attire.
Katy Perry – 2018
Katy Perry made a statement at the 2018 Met Gala with her angelic ensemble designed by Versace. The singer donned a striking red dress complete with large, feathered angel wings that symbolized both celestial beauty and empowerment. The outfit captured the evening’s theme, “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” perfectly, blending high fashion with religious motifs.
Zendaya – 2019
Zendaya’s Cinderella-inspired look at the 2019 Met Gala was a show-stopper. The light-up gown designed by Tommy Hilfiger transformed her into a modern fairy tale princess. As she walked the red carpet, her dress illuminated, captivating everyone in attendance. This enchanting moment resonated with the theme “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” showcasing how fashion can evoke storytelling and fantasy.
Billie Eilish – 2021
Billie Eilish made a bold statement in a classic ball gown designed by Oscar de la Renta at the 2021 Met Gala. The gown featured a corset that highlighted her figure while maintaining a vintage aesthetic. Eilish’s look was a powerful representation of femininity and rebellion, aligning with the theme “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” Her choice to wear an elegant gown while still embracing her unique style was a pivotal moment in her fashion evolution.
Blake Lively – 2022
Blake Lively’s transformative gown designed by Versace at the 2022 Met Gala was a tribute to New York City. The dress transitioned from a stunning copper color to a vibrant turquoise, reflecting the city’s dynamic nature. Accompanied by her husband, Ryan Reynolds, Lively’s look was not just a fashion statement but a celebration of her love for the city, aligning with the evening’s theme, “In America: An Anthology of Fashion.”
Sarah Jessica Parker – 2014
Sarah Jessica Parker’s iconic 2014 look was a masterclass in fashion history. Her black and white ensemble, designed by Oscar de la Renta, featured a dramatic headpiece that paid homage to the late designer. The outfit celebrated the theme “Charles James: Beyond Fashion,” and Parker’s ability to blend classic elegance with contemporary flair made her one of the evening’s standout stars.
Kate Upton – 2013
Kate Upton dazzled in a stunning gold gown designed by Michael Kors at the 2013 Met Gala. The elegant dress featured intricate detailing that accentuated her figure, perfectly aligning with the theme “PUNK: Chaos to Couture.” Upton’s radiant look exemplified the glamour of the event, making her one of the most memorable attendees of the night.
Anne Hathaway – 2009
Anne Hathaway’s romantic off-the-shoulder gown designed by Marchesa at the 2009 Met Gala remains etched in fashion history. The gown, adorned with floral accents, captured the essence of the evening’s theme, “The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion.” Hathaway’s ethereal presence and stunning choice of attire showcased her elegance and commitment to high fashion.
FAQ
What is the Met Gala?
The Met Gala, formally known as the Costume Institute Gala, is an annual fundraising gala for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City. The event marks the grand opening of the Costume Institute’s annual fashion exhibit and serves as a major social event in the fashion industry.
How are the themes for the Met Gala chosen?
The themes for the Met Gala are typically chosen by the Costume Institute curator and reflect the focus of the annual fashion exhibit. Each theme often explores a specific topic or era in fashion history, encouraging attendees to interpret it through their attire.
Who organizes the Met Gala?
The Met Gala is organized by the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, and it is co-chaired each year by a select group of influential figures from the fashion industry, entertainment, and the arts. The event is known for its star-studded guest list, often including A-list celebrities, designers, and fashion icons.
Can anyone attend the Met Gala?
Attendance at the Met Gala is by invitation only. Guests are typically invited by the event’s co-chairs and must have a close association with the fashion industry, whether as designers, models, or influential figures in entertainment and the arts.
What are some of the most memorable Met Gala moments?
Some memorable moments include Rihanna’s 2015 yellow gown, Lady Gaga’s multiple outfit changes in 2017, and Blake Lively’s transformative gown in 2022. Each of these looks not only made headlines but also sparked conversations about fashion and cultural themes.
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