The Met Gala, an annual fundraising benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City, is arguably the most anticipated fashion event of the year. More than just a costume party, it’s a spectacle of artistry, a platform for designers, and a celebration of fashion history and its contemporary interpretations. Here’s a look back at 70 of the most memorable and influential Met Gala looks of all time, each one a testament to creativity, innovation, and the enduring power of style.
1. Rihanna
popular girl wore custom Marc Jacobs that stole the show. Her menswear-inspired look featured a cropped wool Spencer jacket, pinstripe skirt with a bustle, and a large Stephen Jones hat. Proving she’s forever worth the wait, Rihanna was decked out in larger-than-life flowers and served us in a voluminous all-white Valentino ensemble with a long train. If this is what glamorous maternity wear looks like, I want in. Bonus points for her menswear-inspired look, complete with a cropped wool Spencer jacket, pinstripe skirt with a bustle, and a large Stephen Jones hat.
2. Teyana Taylor
In her absolutely iconic debut, Teyana Taylor wore a custom burgundy zoot-suit designed by Ruth E. Carter. The look featured a dramatic, structured cape with a matching durag. This bold and unconventional choice immediately set the tone for a memorable night.
3. Doechii
In her absolutely iconic debut, Doechii wore a dandy-inspired custom Louis Vuitton look, designed by Pharrell Williams. The look featured a monogrammed blazer and checkered shorts. This daring and gender-bending ensemble made a powerful statement.
4. Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny wore a custom chocolate-brown mohair Prada suit with a traditional Puerto Rican pava hat to honor his Caribbean roots. This culturally significant look was a powerful display of heritage and fashion.
5. Zendaya
I mean.are we kidding? Iconography, all around. In her first of two (!!) show-stopping looks at the 2024 Met Gala, Zendaya donned a John Galliano for Maison Margiela gown that will live in my head rent-free for years to come. The dramatic silhouette and intricate detailing were simply breathtaking.
6. Tyla
The “Water” hitmaker made her Met debut in a stunningly delicate Balmain sand gown. The ethereal fabric and intricate embellishments created a look that was both elegant and captivating. She paid homage to Karl Lagerfeld at the 2023 Met Gala not only with her jaw-dropping look, but through her lateness. (Apparently, Karl was always tardy, too.)
7. Rihanna and A$AP Rocky
Dressed by Gucci, A$AP Rocky wore a recreation of a look worn by Karl Lagerfeld that included a suit jacket, a plaid skirt, bedazzled jeans, and boots. Surrounded by a fawning entourage, Rihanna first appeared in a fuchsia, hot-air-balloon-like gown by Brandon Maxwell. As she changed, she presented an asymmetrical black gown, and then a hot-pink column dress. Next thing ya know, she was pulling a wagon of champagne, posing and crawling up the stairs.
8. Jenna Ortega
Wednesday -core but make it couture! Jenna Ortega gave us a goth glam look in Thom Browne. The structured silhouette and dark color palette perfectly captured the essence of her iconic character.
9. Doja Cat
BIG pur. Of course, Doja Cat would go feline and have a look inspired by Karl’s cat: Choupette. Talk about committed! She sported a custom Oscar de la Renta gown with a dramatic, cat-like silhouette, complete with pointed ears and a sleek tail.
10. Kim Kardashian
It’s not just giving Marilyn Monroe—this is actually Marilyn Monroe’s original Jean Louis gown (worn to sing “Happy Birthday” to President JFK), taken out of a museum for Kim’s night out at the Met. This historical piece was a monumental moment in fashion history, sparking both admiration and debate.
11. Lizzo
Lizzo showed out in a hand-embroidered look by Thom Browne. And, of course, her flute. The whimsical and intricately detailed gown was a celebration of artistry and self-expression. This look perfectly embodied Lizzo’s joyful and empowering persona.
12. Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo served iridescent realness at her first Met Gala. The star wore a liquid purple Versace dress, sheer gloves, platform sandals, and butterfly accessories. The whimsical and youthful look was a perfect introduction to the fashion world.
13. Lupita Nyong’o
Here’s Lupita Nyong’o showing us that even denim can be red carpet worthy when it’s a Versace Jeans Couture gown styled by Micaela Erlanger and accessorized with diamonds via De Beers Jewellers. The unexpected choice transformed denim into haute couture.
14. Kendall Jenner
Kendall Jenner showed up in a sheer, beaded masterpiece by Givenchy. The intricate embellishments and delicate fabric created a look that was both ethereal and glamorous. This daring choice showcased her confidence and willingness to take fashion risks.
15. Iman
Iman, the icon, is larger than life in a Dolce & Gabbana x Harris Reid masterpiece. The voluminous silhouette and intricate detailing were a fitting tribute to her legendary status in the fashion world.
16. Lady Gaga
For “Camp: Notes on Fashion” in 2019, Lady Gaga gave the world four entire looks—on the carpet! This bold and theatrical display perfectly embodied the theme of the evening, showcasing her unparalleled commitment to fashion and performance.
17. Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian took the “naked look” to new levels with this custom, waist-cinching gown. The sheer fabric and strategic cutouts were a daring and provocative statement, sparking considerable attention and discussion.
18. Blake Lively
Blake Lively’s Atelier Versace gown, featuring a dramatic train that unfolded with a simple gesture, was a moment of pure theatrical glamour. The unexpected reveal captivated onlookers and solidified her status as a Met Gala icon.
19. Cardi B
Cardi B arrived in a custom Bob Mackie gown that paid homage to Marilyn Monroe’s iconic white dress. The tribute was both respectful and bold, showcasing Cardi B’s appreciation for fashion history.
20. Gigi Hadid
Gigi Hadid stunned in a custom Versace gown with a dramatic, sculptural silhouette. The bold design and vibrant color made a striking impression, showcasing her effortless elegance.
21. Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez opted for a stunning Versace gown with a plunging neckline and sheer panels. The look was a glamorous and confident statement, showcasing her timeless appeal.
22. Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell, a longtime Met Gala attendee, consistently delivers iconic looks. Her choices often highlight historical fashion moments or showcase avant-garde designs, solidifying her status as a fashion legend.
23. Kate Moss
Kate Moss has a long history of memorable Met Gala appearances. Her often edgy and unconventional choices have consistently pushed fashion boundaries and cemented her status as a style icon.
24. Dita Von Teese
Dita Von Teese frequently brings vintage glamour to the Met Gala. Her Old Hollywood-inspired looks are always impeccably styled and perfectly capture the essence of a bygone era.
25. Stella Maxwell
Stella Maxwell has a knack for choosing avant-garde and often unexpected looks for the Met Gala. Her daring choices consistently generate buzz and showcase her fearless approach to fashion.
26. Irina Shayk
Irina Shayk consistently delivers sophisticated and glamorous looks at the Met Gala. Her choices often feature sleek silhouettes and elegant detailing, showcasing her timeless beauty.
27. Chanel Iman
Chanel Iman is known for her chic and sophisticated Met Gala appearances. She often opts for elegant gowns with intricate embellishments, showcasing her refined style.
28. Ashley Graham
Ashley Graham has consistently championed body positivity and inclusivity at the Met Gala, often choosing gowns that celebrate her curves and showcase her confidence.
29. Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Priyanka Chopra Jonas has consistently brought a blend of elegance and glamour to the Met Gala. Her choices often feature sophisticated silhouettes and intricate detailing.
30. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is known for her polished and sophisticated Met Gala looks. She often opts for sleek gowns with understated elegance.
31. Elizabeth Olsen
Elizabeth Olsen has consistently delivered stylish and often vintage-inspired looks at the Met Gala. Her choices often reflect her personal style and appreciation for fashion history.
32. Hailee Steinfeld
Hailee Steinfeld has been making a name for herself at the Met Gala with her bold and fashion-forward choices. She often experiments with unique silhouettes and vibrant colors.
33. Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez has evolved her Met Gala style over the years, often opting for elegant and sophisticated gowns. Her choices reflect her growing confidence and fashion sensibility.
34. Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway has a long history of memorable Met Gala appearances, often choosing classic and elegant gowns. Her choices consistently showcase her timeless beauty.
35. Amanda Seyfried
Amanda Seyfried has consistently delivered sophisticated and glamorous looks at the Met Gala. She often opts for gowns with intricate detailing and flattering silhouettes.
36. Kourtney Kardashian
Kourtney Kardashian has embraced a more fashion-forward approach to the Met Gala in recent years, often choosing edgy and unconventional looks.
37. Shay Mitchell
Shay Mitchell is known for her chic and glamorous Met Gala appearances. She often opts for sleek gowns with bold accessories.
38. Elle Fanning
Elle Fanning has consistently delivered ethereal and whimsical looks at the Met Gala. Her choices often feature delicate fabrics and romantic detailing.
39. Zoë Kravitz
Zoë Kravitz consistently brings a cool and edgy vibe to the Met Gala. Her choices often feature sleek silhouettes and bold accessories.
40. Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart often opts for more understated and unconventional looks at the Met Gala, reflecting her personal style and rebellious spirit.
41. Lily Collins
Lily Collins is known for her elegant and sophisticated Met Gala appearances. She often chooses gowns with intricate detailing and flattering silhouettes.
42. Kate Hudson
Kate Hudson has consistently delivered glamorous and age-appropriate looks at the Met Gala. She often opts for gowns with flowing silhouettes and bold accessories.
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43. Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston has a long history of Met Gala appearances, often choosing classic and elegant gowns that reflect her timeless style.
44. Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts is a Met Gala veteran known for her sophisticated and often glamorous choices. She often opts for gowns with classic silhouettes and impeccable tailoring.
45. Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon consistently delivers chic and polished looks at the Met Gala. She often opts for gowns with flattering silhouettes and understated elegance.
46. Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman has consistently brought a sense of old Hollywood glamour to the Met Gala. Her choices often feature classic silhouettes and impeccable styling.
47. Cate Blanchett
Cate Blanchett is known for her fearless and often avant-garde Met Gala choices. She often collaborates with top designers and pushes fashion boundaries.
48. Julianne Moore
Julianne Moore often opts for elegant and understated looks at the Met Gala, reflecting her refined and sophisticated style.
49. Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman has consistently delivered chic and sophisticated Met Gala looks. She often chooses gowns with clean lines and minimal embellishment.
50. Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock has a long history of memorable Met Gala appearances, often choosing gowns that are both glamorous and age-appropriate.
51. Sharon Stone
Sharon Stone is a Met Gala icon known for her bold and glamorous looks. She often opts for gowns with dramatic silhouettes and bold accessories.
52. Halle Berry
Halle Berry consistently delivers stunning and sophisticated looks at the Met Gala. She often opts for gowns that showcase her confidence and beauty.
53. Michelle Pfeiffer
Michelle Pfeiffer is a Met Gala veteran known for her timeless elegance and impeccable style. She often chooses gowns that reflect her sophisticated aesthetic.
54. Madonna
Madonna is a Met Gala legend known for her provocative and often controversial looks. Her choices have consistently pushed fashion boundaries and sparked conversation.
55. Cher
Cher is another Met Gala icon known for her bold and unforgettable looks. She often opts for extravagant gowns and dramatic accessories.
56. Tina Turner
Tina Turner was a Met Gala favorite known for her powerful and glamorous looks. She often chose gowns that reflected her strong personality and stage presence.
57. Diana Ross
Diana Ross is a Met Gala icon known for her timeless elegance and impeccable style. She often chooses gowns that reflect her regal presence and enduring appeal.
58. Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg has a long history of memorable Met Gala appearances, often choosing gowns that are both glamorous and comfortable.
59. Goldie Hawn
Goldie Hawn is known for her playful and often whimsical Met Gala looks. She often opts for gowns that are fun and reflect her lighthearted personality.
60. Diane Keaton
Diane Keaton is a Met Gala veteran known for her understated elegance and classic style. She often chooses gowns that reflect her timeless aesthetic.
61. Susan Sarandon
Susan Sarandon has consistently delivered chic and sophisticated looks at the Met Gala. She often opts for gowns with clean lines and minimal embellishment.
62. Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep is a Met Gala icon known for her timeless elegance and impeccable style. She often chooses gowns that reflect her sophisticated aesthetic.
63. Helen Mirren
Helen Mirren is a Met Gala favorite known for her regal presence and classic style. She often chooses gowns that reflect her sophisticated aesthetic.
64. Judi Dench
Judi Dench is a Met Gala icon known for her understated elegance and timeless style. She often chooses gowns that reflect her refined aesthetic.
65. Maggie Smith
Maggie Smith is a Met Gala favorite known for her classic and sophisticated style. She often chooses gowns that reflect her timeless aesthetic.
66. Milla Jovovich
Milla Jovovich often brings a futuristic and edgy vibe to the Met Gala. She often opts for gowns with bold silhouettes and avant-garde detailing.
67. Kate Beckinsale
Kate Beckinsale consistently delivers glamorous and sophisticated looks at the Met Gala. She often opts for gowns with flowing silhouettes and bold accessories.
68. Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow is known for her chic and minimalist Met Gala style. She often opts for understated gowns with clean lines and elegant detailing.
69. Jennifer Garner
Jennifer Garner often brings a playful and youthful energy to the Met Gala. She often opts for gowns with bright colors and fun accessories.
70. Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore is known for her fun and often retro-inspired Met Gala looks. She often opts for gowns that are playful and reflective of her vibrant personality.
