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100+ Memorable Met Gala Looks That Lit Up the Red Carpet

25/04/2023 - 01:24 PM

There is quite possibly no bigger (or more extravagant) fashion event than the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala. Each year, the best and brightest of the industry come together to celebrate the museum's new exhibit (it's even referred to as the Oscars of the East Coast), and celebrities, models, and designers bring their sartorial A games to the corresponding red carpet [1].

After a brief hiatus in 2020, the Met Gala came back in a big way in 2021 with its "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion" [2] exhibit. Last year, the official 2022 Met Gala theme was "Gilded Glamour," and saw a smorgasbord of opulent outfits. How can we forger Kim Kardashian wearing Marilyn Monroe's famous naked dress [3]? Or the Brooklyn-Peltz's showing off their new wedding bands [4]? Or the belle of the ball, Blake Lively whose dress actually changed colour [5] before our very eyes?

The question is: what will the 2023 Met Gala have in store? The theme is "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty," a tribute to the famous designer who passed away in 2019. In addition to news of the theme, Vogue recently shared the cochairs of this year's event [6], which will include Dua Lipa, Michaela Coel, Penelope Cruz [7], and Roger Federer joining Anna Wintour as hosts. While we await to see who will be walking the iconic carpet on the evening, rumours have been circulating that the Kardashian's may not have even been invited this year due to a slim-downed guest list. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled.

Ahead of the 2023 Met Gala, we're taking a walk down Met memory lane. From Kate Moss [8]'s metallic Marc Jacobs dress to Sarah Jessica Parker [9]'s tartan Alexander McQueen getup and Beyoncé's feathered Givenchy gown [10], scroll on to see the best Met Gala looks from parties past.

— Additional reporting by Britt Stephens

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker [12] attended the 2006 Met Gala with Alexander McQueen. To honour the year's exhibition theme, "AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion," the pair wore matching tartan prints.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé attended the 2012 gala wearing a jaw-dropping Givenchy gown. Ascending the staircase in her feathered, beaded Riccardo Tisci original, the global superstar was one of the last attendees to arrive — making a case for arriving fashionably late.

Diane Kruger

Model turned actress Diane Kruger [13] bared her leg way before Angelina Jolie [14] did. The "Operative" star turned heads at the 2011 Met Gala wearing an embellished gown with a black thigh-high slit from Jason Wu's fall/winter '11 collection.

Anne Hathaway

For the 2009 Gala, "The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion," Anne Hathaway [15] was the picture of retro chic in a plum-coloured Marc Jacobs mini complete with a bouffant hairstyle.

Jessica Biel

Jessica Biel [16] wore an asymmetrical-hem Versace dress at the 2009 gala. She accessorised the scarlet gown with a simple pair of diamond drop earrings.

Gwyneth Paltrow

The 2012 Met exhibition and gala celebrated the generational intersections between Schiaparelli and Prada. For the occasion, Gwyneth Paltrow [17] wore a lilac-coloured, asymmetrical halter Prada dress.

Naomi Watts

Echoing the 2008 exhibition, "Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy," Naomi Watts [18] wore a custom white pleated Mugler gown at the 2008 Met Gala — channelling Old Hollywood with a touch of Wonder Woman.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez [19] donned a sparkly Zuhair Murad dress at the 2010 Met Gala.

Blake Lively

Met Gala mainstay Blake Lively [20] wore a beige Chanel Couture gown for the 2011 "Savage Beauty" red carpet.

Kate Moss

The theme for 2009, "The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion," was made for Kate Moss [21]. The supermodel stole the show, showing up on the arm of Marc Jacobs in a metallic, toga-inspired original by the designer.

Rihanna

Taking power suiting to the max, Rihanna [22] attended the 2009 gala, making the case for a strong shoulder in a Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo.

Katie Holmes

Katie Holmes [23] paired a sequinned red-orange Giorgio Armani gown with a pair of bright lapis-blue pumps at the 2010 event.

Miranda Kerr

Miranda Kerr [24] wore a black Jil Sander dress with side cutouts in 2009.

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett [25] wore a gold fringe column gown by (then) Balenciaga Creative Director Nicolas Ghesquière to the 2007 Met Gala. Her dress fit the brief perfectly, paying homage to the man of the hour, 1920s design legend Paul Poiret.

Camilla Belle

Actress Camilla Belle wore an ethereal Jean Paul Gaultier gown to the 2007 gala.

Gisele Bündchen

For the 2011 Met Gala, "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty," Gisele Bündchen [26] wore a striking ruby-red Alexander McQueen gown in the late designer's honour.

Carey Mulligan

Staying on theme, Carey Mulligan [27] wore a custom sequinned Prada dress for the 2012 "Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations" exhibition.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift [28] graced the red carpet in a sweet cream-coloured gown by Ralph Lauren for the 2010 Met Gala.

Salma Hayek

Paying homage to the late designer, Salma Hayek [29] wore a beige, chiffon Alexander McQueen dress to the 2011 Met Gala.

Jennifer Garner

The "Adam Project" star wore a fire-engine-red Valentino gown for the Poiret-themed exhibition in 2007.

Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani [30] donned a champagne-coloured gown from her L.A.M.B. collection in 2010.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock [31] wore a stunning cranberry-coloured dress by Alberta Ferretti in 2007.

Nina Dobrev

The "Love Hard" star wore a shimmering Donna Karen Atelier gown for the 2012 Met Gala.

Karolina Kurkova

For the 2012 gala, Karolina Kurkova hit the red carpet wearing a gold Rachel Zoe [32] Couture gown, which she accessorised with a matching turban.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldaña [33] went for a minimalist look for the 2010 Met Gala, wearing a black one-shoulder Calvin Klein column gown.

Jennifer Hudson

Accompanying Vera Wang at the 2011 gala, the singer wore a custom grey organza gown by the designer.

Victoria Beckham

With her husband, David Beckham [34], in tow, Victoria Beckham [35] wore a white Giorgio Armani dress to the 2008 gala.

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams [36] demonstrated her usual laid-back elegance in a black Miu Miu dress embroidered with golden birds at the 2011 Met Gala.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson [37] wore a sleek, silver J. Mendel gown at the 2006 gala.

Kristen Stewart

Longtime Chanel ambassador Kristen Stewart [38] wore a sheer black gown from the spring/summer 2008 Chanel couture show to the 2010 gala.

Jessica Simpson

Attending as Michael Kors's date, the singer wore one of his designs, a black sweetheart gown with roses, to the 2005 gala.

Nicole Richie

At the 2010 "American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity" Met Gala, Nicole Richie [39] made a statement wearing a metallic gown by Marc Jacobs.

Christina Ricci

Christina Ricci [40] wore a custom Thakoon dress at the 2012 gala. The gown featured an exaggerated cream bow, paying homage to the surrealist aesthetic of Elsa Schiaparelli.

Doutzen Kroes

Doutzen Kroes, on the arm of Zac Posen, channelled full-on Hollywood glamour at the 2010 Gala, wearing a custom ice-blue ball gown by the designer.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson [41] walked the red carpet on the arms of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana in 2008, wearing a bustier dress from the designers' collection.

Katy Perry

Katy Perry [42] literally lit up the red carpet in 2010, wearing an LED dress by CuteCircuit that changed colours throughout the night.

Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum [43] looked gorgeous in 2009, wearing a black-and-purple J. Mendel gown on the red carpet.

Rachel Bilson

Rachel Bilson [44] kept things short and sweet in a tea-length Louis Vuitton frock in 2010.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore [45] wore a low-cut black lace dress at the 2006 gala.

Chloë Sevigny

Chloë Sevigny [46] arrived at the 2010 Met Gala on the arms of Proenza Schouler designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez. The actress wore a jade-coloured peplum dress from their collection.

Kirsten Dunst

Kirsten Dunst [47] wore a black Chanel Haute Couture dress with sequinned florals for the 2011 Met Gala.

Elizabeth Banks

Elizabeth Banks walked the red carpet at the 2010 gala wearing a dark, feathered Gucci dress.

Julianne Hough

The performer paid homage to Schiaparelli's signature colour in a fuchsia gown at the 2012 gala.

Ashley Olsen

Ashley Olsen [48] wore a strapless Dior dress with contrasting cream billowing sleeves at the 2011 Met Gala.

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz [49] brought a bold pop of colour to the 2007 Met Gala, wearing a fuchsia Dior dress with bright turquoise baubles.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson [50] wore a white Burberry gown with a thigh-high slit for the 2010 gala.

Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria [51] wore a dramatic, violet organza Marchesa gown to the 2008 gala.

Coco Rocha

Coco Rocha made a colourful splash on the red carpet in a watercolor-print Zac Posen mermaid gown in 2010.

Fergie

Fergie [52] attended the 2011 Met Gala in a fabulously ornate Marchesa gown.

Sienna Miller

As cochair of the 2006 Met Gala, "AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion," Sienna Miller [53] celebrated British fashion by wearing a gold sequinned Burberry mini and black tights, designed by then-Creative Director Christopher Bailey.

Marion Cotillard

Marion Cotillard was glittering at the 2010 Met Gala, wearing a sparkly silver Dior gown embellished with a diamond neckline.

Emma Stone

Emma Stone [54] wore a floral Lanvin column dress at the 2011 Met Gala.

Kate Hudson

For the 2010 Met Gala, the actress wore a cream, boat-neck gown designed by her date, Stella McCartney.

Penélope Cruz

No stranger to red carpet glamour, Penélope Cruz donned a black ruched Oscar de la Renta gown to the 2011 gala.

Dakota Fanning

Dakota Fanning [55] wore a tulle dress with floral appliqué by Valentino for the 2011 soirée.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wore a pink Burberry gown for the 2011 "Savage Beauty" gala.

January Jones

January Jones [56] wore a striking, yellow, sweetheart-neckline column dress by Atelier Versace at the 2012 gala.

Amy Adams

As a date of Giambattista Valli, Adams wore a white asymmetrical gown from the designer's 2012 spring couture collection.

Charlize Theron

Established red carpet queen Charlize Theron [57] looked regal and elegant in a Dior gown and fur stole in 2004.

Ginnifer Goodwin

Ginnifer Goodwin [58] attended the 2011 gala wearing an emerald Topshop gown with sleek cutouts.

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder [59] accompanied longtime friend Marc Jacobs to the 2007 event.

Anja Rubik

Anja Rubik wore a sultry, white Anthony Vaccarello original to the 2012 gala.

Madonna

Partnering with Marc Jacobs, Madonna [60] wore a custom blue Louis Vuitton bubble-hemmed dress at the 2009 gala.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman [61] attended the 2004 fete in a dark-green, beaded Stella McCartney dress with a keyhole cutout.

Brooklyn Decker

Model/actress Brooklyn Decker wore a hot-pink gown by Michael Kors in 2011.

Renée Zellweger

Renée Zellweger [62] wore an embellished Carolina Herrera gown with pockets in 2007.

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts [63] walked the red carpet with Giorgio Armani in 2008, wearing a metallic, cowl-neck gown by the designer.

Elle Macpherson

Supermodel Elle Macpherson was a vision in a chartreuse Calvin Klein gown at the 2005 gala.

Jessica Stam

Model Jessica Stam took to the red carpet in 2010 in a body-con, low-cut dress by Rachel Roy.

Kate Beckinsale

Kate Beckinsale [64] shimmied into a charcoal-grey Marchesa gown at the 2009 event.

Florence Welch

Florence Welch wore an ethereal, tiered, beaded Alexander McQueen dress at the 2012 gala.

Bar Refaeli

Bar Refaeli [65] rocked a short, silver Roberto Cavalli dress to the 2009 Met Gala.

Iman

For 2011's "Savage Beauty" gala, Iman wore a gold, sequinned Stella McCartney jumpsuit on the red carpet.

Claire Danes

Claire Danes [66] was the picture of glamour in a metallic Burberry dress at the 2010 gala.

Kate Mara

Kate Mara and Zac Posen were a colourful pair on the red carpet in 2008.

Mary-Kate Olsen

The designer took a break from her customary black, wearing a bold red vintage Givenchy Haute Couture gown at the 2011 gala in honour of Alexander McQueen.

Eva Mendes

The actress was in full bloom in Dolce & Gabbana at the 2010 Met Gala in honour of American fashion.

Selma Blair

Selma Blair [67] wore a white Chanel Haute Couture gown to the 2006 event.

Mila Kunis

Mila Kunis [68] wore a moody tulle Vera Wang gown to the 2010 gala.

Cara Delevingne

At 2013's "Punk: Chaos to Couture" Met Gala, the model wore a studded black Burberry dress.

Emma Roberts

Emma Roberts wore a sleek, off-white asymmetrical Michael Kors dress at the 2011 Met Gala.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington [69] wore a brocade Vera Wang gown with peplum and leather opera gloves at the 2013 gala.

Angela Lindvall and Karlie Kloss

Models Angela Lindvall and Karlie Kloss walked the 2011 Met Gala red carpet together in gold metallic gowns — Lindvall wore Andrew Gn, while Kloss wore Christian Dior.

Rooney Mara

The event's cohost turned up in Givenchy Haute Couture (designed by fellow cohost Riccardo Tisci) at the 2013 Met Gala.

Liv Tyler

At the 2011 gala, the actress wore an altered feathered, ombré dress from the spring 2011 Givenchy couture show.

Lily Aldridge

The model wore a minimal, gold satin Ralph Lauren dress for the 2011 Met Gala.

Kate Bosworth

Kate Bosworth [70] wore this satin Prada dress to the 2007 gala.

Ashley Greene

The actress wore a shimmering Donna Karan Atelier gown at her first Met Gala in 2011.

Nicole Kidman

The Academy Award winner wore a radiant, one-shoulder Tom Ford gown for 2003's "Goddess: The Classical Mode" gala theme.

Sofia Vergara

Sofia Vergara wore a metallic, embellished Marchesa gown at the 2012 Met Gala.

Liya Kebede

The supermodel wore a voluminous, tulle Alberta Ferretti gown to the 2013 gala.

Jaime King

Jaime King wore a custom crimson Topshop dress to the 2012 gala.

Rachel Weisz

The actress glowed in her hot-pink Oscar de la Renta gown in 2010.

Emmy Rossum

The actress donned a black-and-white gown by now-defunct label Phi for the "Superheroes" Met Gala.

Molly Sims

Molly Sims wore a delicate, tulle ruffled gown at the 2007 Met Gala.

Mandy Moore

The "This Is Us" actress wore a maroon Proenza Schouler gown for 2004's "Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century" exhibition and accompanying gala.

Naomi Campbell

The supermodel walked up the stairs wearing a black Dolce & Gabbana gown at the 2010 gala.

Christy Turlington

The model and activist wore an embroidered teal gown at the 2007 gala.

Amanda Seyfried

For her 2013 Met Gala debut, Amanda Seyfried [71] wore a silk-chiffon Givenchy Haute Couture gown by Riccardo Tisci.

Suki Waterhouse

Suki Waterhouse wore a layered, dusty-pink Burberry gown at the 2014 gala.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker [72] arrived at the 2014 Met Gala in a graphic black-and-white Oscar de la Renta gown that had a surprise reveal when she turned around: the designer's signature.

Blake Lively

Blake Lively [73] wore a dazzling Gucci gown at the 2014 Met Gala.

Emma Stone

For 2014's "Charles James: Beyond Fashion," Emma Stone [74] wore a pink, two-toned Thakoon dress.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

Following the theme, "Charles James: Beyond Fashion," Mary-Kate Olsen [75] wore vintage Gianfranco Ferré and Ashley Olsen [76] wore vintage Chanel at the 2014 gala.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé made jaws drop in this see-through embroidered Givenchy gown at the 2015 Met Gala.

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian [77] showed up at the 2016 Met Gala wearing a custom Balmain dress [78] and custom Lorraine Schwartz jewels, worth a cool $4.5 million.

Gigi Hadid

For the 2016 theme, "Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology," Gigi Hadid, with Zayn Malik, wore a metallic Tommy Hilfiger dress [79].

Katy Perry

Katy Perry [80] wore a scarlet Maison Margiela by John Galliano gown [81] and red Tabi boots to honour the 2017 theme, "Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between."

Kendall Jenner

At the 2017 Met Gala, Kendall Jenner wore a sheer La Perla Haute Couture dress [82] with Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

Rihanna

Rihanna [83] stole the show wearing an eye-catching Comme des Garçons look [84] at the 2017 Met Gala. She finished her look with jewels by Rihanna x Chopard, Le Vian, and Dvani.

Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X attended the 2021 Met Gala wearing this custom Versace cape.

Lil Nas X

He later revealed this gold bodysuit underneath, also designed by Versace.

Normani

Normani wore this vibrant yellow Valentino dress with Lorraine Schwartz jewels at the 2021 Met Gala.

Rihanna

Rihanna [85] attended the 2021 Met Gala wearing a Balenciaga Couture dress with a Tyler Ellis bag and jewels by Thelma West and Bulgari.

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian [86] shocked everyone by wearing this covered Balenciaga look at the 2021 Met Gala.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid looked absolutely gorgeous at the 2021 Met Gala wearing a Prada dress.

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish [87] attended the 2021 Met Gala wearing a custom Oscar de la Renta gown and Cartier jewels.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi [88] channelled Old Hollywood glam, wearing a custom Dior gown and Cartier jewels, at the 2021 "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion" gala.

Dakota Johnson

Dakota Johnson [89] opted for top-to-toe glamour at the 2022 Met Gala wearing an embellished Gucci jumpsuit.

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian [90] caused controversy by wearing the actual dress worn by Marilyn Monroe when she sung "Happy Birthday" to President John F.Kennedy. She stepped onto the red carpet with her then-boyfriend, Pete Davidson.

Blake Lively

Blake Lively [91] took the red carpet crown at the 2022 Met Gala, wearing an Atelier Versace gown that changed colour as she walked. She was the moment


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