The Met Gala is the most anticipated night in fashion. The benefit began back in 1948 to raise money for the new Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, with New York’s art and fashion elite in attendance. Over the years, Gala has evolved. The Gala was the perfect place to spot emerging actresses, models, and artists in the 70s. It was also the ideal place to meet the muses and most famous designers of the 80s, 90s. The event grew into a Super Bowl for celebrities as we entered 2000. In the 2010s and 2020s, people took the themes seriously. Many designers created custom pieces that were only available for one night.
As a result, there have been a lot of iconic looks in the Met Gala’s history. From Cher in Bob Mckie ‘naked dress’Naomi Campbell in a sparkling Fendi silver by Kim Jones; to Zendaya as a Versace -fied Joan of Arc and the many, many stunning outfits worn and wore by Rihanna These are some of the most stunning Met Gala looks from 1973 through the present.
Diana Vreeland ‘The World of Balenciaga’, 1973
After Diana Vreeland, Vogue’s fashion editor, left in 1971 she joined the Metropolitan Museum of Art to take over the annual gala. Under her leadership, the gala became more exciting each year with a new theme.
Jane Hozier, Halston ‘The 10s, the 20s, the 30s: Inventive Clothes 1909-1939’, 1973
In 1973, there was only one Met Gala. Here, model and famed Warhol-actress Jane Hozier arrives at the esteemed event with one of American fashion’s most pioneering designers, Halston.
Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images.
Cher for ‘Romantic and Glamorous Hollywood Design’, 1974
Not only is this Bob Mackie creation adorning Cher one of the most iconic Met Gala looks of all time, it’s also one of the earliest examples of the ‘naked dress’. It was literally a cultural reset.
Valerie Arnoff and Larry LeGaspi ‘American Women of Style’, 1975
Larry LeGaspiAmerican fashion designer who is often overlooked because of his influence on club style in the 1970s and 1980s. His futuristic Art Deco outfits were worn by Grace Jones, Kiss, and Labelle as well as drag queen Divine. Rick Owens, who called the designer one of his greatest influences, created a collection and published a book in his honour in 2019.
Jackie Kennedy for ‘The Glory of Russian Costume’, 1976
The 1976 Gala theme was unusual, and the collection featured over 100 Russian costumes that had never been shown outside of the Soviet Union.
Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Barbra Walters and Estée Lauder for ‘Vanity Fair: A Treasure Trove’, 1977
Barbra Walters, founder of The View, is wearing a Halston in grecian style for Goddess Halston dress as she stands with cosmetics guru Estée Lauder in Dior.
Diana Ross for ‘Diaghilev: Costumes and Designs of the Ballets Russes’, 1978
We love the disco look Diana Ross, The Supremes’ singer, has on. She looks as though the Met Gala is her predrinks prior to heading to Studio 54.
Jacqueline Kennedy ‘Fashions of the Habsburg Era: Austria-Hungary’, 1979
Amazing gowns
Paloma Picasso, Caroline Herrera ‘The Manchu Dragon: Costumes of China, the Chi’ng Dynasty’, 1980
Beautiful gowns
Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images.
Diana Ross for ‘The Eighteenth-Century Woman’, 1981
Diana Ross, a feathery off-the shoulder gown, was a striking look even before the Met Gala. The ‘fit was so good, she brought it back in 2014 on the American Music Awards red carpet.
Raquel Welch for ‘La Belle Époque’, 1982
This snakeskin print was created by the famous 70s actress and sex icon. dressThierry Mugler
Photo by Patrick McMullan/Getty Images
Paloma Picasso, a friend ‘Yves Saint Laurent: 25 Years of Design’, 1983
Paloma Picasso is Paloma’s daughter. Her designs included jewellery for Tiffany & Co. and her own line of perfumes.
For Ralph Lauren and Diana Vreeland ‘Man and the Horse’, 1984
After spending $350,000 on the event, Ralph Lauren was likely a bit annoyed. “There isn’t a blazer of mine in it,” The New York TimesHe said he had spoken the words and added that he would support any event, regardless of his love of horse riding or desire to highlight its fashion.
Cher for ‘Costumes of Royal India’, 1985
Name a more powerful duo than Cher and a Bob Mackie design. We’ll wait.
Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Paloma Picasso for ‘Dance’, 1986
“Big skirts are fun but not for the person sitting next to you in a car,” Paloma As she walked up the steps of the Met, she was greeted in this stunning Christian LaCroix outfit.
Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Kim Alexis ‘A Tribute to Diana Vreeland’, 1987
Kim Alexis, a supermodel of the 80s, is wearing a wide-shouldered embellished jacket dress. The 16th Met Gala was dedicated in her honor.
Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Zandra Rhodes for ‘From Queen to Empress: Victorian Dress 1837-1877’, 1988
Pink hair, don’t care!
Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Anna Wintour for ‘The Age of Napoleon: Costume from Revolution to Empire, 1789-1815’, 1989
1989 marked the one-year anniversary of Anna Wintour’s appointment as editor-in-chief of Vogue. She would become the event’s chairperson 10 years later.
Naomi Campbell for ‘Théȃtre de la Mode – Fashion Dolls: The Survival of Haute Couture’, 1990
Naomi Campbell, a baby-faced attendee of Gianni Versace at the Met Gala. Dress from his 1991 Spring Collection.
Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Zandra Rhodes, Met Gala (no topic), 1991
Even though the theme was not obvious, Zandra Rhodes, British fashion and textiles designer, wore astrological couture in a midnight-blue rhinestone gown with star map print. She also wore cute dangly Moon earrings.
Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images.
Christy Turlington ‘Fashion and History: A Dialogue’, 1992
Audrey Hepburn wouldn’t have done it.
Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace. Photography Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images.
Donatella Versace & Gianni Versace ‘Diana Vreeland: Immoderate Style’, 1993
One of the iconic Italian designer’s most famed creations, the bondage belt dressSo called “Miss S&M” adorns the body of Gianni’s sister, and future head of Versace, Donatella. Dua Lipa wore a stunning adaptation of the latest version of the gown. DressAt the 2022 Grammy Awards
Veronica Webb for ‘Orientalism: Visions of the East in Western dress’, 1994
This mini-black latex halter dress was worn by Veronica Webb (a 90s actress and model). It’s so cute!
Photo by Kevin Mazzaur Archive/WireImage
Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss ‘Haute Couture’, 1995
Hang this picture of Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss wearing Kim Jones’ debut Fendi collection in the Louvre.
Princess Diana for ‘Christian Dior’, 1996
A navy blue was the choice for the queen of biker shorts and sweatshirts. dressDior lace detailing
Salma Hayek for ‘Gianni Versace’, 1997
Salma Hayek is a House of Gucci actress in Versace. She screams, cries, and throws up.
Claudia Schiffer ‘Cubism and Fashion’, 1998
J’adore this y2k moment on model Claudia Schiffer. It’s giving Blumarine. It’s giving 13 Going On 30.
Photo by Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images
Stella McCartney, Liv Tyler ‘Rock Style’, 1999
Yeah we like rock music.
* plays Sour by Olivia Rodrigo *
Photo by George De Sota/Newsmakers via Hulton Archive
3LW ‘Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years’. 2001
Two out of four Cheetah girls attended the most prestigious fashion event of the year. We think so. This is Jackie Kennedy’s wish list for the White House years.
Nicole Kidman for ‘Goddess: The Classical Mode’, 2003
When he designed this stunning Gucci gown for Nicole Kidman, Tom Ford was able understand the task. It was worn by Kidman as she entered the Met.
Beyoncé for ‘Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century’, 2004
Dangerously in Love, Dangerously in Love, was glowing after her debut solo album’s success. To reflect her success, she wore a silk, low-back halter. dress.
Marc Jacobs and Lil Kim ‘The House of Chanel’, 2005
In 2005, Marc Jacobs was a mainstay of Lil Kim’s wardrobe, with the designer even dressing the rapper for all her court appearances.
Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images
Alexander McQueen, Sarah Jessica Parker ‘AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion’, 2006
Sarah Jessica Parker, Sex and the City’s star, has been to the Met Gala 11 times. However, her tartan moment of twinning with Alexander McQueen is the most memorable.
Photo by Peter Kramer/Getty Images via Getty Images North America
David Bowie and Iman ‘Poiret: King of Fashion’, 2007
The Iman white three-piece suit is stunning.
Victoria Beckham and David Beckham ‘Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy’, 2008
It’s Victoria (wearing Giorgio Armani), Malcolm!!
Photo by Billy Farrell/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
Marc Jacobs, Kate Moss ‘The Model As Muse: Embodying Fashion’, 2009
Kate Moss will rock a celestial look to Met Gala, which is centered around the power of models. She is the hottest thing. Now, get on it.
Jennifer Lopez for ‘American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity’, 2010
Jenny, Block, wore this Zuhair Mauad Couture dress!
Dakota Fanning ‘Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty’, 2011
One year after Alexander McQueen’s death, the Savage Beauty exhibition at the Met became one of the most popular in the museum’s history. There were four-hour waits to see the incredible pieces.
Karolina Kurkova for ‘Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations’, 2012
Can you see that this look was created and designed by Rachel Zoe, stylist for Nicole Richie Lindsay Lohan and Mischa Barton?
Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images
Kim Kardashian for ‘Punk: Chaos to Couture’, 2013
Kim Kardashian was dressed in Givenchy gloves and a Givenchy gown with high-slit sleeves before Rihanna became an international superstar. dressA botanical print The North West looked more beautiful than ever before.
Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage
Rihanna for ‘Charles James: Beyond Fashion’, 2014
It’s Rihanna’s world and we’re all just living in it. The star rocked up to the event in a Stella McCartney two-piece that was elegantly simple and yet still caught everyone’s attention.
Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic.
Rihanna for ‘China: Through the Looking Glass’, 2015
This look was the starting point of a thousand memes. After the minimalism of Riri’s outfit the year prior, the singer and Fenty founder went for grand opulence in a fur-trimmed, off-the-shoulder cape by Guo Pei that was also featured in the exhibit. You can have it all!
Claire Danes for ‘Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology’, 2016
When Claire Danes turned up to the 2016 Met Gala — in a hired out public bus no less — at first, it looked like her stylist didn’t get the tech memo. The elegant Zac Posen gown looked like it was wizzed-up by Cinderella’s fairy godmother (not the one from the deranged 2021 adaptation though) but it wasn’t giving robo-couture like Zayn Malik’s armoured sleeves or Beyoncé’s skin-tight latex. The hand-sewn ended when the lights went out. DressThis ring sparkles in the dark thanks to its organza and fibre optics.
Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images
Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen ‘Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between’, 2017
Fashion designers MK and Ashley stunned in their boho-chic lace gowns with gothic necklaces to match their broody makeup, a fur-trimmed regal jacket and beachy hair that seemed to nod to Rei Kawakubo’s Fall 2005 collection.
Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
Zendaya for ‘Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination’, 2018
2018 could be remembered by Met Gala history as the year with the most iconic Met Gala dresses. Ariana in the Vera Wang Michelangelo dressBlake lively in a mysterious Versace outfit All history-defining. Rihanna almost won best look again for her stunning, seductive Papal look by John Galliano. However, we are still swooning over the fact that Rihanna brought Joan of Arc (Catholic saint) to Met Gala in Versace Chainmail. Never was there an outrageous lie more than when the star sang “fashion is my kryptonite”. This was the moment that we realized we were in the presence and greatness.
Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images/Vogue
Lady Gaga for ‘Camp: Notes on Fashion’, 2019
Lady Gaga stared at Karlie Kliss, as she looked camp in her eyes. The camp-floor was filled with Lady Gaga for 16 minutes. She wore four iconic looks, all created and designed by Brandon Maxwell.
Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images/Vogue
Kim Kardashian for ‘In America: A Lexicon of Fashion’, 2021
We missed the Met Gala 2020 2020 in 2020 so we had high expectations for the Met Gala 2021. We were disappointed by many events. ‘meh’Moments and political fashions that fell flat. Enter a charcoal silhouette, unmistakably Kim Kardashian’s body, clad in Balenciaga from head to toe. This iconic look was undoubtedly the highlight of the night, and it gave us the fashion excitement we’ve been searching for for the past two years.
