The Met Gala Outfits, held annually at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, is one of the most anticipated events on the fashion calendar. Known for its extravagant red carpet, the event invites celebrities, designers, and influencers to showcase their creativity, fashion sense, and sometimes audacity. Each year, the theme provides a platform for jaw-dropping and innovative Met Gala outfits that steal the show and push boundaries.
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most iconic Met Gala outfits from past years, exploring the trends, risks, and stunning visuals that have made these fashion statements unforgettable.
The Evolution of the Met Gala
Before we dive into the standout Met Gala outfits, it’s important to understand the context and history of the event. The Met Gala was established in 1948 by fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert as a fundraising gala for the Costume Institute of the museum. Initially, it wasn’t the grand spectacle it is today. It was a simple, exclusive affair, but over time, it evolved into a star-studded, high-fashion event.
The Met Gala began to grow in prominence during the 1970s and 1980s, and by the 1990s, it had solidified itself as a key moment in the fashion world. Since then, each year’s event has had a different theme, ranging from “China: Through the Looking Glass” in 2015 to “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” in 2018. These themes often dictate the direction of the Met Gala outfits, as designers create clothing that fits the concept.
1. Rihanna’s “China: Through the Looking Glass” Look (2015)
One of the most memorable Met Gala outfits of all time belongs to Rihanna, who attended the 2015 event in a yellow gown designed by Guo Pei. The dress was a masterpiece of embroidery and craftsmanship, taking over two years to complete. With a voluminous train that extended for several feet, the gown was a statement in both size and design, symbolizing the theme of “China: Through the Looking Glass.”
The bold yellow color, intricate details, and dramatic size of the dress made it impossible to ignore, and it became an instant icon. Rihanna’s look that year redefined what the Met Gala was about—daring, dramatic, and, above all, unforgettable.
2. Lady Gaga’s “Camp: Notes on Fashion” Outfits (2019)
The 2019 Met Gala’s theme was “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” a concept that embraces exaggerated, artificial, and extravagant fashion. Lady Gaga, known for her boundary-pushing style, arrived dressed in not one, but four different outfits, each more dramatic than the last. She started in a voluminous pink gown, which was quickly discarded to reveal a black dress underneath, followed by a sheer number, and then a hot-pink bra and underwear ensemble.
Her outfit transformation took the audience on a journey, making her the true embodiment of the camp theme. Lady Gaga’s Met Gala entrance proved once again why she is considered one of the boldest fashion icons of our time, always willing to take risks and subvert expectations.
3. Beyoncé’s “China: Through the Looking Glass” Look (2015)
While Rihanna’s yellow gown from the 2015 Met Gala was stunning, Beyoncé’s outfit from the same year deserves special mention. The singer wore a sheer Givenchy gown with intricate beadwork and embellishments, creating the illusion of a second skin. The dress was both elegant and daring, showcasing Beyoncé’s incredible figure in a way that was powerful, yet sophisticated.
Her look was the epitome of high-fashion, offering a modern take on traditional Chinese elements in a way that was subtle yet bold. The gown’s sensuality, paired with its cultural references, made it a standout look from that year’s Met Gala.
4. Kendall Jenner’s “Heavenly Bodies” Look (2018)
The theme of the 2018 Met Gala was “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” which inspired a wide range of interpretations. Kendall Jenner stood out that year in a stunning black velvet gown by Off-White’s Virgil Abloh. The dress featured a dramatic high-low hem and intricate embroidery along the neckline, giving it a regal, almost religious aura.
The dress’ long, flowing train and the dramatic headpiece adorned with crystals and beads paid homage to religious iconography. Kendall’s look was one of the most talked-about outfits from the 2018 Met Gala, perfectly blending contemporary fashion with elements of Catholic tradition.
5. Blake Lively’s “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons” Look (2017)
Blake Lively’s 2017 Met Gala look is a perfect example of the power of understatement when it comes to Met Gala outfits. The theme that year was “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between,” which celebrated the groundbreaking designer’s work. Lively wore a stunning red, gold, and black gown designed by Atelier Versace.
The dress featured an intricate structure that mimicked the artistic qualities of Kawakubo’s fashion. Blake Lively’s look stood out because, although it wasn’t as outlandish as some of the other attendees’ outfits, it still adhered to the theme with an elevated, regal air that showcased her natural elegance. It was an ensemble that respected both the designer and the event, without overshadowing the theme.
6. Jared Leto’s “Heavenly Bodies” Look (2018)
Jared Leto’s 2018 Met Gala look may not have been as traditionally fashionable as some of the others, but it was certainly one of the most talked-about moments in Met Gala history. The actor and musician arrived wearing a striking red Gucci ensemble, complete with an oversized velvet robe and a replica of his own head in his hands.
His ensemble played on the theme of religion, with the replica head adding a surreal touch that made the outfit both absurd and fascinating. The look was a mixture of high fashion and conceptual art, embodying the eccentricity and boldness that the Met Gala is known for. It certainly didn’t go unnoticed and proved that fashion can be as much about performance art as it is about clothing.
7. Kim Kardashian’s “Camp” Look (2019)
Kim Kardashian’s outfit at the 2019 Met Gala also reflected the theme of “Camp: Notes on Fashion.” The reality star wore a custom Thierry Mugler bodysuit, which featured a wet-look effect, creating the illusion of being drenched in water. The bodysuit clung to her figure perfectly, showcasing her curves in a way that had never been seen before at the Met Gala.
Kim’s look was one of the most daring and memorable of the night, blending surrealism with sex appeal. Her dramatic transformation into a ‘wet look’ queen embodied the exaggerated nature of the camp aesthetic while making a major style statement.
Conclusion
The Met Gala has long been a celebration of creativity and boundary-pushing fashion, offering a platform for designers and celebrities to showcase their most innovative and daring ideas. Over the years, we’ve seen some truly iconic Met Gala outfits, from Rihanna’s yellow gown to Lady Gaga’s four-part ensemble. Each year, the red carpet transforms into a canvas for artistic expression, with Met Gala outfits continuing to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
While some looks are divisive, others become timeless classics, influencing fashion trends for years to come. The Met Gala serves as a reminder that fashion is not just about clothing; it’s about making a statement, challenging norms, and redefining what is possible within the design world. Whether you love them or hate them, the Met Gala outfits never fail to capture our attention and spark conversation.