New York City’s largest charity event, the Met Gala, began in 1946 and is traditionally held every year on the first Monday in May (except in 2021 due to the coronavirus). Chaired by Vogue’s Anna Wintour for the past 24 years, it takes place at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and always has a theme corresponding to the Costume Institute’s exhibition. Hundreds of thousands tune in to watch celebrities’ arrivals, anticipating the elaborate outfits in line with (and often completely ignorant of) the chosen theme. Here are some of our favourites from over the recent years:
Anne Hathaway 2015
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Anne Hathaway’s golden lamé dress caused a stir at the 2015 Met Gala, with many fans calling her best-dressed of the event, while others slammed her for wearing a ‘hoodie’. We think the Oscar-winning actress’ custom Ralph Lauren gown looks amazing, and she pulls off a look very few could for the theme ‘China: Through the Looking Glass’.
Halle Berry 2017
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Her first time ever attending the gala, Halle Berry made her presence known in this elaborate sheer Versace catsuit. The theme for 2017 was devoted to the Japanese label Comme des Garçons and its founder, designer Rei Kawakubo— in short: avant-garde. We love the gold detailing on the dramatic train and that she kept her hair and makeup simple to show off the outfit.
Michèle Lamy 2017
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Michelle Lamy was joined by her husband, Rick Owens, at the 2017 MET Gala. Both big fans of Comme des Garçons, she wore this abstract red dress from the FW16 collection, described to AnOther Magazine by Kawakubo as “18th-century punk”.
Zendaya 2018
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Dressed up as Joan of Arc, Zendaya took bling to the next level in this chainmail suit of armour for the theme ‘Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”. She complemented the silver with multiple chunky rings, silver heels, and a silver pendant.
Billy Porter 2019
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Dressed up as an Egyptian sun god, Porter was carried in on a daybed by six shirtless men wearing gold masks and necklaces. As he walked the pink carpet, he revealed a dramatic pair of gold wings. The theme was undoubtedly ‘camp’, and when asked by Variety to describe his look in 3 words, he said “Diana Ross, ‘Mahogany’”.
Rihanna, 2018
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Rihanna broke the internet with this iconic bishop’s hat for the heavenly bodies theme, with many dubbing her the new pope. Her look, designed by Margiela, consisted of a long jewel-encrusted robe over a minidress, Cartier jewellery, and glitzy Louboutins.
JLo 2021
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Jennifer Lopez always comes to win at the MET Gala. Wearing Ralph Lauren at the 2021 MET Gala, celebrating all things American fashion.
Katy Perry 2019
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Katy Perry set the bar high for the ‘camp’ theme, dressing as a fully-functioning chandelier. Designed by Moschino’s Jeremy Scott, the ensemble required six weeks just to place the thousands of Swarovski crystals on the dress.
Beyoncé 2015
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Beyoncé’s barely-there look for the ‘China: Through the Looking Glass’ theme was designed by Givenchy, featuring glittering pink and green rhinestones embellished to cover all the right places. She also made reference to Coming to America with her high ponytail and the design of the dress.
Bella Hadid 2018
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For 2018’s iconic heavenly bodies theme, Bella opted for a unique take compared to other attendees’ angelic and religious-inspired looks. Her black patent top, lace train, cross-detailed maxi skirt, and leather gloves gave off a more gothic vibe— perfect considering it was designed by Chrome Hearts, her BFF Jesse Jo Stark’s father’s brand.
Rihanna 2015
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Once again, Rihanna broke the internet with this dress, designed by Guo Pei, being compared to an omelette, a pizza, the yellow brick road, and more by fans on Twitter. She reportedly said she felt like a clown wearing this, but we think the regal look is perfect for ‘China: Through the Looking Glass’.
Cardi B 2018
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We can all agree that ‘Heavenly Bodies’ was the year for insane regal looks. While pregnant with her first child, the rapper attended her first MET Gala in this extremely detailed look by Jeremy Scott for Moschino, who wore a matching embellished biker jacket and trousers.
Iman 2021
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The supermodel owned the cream carpet in this out-of-thisworld costume for the 2021 theme of celebrating American fashion. The look, created in a collaboration between Dolce & Gabbana and Harris Reed, was inspired by the golden age of America and its ballroom culture.
Words by Lucy Walshe
Header Graphics by Magdalen Manning
