On the first Monday in May, fashion fanatics, critics and lovers from all over the world stay up to witness the spectacle that is the MET gala. This year the category issssss *Rupaul voice* Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty. A very fitting theme to commemorate the late icon who brought us not only the iconic double C logo, but the Chanel flap bag not to talk of all his work at Chloé, Fendi and of course self-titled Karl Lagerfeld. Now, in preparation for MET Monday let’s look through some of our favorite, most iconic looks from over the years.
Let us begin.
Cher in Bob Mackie, 1974
1974 saw Cher in a nude illusion dress, little did Bob Mackie or the Goddess of Pop know that this would be the inspiration for countless MET Gala looks.
Nicola Coughlan in Richard Quinn, 2022
For her first MET Gala, Nicola looked every bit as regal and salacious as her Bridgerton alter ego, Lady Whistledown.
Rihanna in Comme des Garçon, 2017
The architectural dress was a true work of art and showcases many of the characteristics of Rei Kawakubo’s designs. The vibrant colors and bold structure made this look one for the books.
Kylie and Kendall Jenner in Versace, 2019
These Versace looks ruled the airwaves on the day of and the months following the MET gala, and rightly so, because the sisters looked incredible in their figure-hugging, feathered dresses.
Lizzo in Thom Browne, 2022
Lizzo do indeed be eating, because this black and gold gilded glamour look left absolutely no crumbs. Lizzo looked so gorgeous from her hair and makeup, to her nails and of course the embroidered cape was the star of the show.
Beyonce in Givenchy, 2015
Beyonce wowed us with a mesh illusion dress with multicolored embroidery. The dress was the perfect mix of revealing while still leaving something to the imagination.
Bianca Jagger in Dior, 1981
Truly a timeless beauty and timeless look. Fast forward exactly forty years and we see Kaia Gerber in a stunning replica of this look by Oscar de la Renta.
Lupita in Versace, 2021
Nothing says America like good denim, and Lupita did not disappoint in this stunning spiral, paneled denim dress. The draping of the dress is so flattering and the sheer additions add femininity and glamor to the look.
Naomi Campbell in Versace, 1995
Naomi’s been the world’s biggest supermodel for decades, and not for no reason. She’s absolutely slaying the house down in this iconic dress, it helps that she’s on the arm of Mr Versace himself.
Sarah Jessica Parker in Alexander McQueen, 2006
Nothing says British Fashion like kilts and tartan, so of course it comes to no surprise that McQueen was able to make such a statement.
Rihanna in Guo Pei, 2015
Okay, I know this may sound like a Rihanna show but she genuinely never seems to let us down at the MET and 2015, was no different as she stunned in a canary yellow couture ensemble by designer Guo Pei that took two years to make and was embellished with over 50,000 Swarovski crystals.
Allyson Felix in Fendi, 2021
Allyson turned heads in what I can best describe as a look that belongs in Narnia. The Olympians gown consisted of 240,000 ostrich feathers and crystals with her hair braid back in cornrows, further adding to the look.
Cardi B in Thom Browne, 2019
The dress, an extravagant, feathered masterpiece designed to resemble a quilted duvet and adorned with numerous red feathers, a matching ruby covered headpiece and rubies where her nipples would be. The perfect mix of Camp and risque, we love you Thom Browne!
Sean “Diddy Combs” in Rick Owens, 2017
One of our favourite male MET gala looks of all time and on none other than the icon that is Diddy.
Erykah Badu in Givenchy, 2014
This look is so simple yet so effective. A simple black jumpsuit but paired with a white, structured, embellished jacket and a matching embellished oversized hat atop her head at an angle.
Janelle Monae in Ralph Lauren, 2022
An elevated take on Monae’s signature monochromatic tuxedo look.
Solange in Iris van Herpen, 2018
This look is the perfect combination of Angelic and Demonic. The nun’s coif and the halo and the jet black ,latex dress with tubular details that could be said to resemble horns is the perfect look for the “Heavenly Bodies” themed MET.
Zendaya in Tommy Hilfiger, 2019
This magical and ethereal look tied in perfectly with the Camp theme, with stylist Law Roach being Zendaya’s fairy godmother and transforming her into a real-life princess.
Iman in Dolce & Gabanna x Harris Reed, 2021
We absolutely love this look on every single possible level. The colour of the dress compliments Imans skin perfectly and then the headpiece and hooped skirt is giving drama, texture, dimension. Everything we love to see in a look.
Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell, 2019
In this four part extravaganza, Gaga started off with a hot-pink gown with layers beginning to reveal a black ball gown, pink satin dress and finally a black lingerie set complete with mesh tights and bows in her hair. This look perfectly captured the “Camp: Notes on Fashion” theme.
Kendall in Givenchy, 2021
This look just screams “o star spangled banner” to us with the stars cascading down her body and the crystal collar and shoulder pads are highly reminiscent of the Épaulette worn by soldiers in the military. In perfect harmony for the theme.
Kim Kardashian in Mugler, 2019
Ladies & Gentlemen, introducing the best Kim Kardashian MET Gala look of all time and I won’t be told different. The dress inspired by Sophia Loren in Boy on a Dolphin features Kim in a skin tight, wet-look dress with crystals in the form of raindrops hanging from her body.
Precious Lee in Area, 2021
The tailoring of this dress is just absolutely phenomenal and then the crystal braided tassels are the perfect addition to an already stunning dress. The overall look seems to be a modern take on the 1920s flapper girl so it works really well for the “America: An Anthology of Fashion” theme.
Rihanna in Maison Margiela, 2018
Last but least, one of our most favorite MET looks ever but first let me paint the picture. The year is 2018 and the theme is “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”. Pop icon Rihanna graces the legendary steps of the MET museum in the most intricate look by Maison Margiela. Margiela said “Pope but make it the highest of fashion” as they encrusted our Bad Gal Riri in jewels and pearls as she donned a robe, mini dress and the pièce de résistance, the mitre, atop her head bringing all the regality fitting of a star.
