It's that time of year again. I woke up today with all the excitement of a child on Christmas morning. MET Gala Monday is the Super Bowl for every fashion fan, giving us the opportunity to dream and gasp in awe of fashion's most luxurious couture, and simultaneously yelp in horror at an inevitable fashion disaster.
This year, the theme of the exhibit is 'Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion', with a dress code of 'The Garden in Time' which, according to The Costume Institute, takes inspiration from a short story of the same name written by J.G. Ballard in 1962. The theme centres around around the passage of time and the historical, with the exhibit itself showcasing, according to Vogue, "around 50 historically significant pieces that are far too fragile to ever be worn again." Expect a heavy focus on florals, gardens, and the natural world, with more abstract interpretations perhaps referencing the fleeting nature of beauty.
Given the emphasis on fashion history, I also expect to see a lot of vintage pieces donning the red carpet. Archival pulls have become increasingly popular amongst celebrity fashion stylists. Zendaya for example, one of this year's co-chairs, and her stylist Law Roach have become particularly notable for their incredible archival pulls - I am STILL reeling at the fact that they managed to pull THEE Mugler AW95 robot suit for the Dune London premiere earlier this year.
I have an incredibly good feeling and high hopes for this year's theme. As you guys know, I am a lover of fashion history as much as a lover of trend. This year's theme is a strong, rich one, with a wealth of reference points and creative directions. The theme, at it's core, explores the cyclical nature of fashion, and the need for sustainability an increasingly important part of fashion in today's world. I'm looking forward to seeing the ways in which designers have decided to breath new life into historic moments in fashion history. I hope to see the fragile pieces which have become 'sleeping beauties' reawakened again through innovation and design.
But, whilst we eagerly anticipate the biggest night win fashion, I thought we could take a trip down memory lane. What better way to get in the mood for MET monday than to look back on some of the best, most memorable MET Gala looks in recent years. So, in no particular order, here are my favourite MET Gala moments.
(Note: I've only included women - we can do an entirely separate post on men's MET looks another time! All looks are also from 2015 onwards - which is when I started following the MET gala!)
RIHANNA in VALENTINO, 2023 'KARL LAGERFELD: A LINE OF BEAUTY'
Starting with a look from last year's carpet, which was dedicated to the work of one of my all time favourite designers, Karl Lagerfeld, I just had to include Mother Rihanna's gorgeous camellia inspired gown designed by another one of my absolute favourites, Pierpaolo Piccoli. The floral-appliqued hood was such a fabulous and slightly surrealist take on Lagerfeld's work at Chanel, and was removed on the carpet to reveal a plain white gown decorated with a single camellia, as well as Rih's growing baby bump. This was one of the best looks of the evening, made playful with the red lipstick and white eyelash embellished sunglasses. Asap, in a look inspired by one worn by Karl himself, was the perfect accessory to the MET gala queen. One of my favourite looks from her, and one for the books!
CLARE DANES in ZAC POSEN, 2016: MANUS X MACHINA: FASHION IN THE AGE OF TECHNOLOGY
Now, everybody talks about Zendaya's 2019 'Cinderella' dress moment, but enough time has passed for me to say that whilst that look was good, Clare Danes did it better.
Just three years prior, Clare Danes stole the show when she turned up to the MET Gala carpet in this stunning baby blue ball gown created by Zac Posen, who accompanied her. Though simple on the surface, the couture gown was fitted with fiber optics that facilitated the dress' ability to light up in the dark. The gown was a clever play on both the theme and fairytale - combining modern technology with a classic dress shape. This is the Cinderella moment I will always remember!
LADY GAGA in BRANDON MAXWELL, 2019 'CAMP: NOTES ON FASHION'
Ah, now who could forget Lady Gaga's Brandon Maxwell ensemble(s). As co-host of 2019's gala, Gaga was always bound to make an entrance. But I don't think any of us quite expected what we got. We got props, we got performance and we got not one, not two, not three, but FOUR different looks on the MET carpet. Starting with an enormous fuchsia pink ballgown and sprawling train which filled the red carpet, each layer was taken off to reveal another outfit - an LBD, then a fuchsia pink gown, and finally, a black crystal embellished underwear set, fishnets, and platform boots - quintessential mother monster.
The element of performance combined with the brilliant outfits was perfectly in keeping with the year's theme, which celebrated camp as 'elevated kitsch and exaggerated irony', or 'style without content'. Gaga clearly did her homework, because that is exactly what we got. A fitting contribution from an LGBT+ icon and perfectly in keeping with Gaga's personality: dramatic, eccentric, and absolutely fabulous.
Whilst the brilliant fuchsia gown and black umbrellas are what we all remember, my favourite part? Gaga donning the diamond rings given to her by previous fiancé's as accessories. Camp? Quite.
CARDI B in THOM BROWNE, 2019 'CAMP: NOTES ON FASHION'
This one will split opinion, I'm sure! But one thing about the Met gala - , and I greatly admire a look that aims to do more than just make a celebrity look pretty, but tell a story, or make a statement. This 2019 Cardi B look, in my opinion, is the perfect example of that. Something not conventionally attractive - it's not your classic gown - but, for some reason, awedropping and beautiful in its own way. Inspired, according to Browne, by the beauty of the female form, this look reflect the theme of the year perfectly, playing on the idea of exaggeration in its proportions and scale. It felt camp, made complete on the carpet, and is a look I always remember when I think of Met 2019.
KIM KARDASHION in BALENCIAGA, 2021 'IN AMERICA: A LEXICON OF FASHION'
Love them or hate them, the Kardashian klan have been a dominant force in the world of pop culture for close to a decade now, shaping the trends of both fashion and beauty.
Whilst I will never forgive Ms Kim for ruining Marilyn Monroe's dress with her empty, indulgent stunt at MET '22, I will always give 10s when they are due, and this is easily Kim's best MET look, and one of her best looks of all time. Initially, I didn't actually like it! Until I understood the idea behind it.
Designed by then-husband Kanye West and Balenciaga designer Demna Gvasalia, the look was incredibly simple. West and Gvasalia took the most basic of American fashion by pairing a classic t-shirt over over a bodysuit - as Kim later commented, "What’s more American than a T-shirt head to toe?!" But there was much more to it in the messaging; a flexing of the power of celebrity, a statement on her place in popular culture and the in the world of fashion. Face obscured, not an inch of skin on display, and a long black ponytail, we still all knew instantly that this was Kim Kardashian. The brilliance of the look was her ability to comment on her own influence on American fashion. All the elements seemed to come together perfectly as Kim wore a look created by the two designers who have had the biggest role in moulding her into the fashion icon she has become. Arguably at the peak of her stardom, Kim was able to make the most interesting statement of all by simply referencing herself. There is something pretty iconic in being recognisable just by your silhouette.
KENDALL JENNER in GIVENCHY, 2021 'IN AMERICA: A LEXICON OF FASHION'
Whilst Kim's look this night was as modern as it could get, Kendall took us back in time with some old Hollywood glamour. This is my favourite look under the category of 'beautiful, beautiful gowns.' Whilst not particularly daring or innovative, this look was my favourite take on movie starlet glamour, as a number of stars played with old Hollywood this time around. The dress was an homage to icon Audrey Hepburn's 'My Fair Lady' character, Eliza Doolittle. Just as Ms Hepburn famously collaborated with designer Hubert de Givenchy throughout her career, Kendall too partnered with Givenchy (by Matthew Williams) to wear this absolutely gorgeous crystal embellished sheer gown and necklace, clearly inspired by Hepburn's original.
What more is there to say other than this is a bloody beautiful dress that we would all want to wear. Once again, as I said - say what you want about the Kardashian-Jenner's but let's face it, I think we ALL want to have looked this good at least once in our life!
BLAKE LIVELY in VERSACE, 2018 'HEAVENLY BODIES: FASHION AND THE CATHOLIC IMAGINATION'
Another star known as a Met fan favourite, Blake Lively's 2018 is frequently included on best MET look threads for good reason - it was absolutely stunning. This custom Versace gown was incredibly regal, apparently taking the atelier over 600 hours to make. It featured a jewel encrusted bodice and long train adorned with gold embroidery in this beautifully rich ruby red. The halo headpiece was the perfect finishing touch to a truly incredible look. Bravo!
RIHANNA in MAISON MARGIELA, 2018 'HEAVENLY BODIES: FASHION AND THE CATHOLIC IMAGINATION'
2018 again, Rihanna again, what can I say, it was a great year and Rihanna is the MET gala GOAT! Rihanna, co-hosting the event for the first time, arrived with all the authority of a co-host too, she came literally dressed as a Pope. This incredible full Margiela look featured and entirely pearl and jewel encrusted robe, mini dress, and hat, mimicking Papal attire with a twist. The more you look at it, the more you realise just how intricate a piece it is. This is absolutely one for the books.
BLAKE LIVELY in VERSACE, 2022 'IN AMERICA: AN ANTHOLOGY OF FASHION'
2022 was a strange theme year, serving as part two of the 'In America' theme of the year prior. This time around, the dress code was 'gilded glamour'.
Blake Lively and husband Ryan Reynolds served as co-chairs, and she pulled out absolutely all the stops in this fabulous gown inspired by New York City landmarks. Another star known as a Met fan favourite, Blake outdid herself in this custom Versace that transformed from bronze to green on the carpet. A sucker for a bit of performance, this was an absolutely hit with me, and the inspiration behind the design choice was even better. The gown channelled the iconic statue of liberty, as an oversized bronze bow unravelled on the carpet to facilitate the colour change, designed to mirror the oxidation of the landmark over time. The very front of the gown also featured a print emulated the empire state building.
IMAN in DOLCE & GABBANA x HARRIS REED, 2022 'IN AMERICA: AN ANTHOLOGY OF FASHION'
Justice for Iman! This is, in my opinion, the most underrated MET gala look in recent times. I was left in complete and utter awe when Ms Iman glided down the carpet in this jaw-dropping gold look, and it's remained etched in my memory ever since.
Designed by a then up and coming Harris Reed and produced with the support of Dolce and Gabbana, the look drew on 1920s showgirl glamour, with Reed inspired by ballroom culture in America and also seemed to reference the gilded age. The goal was to put forward an angle on 'taking up space', made possible through dramatic proportions, a statement headpiece and glistening gold leaf. This look was bold, beautiful, show-stopping and I don't think there is anyone who could have worn it quite as well as Iman!
RIHANNA in GUO PEI, 2015 'CHINA: THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS'
On a night celebrating the influence of Asian art, Rihanna stepped out in the most jaw dropping couture look created by Chinese designer, Guo Pei and history was made. Now call me crazy, but I genuinely think this was the look that cemented her the fashion icon she is today, and also changed the way in which celebrities and designers approached theme dressing at the MET Gala. From this moment onwards, we all seemed to be in agreement that when it comes to the MET, more is most definitely more. The long, imperial yellow look, featuring a fur trimmed cape train and intricate floral embroidery made using traditional techniques gave us insight into China's rich cultural history and traditions. This absolutely incredible gown took TWO YEARS to make. Yep, you read that right. But man, was it worth it.
One of the most iconic red carpet looks of the decade, this was also a pivotal moment in Guo Pei's career, making her couture house, having achieved domestic fame dressing Chinese designers, famous internationally. Rihanna was disappointingly one of the few guests to wear a Chinese designer on a night supposedly celebrating China's influence on fashion. A pity, but it makes the fact that this look stole the show so much more satisfying.
To this day, it's one of the most beautiful pieces I've ever seen, worn by the absolutely perfect model. The fashion icon of her generation, Rihanna has become known as the Queen of the Met, a title well earned - she is one of the few stars to consistently give us innovative, daring, and inspired looks - there's a reason she's the only start to appear on this list three times. Met '15 was the perfect start to that journey.
ZENDAYA in VERSACE, 2018 'HEAVENLY BODIES: FASHION AND THE CATHOLIC IMAGINATION'
And last but certainly not least, my other fashion Queen, Ms Zendaya, who, as co-host this year, I thought we would leave until last. This ties with Rihanna's 2015 gown as my favourite MET Gala of all time. A strong statement, but this is a look that absolutely warrants that title. If Rihanna is Queen of the MET, then Zendaya is the Princess.
MET Gala '18 was without doubt my favourite MET gala of all time. I don't remember a another year in which so many of the stars came through with truly incredible looks that stayed true to the theme. But the most memorable will always be this look. This is, to me, the moment in which Zendaya cemented herself as a fashion 'one to watch'. She commanded the room when she arrived as patron saint Joan of Arc. This look was EVERYTHING.
Zendaya and Law called on the services of Ms Donatella to create this look - and rightly so - there is no better designer than the House of Versace when it comes to chainmail! The Versace armour-esque neck and shoulder pieces were reminiscent of traditional knight's armour and channelled the image of Joan the warrior, whilst the sheer gown covered in sequins added a hint of femininity, softness and glamour, limited any risk of the look falling into cosplay.
Zendaya has since spoken of just how heavy this gown was to wear on the evening, and it was not to be the last time that she would out fashion before comfort. The Mugler robot suit once again comes to mind! But we're lucky to have stars that are this committed doing the most for the sake of fashion - Zendaya, we thank you for your services, sister!
-----
I really hope you enjoyed this piece! It was so fun looking through all the old looks again. There are many many more I could have included. Looking over Met '18, I could do a whole thread on how iconic just that night was. But now, we prep for tonight. 'Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion' - how I hope you are good to us!
What's your opinion?