Fashion’s biggest night out, a.k.a. the 2024 Met Gala, is just around the corner, and it’s all anyone can talk about. The 2024 Met Gala will celebrate the Costume Institute‘s new exhibition, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” The dress code for the 2024 Met Gala attendees is “Garden of Time.” As we wait in anticipation to discover how the Who’s Who of Hollywood and beyond interpret the theme, we can’t help but take a look back at the most creative Met Gala looks of all time.
DOJA CAT IN OSCAR DE LA RENTA
MET GALA 2023 – KARL LAGERFELD: A LINE OF BEAUTY
Last year, Doja Cat made her Met Gala debut, delivering one of the most memorable looks of the night. The singer, dressed up as Karl Lagerfeld’s cat Choupette, looked almost unrecognizable. Her internet-breaking look included a white hand-beaded Oscar de La Renta gown, complete with a face-framing hood affixed with cat ears and prosthetics to transform her face. Taking her role as Choupette super seriously, the pop star refused to speak on the red carpet, responding only in meows.
BLAKE LIVELY IN VERSACE
MET GALA 2022 – IN AMERICA: AN ANTHOLOGY OF FASHION
Easily one of the most creative Met Gala looks of all time, Blake Lively‘s dual-toned Versace gown was a tribute to New York City. The actress stepped on the red carpet in a rose gold gown with a mammoth bow wrapped around her waist, which, once unraveled,d transformed into a glorious bright blue train – symbolizing the oxidation of Lady Liberty.
KIM KARDASHIAN IN JEAN-LOUIS
MET GALA 2022 – IN AMERICA: AN ANTHOLOGY OF FASHION
One of the most controversial Met Gala looks, perhaps of all time, Kim Kardashian‘s red carpet look, an iconic Jean-Louis dress originally worn by Marlyn Monroe, stirred a heavy backlash. While it might not have been the wisest decision to take the dress out of the museum vault only to return it heavily damaged, choosing the legendary dress for the “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” theme at the Met Gala has landed Kardashian on the list of the most creative Met Gala looks of all time.
LADY GAGA IN BRANDON MAXWELL
MET GALA 2019 – CAMP: NOTES ON FASHION
One can hardly talk about the most creative Met Gala looks of all time without mentioning Lady Gaga‘s Met Gala 2019 performance, where she gave us not one or two but four mindblowing Brandon Maxwell looks. Arriving on the red carpet in a voluminous pink Fuschia robe featuring a magnificent train, she shed the dramatic garment to reveal a fitted black ballgown followed by a vibrant pink column dress. Her final ensemble comprised a black bralette paired with high-waisted Swarovski crystal-adorned knickers.
ZENDAYA IN TOMMY HILFIGER
MET GALA 2019 – CAMP: NOTES ON FASHION
Etched in history books as one of the most creative Met Gala looks of all time, Zendaya‘s Cinderella-inspired Tommy Hilfiger gown is, to date, one of the most memorable looks to grace the Met Gala red carpet. The powder blue Timmy Hilfiger gown, paired with a pumpkin carriage-shaped bag, lit up on the red carpet as Zendaya’s fairy godmother (her stylist Law Roach) waved his magic watch.
KATY PERRY IN MOSCHINO
MET GALA 2019 – CAMP: NOTES ON FASHION
Speaking of lighting up the red carpet, Katy Perry–who dressed up as a literal chandelier–was not far behind. One of the most extravagant looks of the night, the Moschino ‘Chandelier’ dress featured intricate beading and glowing candles.
KIM KARDASHIAN IN THIERRY MUGLER
MET GALA 2019 – CAMP: NOTES ON FASHION
One of the most talked about looks from the history of the Met Gala, Kim Kardashian’s “Wet Dress” by Thierry Mugler, was inspired by Sophia Loren’s wet shirtdress from Boy on a Dolphin. Dripping in crystals, the sultry outfit has gone down in history as one of the most stunning Met Gala looks of all time.
JARED LETO IN GUCCI
MET GALA 2019 – CAMP: NOTES ON FASHION
Remember that time Jared Leto stepped on the Met Gala red carpet carrying a lifesize replica of errr… his own head? Yes, unforgettable, isn’t it? Dressed by Gucci–who debuted lifelike heads on its Fall/Winter 2018 runway–Leto’s look remains one of the most creative Met Gala looks of all time.
BEYONCÉ IN GIVENCHY
MET GALA 2015 – CHINA: THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
For the 2015 Met Gala theme “China: Through the Looking Glass,” Beyoncé wore a sheer Givenchy dress that left little to the imagination. A clever interpretation of the theme, the bedazzled gown was almost entirely see through with the exception of stategically placed cystals.
RIHANNA IN GUO PEI
MET GALA 2015 – CHINA: THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
Rihanna‘s Met Gala 2015 outfit stood out for its exceptional creativity on multiple fronts. Firstly, her choice of designer, a Chinese couturier, Guo Pei, was a bold departure from the mainstream. The striking yellow hue of the cape, coupled with its voluminous silhouette, made a dramatic statement, instantly capturing attention. What made the outfit truly remarkable was its fusion of cultural influences, blending elements of traditional Chinese design with modern haute couture. The ornate detailing, including intricate embroidery and a dramatic train, showcased Guo Pei’s master craftsmanship.
ALSO READ: THE 2024 MET GALA THEME HAS BEEN REVEALED – HERE’S EVERYTHING WE KNOW.
