An invitation to the Met Gala is steeped in exclusivity, meaning if you manage to bag a ticket, you'd better bring your red carpet A-game.
The first Monday in May has brought us some of the most iconic outfits in fashion history-moments that live rent-free in our minds and on every Met Gala mood board ever made.
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Who could forget Kim Kardashian wearing (and reportedly tearing) Marylin Monroe's vintage Bob Mackie gown, a move that sparked a thousand think-pieces on fashion preservation, celebrity entitlement, and sheer audacity? Or Blake Lively's show-stopping, colour-changing Versace gown that transformed on the steps like a couture chameleon, paying homage to the architecture of New York City and the Statue of Liberty all at once?
Then there’s Cher in 1974, dazzling in a sheer, feathered Bob Mackie dress that practically invented the naked dress before Instagram or red carpet “moments” were even a thing. But the Met Gala has always been about more than just clothes—it's a cultural spectacle where fashion meets performance art, where designers push boundaries and celebrities become living sculptures. From Rihanna’s regal Guo Pei omelette moment to Zendaya literally lighting up the red carpet as Cinderella, each year offers unforgettable fashion history in the making. With themes that range from “Camp” to “Heavenly Bodies,” the Met Gala isn't just an event - it’s the ultimate fashion fantasy come to life. Scroll on as H! Fashion shares the most glamorous Met Gala dresses of all time...
What is the best ever Met Gala look?
Many fashion experts reference Rihanna’s 2015 Guo Pei gown as peak Met Gala: dramatic, unforgettable, and completely on theme (“China: Through the Looking Glass”). With its massive train, ornate embroidery, and fur trim, it turned her into literal royalty. It wasn’t just a dress-it was a moment that defined red carpet excellence.
What was the most expensive Met Gala dress ever?
Kim Kardashian’s 2022 Marilyn Monroe gown reportedly cost nearly $5 million at auction, making it the most expensive Met Gala look ever worn. The original Bob Mackie design was steeped in Hollywood history and controversy, sparking debate about preservation, authenticity, and whether fashion icons should ever be resurrected... literally or sartorially.
What was the most scandalous Met Gala outfit?
Rihanna’s 2018 pope-inspired Maison Margiela look for the 'Heavenly Bodies' theme was pure fashion provocation. Dressed in a heavily beaded papal mitre and matching robe-mini hybrid, she reimagined religious iconography through a couture lens. The internet exploded - some called it blasphemous, others genius. Either way, Rihanna proved she’s the Met Gala’s fearless queen.H! FashionH! Fashion
Gigi Hadid bloomed on the steps of the Met in a sculptural Thom Browne gown embroidered with yellow roses and graphic black piping. The off-shoulder corset gave bridal-meets-botanical energy, while the dramatic train made her look like she stepped out of a fairytale garden. Camp, couture, and curves in full bloom.
Kendall Jenner attended the 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion wearing a sheer embellished Givenchy gown which channelled Audrey Hepburn in one of her most iconic roles. The dress was reminiscent of the one Audrey wears in My Fair Lady, when she took on the iconic role of Eliza Doolittle.
AOC took the phrase 'statement dress' and ran with it, giving it the most literal meaning possible. For the 2021gala, the congresswoman donned a white strapless dress from Brother Vellies with 'tax the rich' sprawled across the back in red writing.
Kaia wore a stunning Oscar De La Renta dress in 2021 that paid homage to a dress Bianca Jagger wore 40 years prior. Gerber's dress boated similar floral detailing across the neckline.
There's nobody who makes an entrance like Lady Gaga, and in this case it was a 16 minute long one. She nailed the Barbiecore trend before it was even a thing, she wore the most extravagant fuschia pink cape coat by Brandon Maxwell in 2019. Later in the evening for her performance the cape was removed to reveal another black strapless gown, followed by a diamante bra and pants set.
Katy Perry's playful style agenda teamed with Moschino was a match made in heaven for the 2019 event. She wore a chandelier complete with battery packs to illuminate the lights.
Blake Lively shut down the 2018 red carpet in this custom Versace masterpiece for the Heavenly Bodies theme. Her ruby-and-gold gown featured cathedral-worthy embroidery and a mile-long train. The jewelled bodice? Pure Renaissance royalty.
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Ariana Grande, 2018
Ariana Grande stunned in an etheral 'sistine chapel' gown in 2018 by Vera Wang for the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination theme.
Beyoncé arrived fashionably late and nearly nude in a sheer Givenchy gown covered in strategic jewelled appliqués. It was a mic-drop moment that redefined Met Gala arrivals. Hair in a high ponytail and confidence maxed out, she reminded everyone that the 'naked dress' doesn’t mean lack of imagination-it means domination.
Rihanna gave Belle from Beauty and the Beast's dress a Met Gala-worthy upgrade in a stunning bright yellow cape by Gui Pei that nailed the 2015 China: Through the Looking Glass theme.
Vintage at the Met Gala is The Row founders and minimalist luxury style muses Mary-Kate and Ashley's speciality. But the decadent black evening gowns they wore to the 2015 ceremony were exquisite.
In 2014 SJP wore a Carrie Bradshaw-worthy Oscar De La Renta gown with a black trellis motif. Both the designer and the style muse were co-chairs on the night.
Taylor Swift went classic in soft blush Oscar de la Renta for Charles James: Beyond Fashion. With delicate embroidery, an elegant train, and a ladylike silhouette, she was every inch the vintage debutante. Red lips and retro waves sealed the look - proof that sometimes, subtle slays hardest.
Kate Moss channeled Old Hollywood glam with a futuristic twist, wearing a metallic mini-drape dress by Marc Jacobs paired with a turban. The backless silhouette was pure drama, and the zebra-print carpet only amped it up. She served Studio 54 energy with a modern edge - disco ball not included.
Jennifer Lopez went gothic glam in a corseted black lace Dolce & Gabbana gown, complete with floral appliqués and a sultry silhouette. The Victorian-meets-burlesque vibe turned heads at the 2004 Met Gala. Add her signature red lip and fierce gaze? It was the definition of dark romance.
Supermodel Amber Valletta gave us full Marie Antoinette cosplay at the Dangerous Liaisons Met Gala in 2004. Her corseted bodice and voluminous Galliano skirt were paired with towering powdered hair. It was camp before camp was a theme. Let them eat cake? More like let them eat couture.
Supermodel Amber Valletta gave us full Marie Antoinette cosplay at the Dangerous Liaisons Met Gala in 2004. Her corseted bodice and voluminous Galliano skirt were paired with towering powdered hair. It was camp before camp was a theme. Let them eat cake? More like let them eat couture.
With the anticipation surrounding the sartorial agenda of the Met Gala, most guests opt for the most OTT outfit possible. Not the late Princess of Wales. She attended the 1996 event in a stunning navy slip dress from Dior paired with a seven-strand pearl necklace complete with a gigantic sapphire.
Though Marylin Monroe arguably has the most famous Bob Mackie gown at the Met Gala thanks to Kim Kardashian wearing it in 2022, we must honour Cher's feather trim gown in 1974 that began the event's naked dress trend.
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