Met Gala: The past 10 themes explained

Last year's theme was a homage to fashion royalty the late Karl Lagerfeld whose career in the fashion industry pioneers countless iconic aesthetics and history-making looks. The Costume Institute showcased over 150 garments from his six-decade reign working at Chanel, Fendi, Chloe and his namesake brand, Karl Lagerfeld. 

Attendees of the event went all out for the evening, Doja Cat even went as far as to cosplay as the late designer's beloved feline friend Choupette. 

2022 was the year Kim Kardashian made headlines for wearing Marilyn Monroe's iconic diamante encrusted dress that she wore to serenade President Kennedy. The theme was the second part of the Costume Institute’s homage to American Designers, the first being In America: A Lexicon of Fashion, which was the theme for 2021.

Designed to shed light on American designers both past, present and future, the America: A Lexicon of Fashion exhibition included over 100 pieces from American designers. Guests of the event including Zoë Kravitz, Billie Eilish and Rihanna all stepped out in designer ensembles which all effortlessly highlighted the theme on the world stage.

Possibly one of the most iconic themes to date, 2019 saw famed faces and designers work together to create showstopping garments that channel the camp aesthetic made famous in the 1960s. Zendaya wore a light-up Cinderella dress by Tommy Hilfiger whilst Lady Gaga donned not one, not two, not three but four custom Brandon Maxwell ensembles.

Inspired by the Vatican and its holy archive items, 2018's theme paid tribute to religious art and all its glory. Many stars took the theme literally, donning crystal-encrusted headpieces and intricately embroidered gowns in rich burgundy and gold hues.

In honour of Japanese designer and founder of Comme des Garçons and Dover Street Market, Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between was a spectacle all about wacky, weird and iconic objects loved by the famed designer. This was also the year Bella Hadid wore a crochet black catsuit and Cara Delevingne painted her head metallic silver.

Focusing on the contrast between handmade and machine-made garments, 2016’s theme was interpreted by stars donning both archival haute couture pieces and futuristic recycled plastic bottle gowns.

This was the year Beyoncé stunned in a sheer, crystal-encrusted Givenchy gown and Rihanna took up the whole red carpet steps with her opulent yellow cape and dress look by Chinese couture designer Guo Pei. The theme was all about celebrating China’s effect on the Western fashion world, headed up by both the Department of Asian Art and the Costume Institute.

Co-chaired by Sarah Jessica Parker, Bradley Cooper and Oscar de la Renta the 2014 theme was a homage to late designer Charles Wilson Brega James, who was considered “fashion’s first genius.” Tailored suiting, intricate use of materials and draped designs were at the forefront this year.

Focusing on the heavily celebrated punk movement of both New York and London, the theme for 2013 was all about DIY culture and the couture concept of "made-to-measure." Many stars leaned into the punk aesthetic, opting for mesh materials, cutout panels, leather accessories and metal-encrusted layering.