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The Met Gala has been wowing the fashion world and art lovers alike for decades, bringing daring textile designs to the forefront. Created in 1948 by publicist Eleanor Lambert to help raise funds for the Costume Institute, the Met Gala has since become a star-studded event for celebrities, fashion icons, and pop culture figures. Now under the direction of Vogue Editor in Chief Anna Wintour, the Met Gala is the place to see and be seen, where many of the wild fashions presented serve as inspiration for upcoming trends and fashion statements.
Throughout the years, the iconic fashions on display at the Met Gala have increasingly gotten more and more bold and elaborate. From vintage-inspired dresses to glittering ensembles that invoke Halloween, the Met Gala has become just as much about art as it is about the latest fashion. In 2004, model Amber Valetta wore a Marie Antoinette-inspired skirt designed by John Galliano that really turned heads, complete with a see-through corset and 18th-century hairstyle. Since then, Parisian dresses have been a red carpet staple at this star-studded event as designers find inspiration in the old and new from around the world.
While most of us won’t dress for red-carpet events on an everyday basis, it’s still fun to get inspired by the creative styles found in high fashion. Want to infuse your wardrobe with the high drama and artistic accents that can only be found at the Met Gala? Read on and get inspired as we break down the best Met Gala looks of the decade.
2016 Magnus x Machina
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The theme for the 2016 Met Gala explored the role of technology in fashion. Bionic looks with robot-inspired accents and shiny fabrics comprised the futuristic looks of over 170 guests. Stars like Zayne Malik, Gigi Hadid, Kim Kardashian, and Kanye West stole the spotlight with their robo ensembles. You can emulate this in blouses, cocktail dresses, or accessories constructed in silver sequined fabric.
Other notable ensembles of the evening include Taylor Swift in a sliver-ruffled cocktail dress by Louis Vuitton, Beyonce in a shiny pink puff-sleeve gown by Givenchy, and Kim Kardashian in a silver corset robo dress from Balmain. Lady Gaga wore a futuristic corset, jacket, and platform boots ensemble from Atelier Versace.
2017 Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art of the In-Between
Avant-garde black tie looks were the name of the game at the 2017 Met Gala. Guests were encouraged to show off looks featuring their interpretation of black tie suits and ball gowns with a high-concept spin. Parisian dresses like the Christian Dior black tulle number worn by Daria Strokous were on display, as were vintage-inspired dresses like the white one-sleeve gown designed by Stella McCartney and worn by Kate Hudson. Other notable styles include Monica Belluci in a black lace gown by Valentino and Cynthia Erivo in a white beaded one-sleeve gown by Thom Browne.
2018 Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination
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Catholic iconography was on display in 2018 by designers Coco Chanel, Gianni Versace, and more. Rihanna arrived in a dramatic cardinal hat, while Madonna invoked her “Like a Prayer” gothic chic style in a stunning strappy black lace dress from Jon Paul Gaultier. Other notable styles include Emilia Clarke in an embroidered black strapless dress from Dolce and Gabbana, Blake Lively in a crushed velvet embroidered Versace gown, and Zendaya outfitted in a chainmail Versace Joan of Arc suit of arms.
2021-2022 In America: A Lexicon of Fashion
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American culture has had a huge impact on global fashion. From 2021-2022, the Met Gala paid homage to the USA with styles inspired by American artists, celebrities, musicians, and more. Billie Eilish stunned in a peach tulle dress designed by Oscar de la Renta for a look reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe. Black lace showed up again in Olivia Rodrigo’s rocker chic-inspired aesthetic from Yves Saint Laurent.
2024 The Garden of Time
Romantic florals and creeping vines blossomed along the Met Gala red carpet in 2024. Celebrities like Zendaya arrived in a Victorian-inspired dress designed by John Galliano, boasting a lengthy train and dripping in grapevines. Gigi Hadid also appeared in a floral embellished beauty, while Lana Del Ray walked the carpet in a gauzy number outfitted with climbing tree branches. Demi Moore also stunned in a spiky orchid-inspired dress designed by Harris Reed.
Met Gala Inspiration
The Met Gala is about spectacle, about raising awareness of fashion and art all for a good cause. Take inspiration from some of these celebrity chic styles of the past and let your true fashion personality shine through.
