The Met Gala is known as the biggest fashion party to date, thrown every year, a fundraising benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The Met Gala welcomes stars and celebrities to dress up according to a theme, an extravagant and authentic way to commemorate different ages and events throughout history and the arts. Although most people are all about judging outfits, it is also important to recognize the ideologies and statements celebrities try to make on these nights. Whether it be honoring their African roots, sticking it to the patriarchy, or empowering women in an age where showing more is idolized, this event is more than just a fashion runway. Men wearing dresses, and women wearing suits, transparent dresses, dreadlocks as accessories, and Picasso-inspired gowns, here are some of the most outrageous Met Gala looks of all time.
1. Emily Ratajkowski, 2021
Seems this year the color red was trending on the carpet in the Met Gala, and once again Emily Ratajkowski stunned us all in her custom, red evening gown with a plunging neckline gown by Vera Wang. As seen in Vogue, Vera Wang made some comments regarding the chosen outfit for Ratajkowski. “It was really about how Emily felt, how she wanted to look. A woman is never more beautiful or seductive than when she is comfortable,” Wang expressed.
Emily Ratajkowski definitely felt the way she wanted to look, we could tell in her photos that she owned her look, and we were absolutely captivated by it.
2. Carey Mulligan, 2021
When Carey Mulligan stepped out in an elegant hairstyle and a pink vintage-inspired bustier full skirt gown, and a cape sweeping over one shoulder, we definitely got some Audrey Hepburn vibes. Mulligan is best known for her role as Daisy in The Great Gatsby, and she has definitely risen to fame in the years following, and this colorful statement will definitely have people talking for some time.
We are definitely excited to see what comes next for this rising star, and can’t wait to see what she brings next.
3. Rihanna, 2015
Four years ago, Rihanna wore what would become one of the most talked-about Met Gala gowns of all time. For the exhibition "China: Through The Looking Glass," an exhibition that explored the impact of Chinese aesthetics on Western fashion, Rihanna made quite an unforgettable entrance. She wore a bright yellow gown by Chinese couturier Guo Pei, the dress took 20 months to make and weighed a total of 55 lbs.
The annual fundraising gala thrown for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York City, is a party no one wants to miss. We look forward to the costumes every year, and Rihanna’s was one we’re glad we didn’t miss.
4. Cher, 1974
The naked dress is a style many celebrities have been rocking on the red carpet, but it’s important to remember the very first celebrity that rocked this style, singer, actress, and television personality, Cher! Known for her distinctive singing voice and embracing a variety of styles and appearances throughout her long career, Cher paved the way for the infamous naked dress at the 1974 "Romantic and Glamorous Hollywood Design" Met Gala.
The singer's nude, a bedazzled gown made by American fashion designer Bob Mackie, featured a white feathered hemline and sleeves and went on to inspire countless looks in the decades to follow.
5. Kim Kardashian, 2021
In this year's Met Gala theme, "In America: A lexicon of fashion,” Kim Kardashian West made a dramatic entrance. Completely covered in black from head to toe, Kim walked in wearing a t-shirt with a long ponytail which emerged from the head mask and trains of fabric trailing behind her. Although eccentric, Kim’s look came as no surprise as she’d been teasing different masked looks by Balenciaga looks for weeks on her instagram.
Wearing her most schismatic Met Gala look to date, designed by Demna Gvasalia of Balenciaga, Kardashian West's outfit was seemingly connected to her estranged husband, Kanye West, who has been promoting his new album, "Donda".
6. Sarah Jessica Parker, 2013
For 2013’s “Punk: Chaos to Couture” exhibit, Sarah Jessica Parker arrived in a printed Giles Deacon gown with thigh-high plaid Christian Louboutin boots, and a Philip Treacy-designed mohawk headdress. It was expressed that the accessory was so enormous that Parker had to actually sit on the floor of the car on the way to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. “I’ve spent time in various uncomfortable and unconventional seated positions in cars on the way to the Met Gala in order to respect the dress,” Parker expressed in an interview with Vogue.
Keeping to the 2013 theme of “Punk”, Parker's mohawk headpiece represented. In addition, it also emphasizes the plumes worn by Roman soldiers during war, a nod to chaos.
7. Katy Perry, 2018
If there’s anyone who takes the Met Gala Themes literally and very seriously, it’s Katy Perry. Taking the 2018 Met Gala "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" theme quite literally, Katy Perry showed up in a convertible white limo, dressed as a life-size angel, complete with giant feathered wings custom made by Versace. “I feel very angelic. Celestial. Ethereal,” Perry said of her look to The New York Times.
“I feel very angelic. Celestial. Ethereal,” Perry expressed to The New York Times. Naturally, Katy got into character and even took a moment to get into a prayer pose on the Met Gala steps.
8. Zoë Kravitz, 2021
Zoë Kravitz has got it and she’s definitely not afraid to flaunt it. The actress made a statement on the Met Gala 2021 red carpet on Monday, wearing a completely sheer metal mesh Saint Laurent gown with a matching thong underneath. Despite looking great, the star was criticized for what she wore, Kravitz responded to the latter critic, according to the screenshot wizards at Comments by Celebs. “Being uncomfortable with the human body is colonization / brainwashing. It’s just a body. We all got 'em,” she wrote.
During this year’s Met Gala, Kravitz was joined by rumoured boyfriend Channing Tatum, who opted for a black tuxedo by Donatella Versace for the event.
9. Marc Jacobs, 2012
There is nothing more extraordinary than a fashion designer who’s invited to a themed party. In 2012, “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations” was the theme, and Marc Jacobs hit the mark, arriving at the 2012 Met Gala, wearing a sheer lace dress courtesy of Comme des Garçons. The daring look came paired with pilgrim shoes from his own fashion house, crew socks and white boxers. “It’s just a lace dress” Jacobs expressed on the event’s livestream during his red carpet arrival. “I just didn’t wanna wear a tuxedo and be boring.”
“I think Miuccia Prada is such a celebration of the unconventional and so it felt like, appropriate, somehow. They are two women [Schiaparelli and Prada] who I have always loved the work of; I mean Schiaparelli is one of my all-time heroes and Miuccia Prada continues to be a hero of mine,” Jacobs expressed.
10. Iman Abdulmajid, 2021
Somali-American model Iman Abdulmajid made heads turn in her appearance on the red carpet at this year's Met Gala, when she walked in with a massive gold feathered headpiece by Dolce & Gabbana x Harris Reed. Her immaculate headpiece was coupled with pants and strapless gold bodysuit, with a matching hoop skirt cage. She was glowing gold, and was very hard to miss with feather embellishments coming out of every angle.
When asked how she felt about her outfit Iman expressed to Vogue, "He approached me, and then he sent me this drawing, which ... I fell over," "I thought it was beautiful because it really felt hopeful, a ray of light after all the darkness we felt. So, I thought this was a perfect outfit for it."
11. Cara Delevingne, 2021
With millions of people watching, places like the Met Gala are great for celebs to get controversial, and speak their minds. Delevingne did just that with her very loud statement, in a custom Dior she wore to the event, the white plate-like armor strap with the words ‘Peg the Patriarchy’ boldly written over the top in red. As quoted by Vogue, Delevingne shared the initial idea, expressing that “They made it come to fruition, which was just so sweet because it’s making a bit of a statement,” “It’s got a clear message that’s meant to be a bit more lighthearted and tongue-in-cheek.”
The message was very personal to the star, “I nearly burst into tears; I felt so grateful,” “It’s my most simple Met piece, but it says it all for itself,” she expressed upon seeing it.
12. Whoopi Goldberg, 2021
We don’t think Whoopi Goldberg could ever go wrong, and she was red carpet perfect this year at the Met Gala. She showed up rocking a custom Valentino dress, cape and gloves, custom made for her by Pierpaolo Piccioli. There were so many ruffles we’re sure it needed an army to carry, in fact Goldberg admitted that she wouldn’t have been able to carry it around on her own.
"When you have 50 people helping, it's brilliant. If I had to do it by myself, it would be rough," Goldberg expressed, as quoted by news24.
13. Pete Davidson, 2021
Davidson is not one known to shy away from being his authentic and eccentric self, when he showed up wearing a dress suit by Thom Browne. The comedian has been experimenting with fashion in the past year, and we are definitely loving what we are seeing. “We felt the dress represented Thom Browne’s identity as an American designer who is constantly breaking boundaries and norms,” Theodora, Davidson’s stylist tells Vogue. “The classic shape of the dress gave the perfect ode to American tailoring.”
Quoted by Page Six “If you’re gonna wear a dress,” Davidson quipped, “what better way or place to do it than the Met, you know? I’m really excited and really stoked that they thought I could pull this off, which is hilarious.”
14. Lady Gaga, 2016
Never one to blend in, Lady Gaga took the 2016 Met Gala by no surprise when she showed up to the "Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology" themed ball in a Versace bodysuit and blazer combo wearing the highest platform boots to ever hit the red carpet. Gaga joked with reporters that her outfit choice was also incredibly efficient, taking her only 10 minutes to get ready for the event.
Despite only officially walking the Met steps three times, Gaga is considered Met Gala royalty and never disappoints when she's on the carpet. Between her affinity for bold fashion choices and love of theatrics, the singer always thrives at the Met Gala, and we always enjoy watching her do it.
15. Lorde, 2021
The “Royals” singer dressed in quite the creative outfit from Bode, by the New York designer Emily Bode, who repurposes fabrics and garments for her acclaimed menswear line. Lorde wore a light white jacket that had colorful embellishments. A matching dress that had a short train attached to it, and most notably a headpiece that made her look like a true queen. While on the red carpet, Lorde explained that she worked with “repurposed antiques” from Bode to create her outfit.
She also continued, “This feels more like the America that we know. To see all these beautiful people, all the new people going through, it’s the best.”
16. Frank Ocean, 2021
Everyone is talking about Frank Ocean and the green robotic baby with silver grills that he brought with him to the Met Gala this year. The known R&B singer wore a casual look, a black Dreamcore cap as well as a black Prada jacket. Although his unusual choice of accessory was the talk of the night, he wasn't the only one sporting an interesting addition on the red carpet. Back in 2017, Jaden Smith bought a fist full of his freshly cut dreadlocks, and this year, Grimes brought a large sword.
But it was definitely fun to see Frank Ocean walking around the very luxurious Met Gala toting around a baby alien that he was treating like an actual real-life baby.
17. Nia Dennis, 2021
Nothing short of a grand entrance, gymnast Nia Dennis kicked off this year’s Met Gala with an amazing floor routine on the red carpet. She was accompanied by Brooklyn United Marching Band, Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys, and American Boy by Kanye West featuring Estelle. Dressed in a sparkly blue bodysuit, Dennis added an Adidas by Stella McCartney diamond gown over her bodysuit before heading into the gala.
"This feels like I'm living in a dream," Dennis told Vogue. "People aren't necessarily tuned into gymnastics. I'm really excited to bring the sport to the Met Gala."
18. Hunter Schafer, 2021
Some people have the ability to pull off the most extravagant looks, and Hunter Schafer is definitely one of those people. Schafer showed up to this year's Met Gala dressed as her ‘alien alter ego.’ “90s grunge, a pinch of playful dystopian sci-fi, and just a sprinkle of romantic horror” is how makeup artist Sandy Ganzer described Hunter Schafer at the 2021 Met gala in Vanity Fair. Schafer wore a two-piece silver look from Prada’s spring 1999 collection.
But the outfit was not the only part of the look that made a statement, it was only the beginning of a transformation that extended from makeup to fingertips.
19. Solange, 2015
Another celebrity not afraid to be loud and taking “Through the Looking Glass” seriously is Solange Knowles. Knowles made her highly anticipated debut at the 2015 Met Gala wearing what didn’t look so clear at the very beginning. Knowles wore a Giles minidress in what appeared to look like the shape of a stingray, with a surrealist print and paired it with simple black heels and wore her hair back in a ponytail.
Yet despite all the comments regarding how bizarre this choice was for Knowles, we have to admit that it’s hard to look away from, it kept us captivated enough to remember it years later.
20. Troye Sivan, 2021
The last time we saw the singer on the steps of the Met was in 2018 when the artist wore a red Valentino suit for “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination”. We thought it would have been impossible to top off Sivan’s last fashion statement, however, Sivan turned heads in a cut-out black dress, paired with a Cartier Essential Lines necklace in platinum and diamonds, which was completed with a pair of Rick Owens heels.
“When I think of America, especially New York, I think of chic, I think of black and white, I think of Robert Mapplethorpe and I think of leather,” Sivan told Keke Palmer. “Leather is so American.”
21. Lily Aldridge, 2017
With the extravagance of the Victoria's Secret Runway shows, when Victoria's Secret model walks the carpet at a Met Gala we expect big wings and fun, bright and full of magic outfits. When Lily Aldridge showed up at the 2017 Met Gala in an elegant white silk dress with a trail long enough to need help dragging around custom-made by Ralph Lauren, we were far from surprised and extremely captivated. “The fabric was heavy silk that could wrinkle quite easily and the train was so long, three of us held up her train while she stood on the party bus from The Carlyle Hotel to The Met,” says stylist Meredith Melling of styling duo La Marque.
We thought it couldn't get any better, but the red Balenciaga over-the-knee boots on her feet made their own statement, and we were all listening.
22. Lupita Nyong'o, 2014
When Lupita Nyong’o showed up to the 2014 Met Gala with a theme dedicated to America’s first couturier, Charles James, in a feathered, beaded, mesh green Prada dress, everyone thought she may have been a little underdressed. But some remarks were made regarding whether she was trying to convey a very subtle message about history and the Gala's celebrated designer, Charles James.
The Prada dress that the actress selected conjured images of African American showgirl Josephine Baker. It was "like something [she] would have worn in James' era, when she fled segregated America for fame and fortune in France," wrote Moore.
23. Priyanka Chopra, 2017
The Indian actress was new to the Golden Globes when she made her first appearance at the 2017 Met Gala, where she showed up in a head-turning custom piece by Ralph Lauren. Priyanka Chopra's sweeping train cascaded behind her as she ascended the Met Gala staircase in the most dramatic trench coat of all time. The head-turning look, designed by Ralph Lauren, was sexy detective meets red carpet glamour—the most unexpected of combos
Fashion critics spoke highly of Priyanka's bold choice with her 2017 ensemble and the internet erupted with memes on her Ralph Lauren trench coat.
24. Cardi B, 2018
Cardi B arrived at her first Met Gala in 2018 in an ensemble inspired by the exhibit's theme, "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination." The Moschino heavily embellished floor-length gown hugged her pregnant belly; which she showed off beautifully! The gown had long sleeves, and a slit up to her left hip, with a bedazzled headpiece, an extra-thick choker and bejeweled gloves. The hip-hop star also attended arm in arm with designer Jeremy Scott in matching, heavily embellished ensembles.
We wouldn’t have guessed that the 2018 Met Gala was Cardi B’s first, and she has continued to stun us in recent years. We definitely can't wait to see what comes next.
25. Teyana Taylor, 2021
There have been many commentators regarding the bareness of some celebrities on the red carpet this year. But despite any and all opinions, Teyana Taylor showed up looking absolutely extraordinary in a metallic gown with straps everywhere but little cloth, exposing her very toned arms, tummy, hips and legs. The skirt also had a massive slit that showed off her bare legs, and also a very long train that was dragged up the stairs of the Met in NYC.
If we thought that dress was amazing, the piece on her head was even more of a statement. She wore more of the same dress straps that coiled around her hair making her resemble a modern-day Medusa.
26. Zendaya, 2018
The 2018 theme, "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination," inspired the singer and actress to don the armor of one of Catholicism's most famed icons: Saint Joan of Arc.The custom Versace gown featured an armored neck-and-shoulder piece, sparkling chainmail, a spiked belt, and a modest train. Her gown had so many little intricate details, we were always looking at something new and it was hard to look away.
Though we may have thought that the gown was jewelry enough, she still added a fistful of rings and a necklace in the cut-out on her chest.
27. Celine Dion, 2017
The 2017 Met Gala marked Celine Dion’s first time at the event, and she made sure to make it count. Wearing a Versace gown and Bulgari jewels, Dion maintained her excitement from the moment she hit the carpet, and she never let it falter. She shared with E! that she insisted her gown have a deep pocket to hold her invitation, a tissue, her driver's license, and passport in case no one at the door recognized her.
Though if they tried to turn her away, she guaranteed that she’d “start singing in the middle of the street” to prove her identity. If there’s one person we want stopping traffic, it’s definitely Celine Dion.
28. Zoe Saldana, 2019
Made of 60,000 sequins applied to the dress to create a “sparkling confetti effect,” Saldana gave an entirely new definition to the word ‘fierce’ arriving in Michael Kors one-sleeve, tie-neck, side slit dress. She accessorized with platform sandals and a matching purple ostrich-feather on her hair. “The camp theme allowed everyone to really play it up and create some fun moments. It’s an overall anything-goes approach, and that showed!” Saldana expressed.
The Guardians of the Galaxy star was definitely a sight for sore eyes, and we definitely felt like we were back in the 70’s looking at her shine on the red carpet.
29. Jennifer Lopez, 2021
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's big Met Gala red carpet debut will have to wait a little longer. For now what really needs to be discussed is the spectacular singer and actress arriving at the Met Gala in her outfit by Ralph Lauren, a plunge dress with a high leg slit and faux fur wrap. If that wasn’t already enough, she accessorized her outfit with a cowgirl hat and giant statement necklaces.
Jennifer Lopez may have posed on the Met Gala steps alone but her old-time new-time lover, Ben Affleck, joined her inside the event, where the two weren't shy showing off some PDA sharing a kiss with their masks on.
30. Frances McDormand, 2018
Looking like the queen of angels, McDormand took to the 2018 theme of “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” and left us completely speechless. Dressed in custom Valentino with a massive headpiece that made its own red carpet entrance. Although it was difficult to see her when she first made her entrance on the red carpet that night, she was definitely a walking masterpiece and left a very vivid impression on us all.
Frances McDormand’s look was completely unexpected, and surprised everyone walking in, but she definitely owned it and wore her outfit extravagantly.
31. Janelle Monae, 2019
It was officially proclaimed that Janelle Monae showed up with the absolute best hat of the night. Monae does not shy away when it comes to being fashionably loud, although expected, we were still surprised to see how amazing and extravagant the singer looked. She wore a Christian Siriano design with a motorized blinking eye provided by Smooth Technology. This was not only a representation of the art of the famous Picasso but also to Monae’s love for science and fiction.
Janelle wanted to specifically pull inspiration from Picasso's work of surrealism, which is definitely captured with her dress and her magical stack of hats.
32. Jaden Smith, 2017
Only Jaden Smith can show up in a sleek Louis Vuitton suit and heeled boots, and still everyone’s attention, especially when he walks in with a fist full of his own hair as an accessory. We’re not sure the exact reason for Jaden Smith bringing a handful of his cut dreads to the party, maybe it was a statement of change and Smith evolving into a different version of himself that he wanted to boast about.
Either way, we think this particular outfit was one for the books, and we will definitely not be forgetting it anytime soon.
33. Ciara, 2021
If there was ever a supportive wife, Ciara definitely takes the cake. The star showed up to this year's Met Gala rocking her husband Russell Wilson's Seattle Seahawks jersey number, 3, in honor of this year's theme, In America: A Lexicon of Fashion. Ciara shined in a neon green, sequined gown with dramatic shoulder pads, and a very long train. To make complete the outfit and the statement, Ciara carried a blinged football clutch.
She told Vogue Livestream co-host Keke Palmer: "I am inspired by my husband's … jerseys." Well, we were definitely inspired by her choice of wardrobe and in complete awe.
34. Daphne Guinness, 2011
As expected Daphne Guiness made a grand entrance during the 2011 Met Gala when she showed up in a feathered Alexander McQueen Spring 2011 frock. There aren’t many people who can look like a swan and pull it off so elegantly, but Guinness looked spectacular and rocked her outfit. Daphne topped off her statement gown with some statement earrings and silver platforms, and her signature, black and blond hairstyle gave her an even further edge.
You can always count on Daphne Guinness to make a grand entrance at a party, and her 2011 Met Gala appearance is not one we will soon forget.
35. Kendall Jenner, 2017
Kendall Jenner is no stranger to showing a little bit of skin, and she was definitely not shy to show up to the 2017 Met Gala with an unforgettable outfit. But there was no denying how well she shined in a dress that barely dressed much at all. She wore a glitter-flecked La Perla slip that mimicked the infamous naked dress Cher and Rihanna rocked in the past. Coupled with a black thong, the dress featured a bold cut-out across the front staying true to the night’s avant-garde theme.
According to Bazaar, “The model's black ombrè gown was embellished with 85,000 hand-placed crystals,” and the work definitely showed.