The Met Gala red carpet has become increasingly extravagant over the past decade, with attendees embracing themes that encourage showmanship, extravagance, and risk-taking. This year’s Met Gala will celebrate the Costume Institute’s new exhibition, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” featuring rare items spanning over 400 years from designers like Schiaparelli, Dior, Givenchy, and more. The event will be co-hosted by Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, Chris Hemsworth, and Anna Wintour, with a dress code of “The Garden of Time.” While we await this year’s event, we can look back at past iconic looks and themes from previous Met Galas, such as Helen Lasichanh’s 2017 Comme des Garçons look and the Olsen twins’ take on the 2013 punk theme.
At the 2023 Met Gala, the theme was “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” celebrating the late designer’s unique contributions to fashion. The event was co-hosted by Michaela Coel, Penélope Cruz, Roger Federer, Dua Lipa, and Anna Wintour. Stars like Rihanna and A$AP Rocky embraced the theme in their Valentino ensembles. In 2022, the theme was “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” highlighting American style and unsung heroes of U.S. design. The red carpet dress code, “in honor of Karl,” inspired celebrities to pay homage to the designer with refined black and white looks.
The Met Gala has evolved over the years from a sea of beautiful evening gowns to a showcase of showmanship and risk-taking. Past themes have ranged from camp to punk, challenging attendees to push boundaries with their fashion choices. The event’s red carpet has become a platform for creativity and self-expression, with celebrities embracing the opportunity to make a statement with their outfits. Each year, the Met Gala offers a chance for attendees to experiment with bold and imaginative styles, creating memorable moments in fashion history.
The Costume Institute’s exhibitions at the Met Gala showcase rare and historic fashion items, providing a comprehensive look at the evolution of style over the years. Designers like Schiaparelli, Dior, and Givenchy have all been featured in past exhibitions, highlighting their contributions to the world of fashion. The event’s co-hosts, including top celebrities and industry insiders, bring their own unique perspectives to each year’s theme, adding to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the event.
As we eagerly await this year’s Met Gala, we can reflect on past iconic looks and themes that have graced the red carpet over the years. From themed events like “Camp” and “Punk” to celebrations of influential designers like Karl Lagerfeld, the Met Gala continues to set the standard for avant-garde fashion and boundary-pushing creativity. Each year, attendees rise to the challenge of interpreting the theme in their own way, creating a spectacle of glamour and innovation that captivates fashion enthusiasts around the world. The Met Gala remains a highlight of the fashion calendar, showcasing the best and most daring in couture and creativity on one of the world’s most prestigious red carpets.
