The Best Met Gala Dresses Of All Time

Lights, camera, action. The Met Gala is around the corner, so it’s only right that we take a look back at the most iconic looks to have graced the red carpet.

Ever since the gala’s first ceremony themed “Fashion Plate” in 1971, the Met has continued to be at the forefront for the most glamourous looks that have depicted so many of the trends we know and love. From Princess Diana’s stunning slip dress, Lady Gaga’s 25-foot train to Cardi B’s dramatic feathered gown, the display of dresses at the met gala have gone down in the history books. Here’s some of our favourites…

1974 - Cher in Bob Mackie

Known as one of the most naked dresses in fashion history, Cher teamed up with Bob Mackie for the 1974 Met Gala. Detailed with beads and white feathers, the sheer gown didn’t leave much to the imagination. In fact, the stars nipples were even visible. Like always, Cher defined glamour and elegance in this burlesque ensemble.

1981 - Iman in Calvin Klein

This has to be an all-time favourite. Attending the 1981Met Gala with Calvin Klein himself, fashion model Iman defined the term glamourous when she walked the carpet in an off the shoulder, chocolate brown CK gown. Accompanied with chunky gold earrings and cuffs, the look was a certain showstopper.

1996 - Princess Diana in Dior

Attending the 1996 gala only three months after her divorce with Prince Charles, the princess of Wales certainly embodied that post breakup glow up as she stole the show in a Christian Dior navy silk floor length dress. The gown was one of the Princesses’ most gorgeous looks, completed with black lace detail on the neckline and straps.

2001 - Marie Chantel in Valentino

Not only is it actresses and models that grace the Met Gala carpet, but even royals attend the show. In the arms of Italian designer Valentino Garavani, Princess Marie Chantel of Greece looked exquisite in the mint-green draped Valentino gown that Jackie Kennedy wore herself back in 1967.

2004 - Scarlett Johansson in Calvin Klein

Certainly, embodying all things Hollywood glam, the actress stunned in a silk yellow, custom-made gown by Calvin Klein back in 2004. Looking like a golden goddess, Scarlett paired the sophisticated gown with gold peep toe heels, a subtle jewelled necklace, and a glossy lip, making heads turn as she posed for the cameras.

2009 - Kate Moss in Marc Jacobs

Defining the 2009 Met Gala theme ‘Models as muse’, Kate Moss embodied a bronzed goddess in a Marc Jacobs metallic, open back mini dress paired with a matching headscarf, silver heels, and a black patent clutch. Side by side with her long-time friend and renowned designer Marc Jacobs, Moss could have certainly won best dressed that night.

2012 - Florence Welch in Alexander McQueen

It was almost a decade ago, back at the “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations” themed gala when Florence Welch stunned in the 3D Alexander McQueen number. Teamed with a pair of cream armadillo heels and a little McQueen clutch, the organza-tired dress stole the show.

2016 - Kim Kardashian in Balmain

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2017 - Zendaya in Dolce and Gabbana

Looking simply stunning, Zendaya attended the 2017 Met Gala wearing a Dolce and Gabbana off the shoulder gown. The tropical print dress featuring flowers and parrots was matched with a bright coral lip along with her hair in an angelic afro. The floor sweeping gown definitely turned many heads that night.

2019 - Cardi B in Thom Browne

The “Bodak Yellow” star was a force to be reckoned with at the 2019 Met Gala as she stepped out in the most extravagant Thom Browne gown. Taking more than 2000 hours to create, the oxblood, silk dress was decorated with approximately 30,000 burned and dyed feathers. Like most of the A listers walking up the Met staircase, the rapper certainly got her insta worthy picture, however it took 10 people from her team to help her guide the train down the carpet.

2019 - Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell

Now this was a serious statement. Back in 2019, Gaga paired up with her designer friend Brandon Maxwell to create one of the most elaborate ensembles to of ever graced the carpet. Featuring a 25-foot train, the bright pink, fuchsia gown was accessorised with a dramatic super smoky eye and an oversized pink bow, taking us right back to the ‘poker face’ days.

2021 - Jennifer Lopez in Ralph Lauren

Killing the “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” theme of last year’s Met, Jennifer Lopez stepped out on the carpet in a rustic, raunchy ensemble. Channelling her inner cowgirl, Lopez sultry dress featured a thigh high slit, feathered detailing, and a plunging neckline. The western theme was also highlighted through the many accessories she added including a feathered bolero jacket, holster belt, rustic brown hat, and some silver strappy heals.

WRITTEN BY

Samantha Holmes

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