Top Met Gala Looks (Of the Past)
As I eagerly anticipate this year’s Met Gala, themed “The Garden of Time,” now is the perfect moment to reminisce on the unforgettable fashion moments that have graced the carpeted steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in years past. With tomorrow’s Met promising a fusion of temporal beauty and designer innovation, it only made sense for me to discuss my previous favorites. From bold statements to master couture, the following looks not only reflect the theme of their respective years, but also serve as enduring testaments to the boundless artistry that defines this unparalleled event.
Ariana Grande - Vera Wang - Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination (2018)
Ariana Grande’s only Met Gala appearance thus far bared the Sistine Chapel ceiling in a custom Vera Wang gown, absolutely bodying the theme. In the midst of her, at the time, Sweetener era, the look also served as an easter egg for her upcoming single, “God is a woman.” Layers on layers of tulle and ruching detailing complimented the gown, printed with Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgement.” For her first Met, a train almost the same size as her feels appropriate. And a giant hair bow to finish off the look? Absolutely.
Rihanna - Guo Pei - China: Through the Looking Glass (2015)
How could this not make the list? Selecting only a single Rihanna look for this article was near impossible, considering she’s arguably the queen of the Met. This made the cut not only due to the breathtaking craftmanship, but Rihanna’s ability to make a garment look like its purpose is to be worn by her. Lined with a golden fur-appearing material and a sea of appliques, this dress will certainly go down in history as one of the greatest, because after all… which other looks from 2015 do you remember?
Billie Eilish - Gucci - Gilded Glamour (2022)
In classic Billie Eilish fashion, for the 2022 Met she partnered with Gucci, wearing a corseted, pastel-colored gown made from recycled materials. The stunning gown feels modernized, yet exquisitely on theme. Abandoning her (at the time) signature color schemes and silhouettes, everything about this look just does it for me. From the peek-a-boo lace sleeve turned fingerless glove to the eye-catching floral centerpiece, this is one that I constantly reminisce on.
Emma Chamberlain - Miu Miu - Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty (2023)
I felt like including Emma Chamberlain on this list is important, as she is one of the only “influencers” who has managed to successfully make it in the world of couture. And not only has she “made it,” she has served (to date) three solid Met looks. Personally, I feel that this ode to Karl Lagerfeld and the legacy of Chanel is the standout. The Cinderella blue perfectly complements not only her, but the delicateness and intricacy that Chanel was known for.
Doja Cat - Oscar de la Renta - Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty (2023)
We saw many references to Karl Lagerfeld’s famous cat “Choupette” at the 2023 Met, however, Doja Cat’s Oscar de la Renta look has to take the cake for me. This was the best possible Met Gala debut for Doja, as not only is she perfectly on theme, but considering “Cat” is literally in her name, it felt like the moment was meant for her. The detail-oriented look of a hooded-sheath dress was taken even further with the addition of claw-nails and facial prosthetics, cementing this in my Met hall of fame.
Zendaya - Versace - Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination (2018)
A common theme amongst my favorites is that the theme is always fully understood. And not just understood, elevated to a new level of genius. Zendaya’s 2018 nod to Joan of Arc is not only a jaw-dropping garment, but her presence on the carpet (every time) makes this not just a fashion moment, but a pop culture moment. My favorite details of this look are the auburn, cropped hairstyle, and the astonishing neck, shoulder, and waist armor.
SZA - Versace - Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination (2018)
Bringing us to a close is none other than SZA. Not only is this look from one of my favorite Met’s to date, but she genuinely just looks completely ethereal. Her gentle, yet confident demeanor and presence made it hard to imagine anyone else wearing this gown. Neither a pastel pink tulle skirt or rhine-stoned thigh highs are common-attire for SZA, yet the look still feels like her, and the subtle elements of astrology pull everything together flawlessly.
(Notice how no men made this list? Yeah… I’ll just leave it at that.)
