75 Most Iconic Met Gala Dresses: Unforgettable Red Carpet Fashion Highlights
The pinnacle of fashion! Over the years, the brightest stars of Hollywood have flaunted their stunning red-carpet looks at the yearly Met Gala.
Each year, the daring fashion choices become increasingly inventive and captivating, with some ensembles shining brighter than others.
Consider Cher, for instance. The “Believe” icon was a sight to behold at the 1985 event, donning a dazzling crystal-adorned creation by renowned designer Bob Mackie. The outfit highlighted a sheer bodysuit paired with a low-rise skirt, perfectly aligned with the “Costumes of Royal India” theme.
A few years later, Princess Diana graced the gala in an elegant blue slip dress. The 1996 event spotlighted Christian Dior, and the late princess embodied the theme wearing one of the fashion house’s most graceful creations. Diana complemented her stunning look with her beloved sapphire and pearl choker necklace.
Fast forward to 2004, when Scarlett Johansson made her first appearance at the gala. The Black Widow actress showcased her figure in a vibrant yellow Calvin Klein dress in homage to the “Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century” theme. Amber Valletta also brought the drama that evening, ascending the iconic steps in a Victorian wig paired with a corset from Maggie Norris Couture.
As the years went on, high-profile fashionistas started to embrace bolder choices at the glamorous affair. In 2012, Beyoncé flawlessly executed the “naked” trend for the “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations” theme, wearing a completely sheer gown by Givenchy Haute Couture designed by Riccardo Tisci. The creation sparkled with black embroidery and featured a dramatic purple feathered hem.
Certainly, no one attracts attention at the Met Ball quite like Rihanna. At the 2015 “China: Through the Looking Glass” event, the “Umbrella” singer nearly broke the internet upon her arrival in a yellow, fur-lined cape. The bespoke masterpiece took designer Guo Pei over 50,000 hours to craft and weighed almost 50 pounds.
At that moment, Rihanna shared with Vanity Fair that she found Pei after researching Chinese couture online. “I’m completely in love with this dress… I can hardly walk in it without assistance — but it’s absolutely worth it,” she remarked.
Rihanna once again confirmed her status as a fashion powerhouse at the 2018 gala. She perfectly embodied the “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” theme in a Pope-inspired ensemble designed by Margiela.
Other notable moments include Kim Kardashian. In 2022, the reality star sparked debate when she wore the iconic “Happy Birthday Mr. President” dress originally worn by Marilyn Monroe. The late actress donned the crystal-encrusted garment, created by Mackie, to serenade then-President John F. Kennedy in 1962.
Although Kardashian, who attended the event alongside then-boyfriend Pete Davidson, slipped into a replica after the photoshoot, the moment still etched itself into contemporary fashion history.
Continue scrolling to discover these and more of the most memorable Met Gala dresses throughout the years:
