The Met Gala, one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year, has always been a source of inspiration for fashion enthusiasts. As we prepare for the 2023 theme, Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty, we take you through the years of iconic outfits. From Rihanna’s yellow Guo Pei gown to Zendaya’s light-up Cinderella-inspired dress, the Met Gala has produced some of the most iconic and memorable outfits of all time. Here are 25 of the most talked-about outfits in the history of the Met Gala.
2013 — Punk: Chaos to Couture
This theme explored the influence of punk on fashion and popular culture. The exhibit showcased fashion inspired by the punk aesthetic, from DIY designs to high fashion interpretations.
2014 — Charles James: Beyond Fashion
This theme celebrated the work of American couturier Charles James and his contributions to fashion. The exhibit showcased James' intricate designs, his use of innovative techniques, and his impact on the fashion industry.
2015 — China: Through the Looking Glass This theme explored the influence of Chinese culture on Western fashion. The exhibit showcased fashion inspired by Chinese art, literature, and design.
2016 — Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology
This theme explored the intersection of fashion and technology and the impact of new technologies on the design and production of fashion. The exhibit showcased designs that blended traditional craftsmanship with new technologies.
2017 — Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between
This theme celebrated the avant-garde designs of Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo and her label Comme des Garçons. The exhibit showcased designs that challenged conventional notions of beauty and gender.
2018 — Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination
This theme explored the relationship between fashion and religion, particularly the influence of Catholicism on fashion. The exhibit featured a range of designs, from papal vestments to couture gowns inspired by religious art.
2019 — Camp: Notes on Fashion
This theme was inspired by Susan Sontag's essay "Notes on Camp" and celebrated the exaggerated and over-the-top aesthetics of camp. The exhibit showcased fashion that was theatrical, outrageous, and subversive.
2021 — In America: A Fashion Lexicon
Originally scheduled for 2020, this theme explored American fashion and its influence on culture and society. The exhibit featured a range of designers and their work, from iconic classics to contemporary pieces.
2022: In America: An Anthology of Fashion
This theme celebrates American fashion and its impact on the global fashion industry. The exhibit showcases fashion that reflects the diversity and inclusivity of American culture.
We can't wait to see what the A-Listers will bring for the theme of 2023; Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty. Stay tuned for our favourites!