The Best Met Gala Looks Of All Time

Often called fashion’s biggest night, the Met Gala is a dazzling spectacle of couture, celebrity grandeur and thematic storytelling. Beyond being a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual fashion exhibition, it’s a rare moment for designers to showcase their most opulent creations. This year marks a historic milestone with the exhibition theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, an exploration of Black dandyism inspired by Monica Miller’s book, Slaves to Fashion. It is the first exhibition dedicated solely to Black history and the first menswear-focused theme in over two decades.

The accompanying Gala dress code, Tailored for You, encourages attendees to push the boundaries of suiting while celebrating dandyism’s rich history. Given the theme’s deep cultural roots, striking the balance between appreciation and appropriation on the red carpet will be crucial. True appreciation honors Black history beyond aesthetics, acknowledging its legacy of resistance. The most meaningful interpretations will come from collaborations with Black designers, ensuring authenticity and amplifying the voices that have shaped this style for generations.

Several Black designers are expected to make a strong red-carpet presence. Grace Wales Bonner, Olivier Rousteing (creative director at Balmain), Maximilian Davis (creative director at Ferragamo), Priya Ahluwalia, Martine Rose and Bianca Saunders are among those anticipated. Additionally, designers like Thom Browne will likely play a major role. Many historical figures will undoubtedly influence some of the evening’s standout looks, too. The late André Leon Talley, known for his opulent capes and sophisticated silhouettes, was a master of Black dandyism; and Virgil Abloh, who transformed luxury fashion through Off-White and Louis Vuitton, remains an enduring inspiration; as well as Harlem’s Dapper Dan, who revolutionized streetwear by remixing luxury monograms.

As the Met Gala approaches, all eyes will be on how attendees interpret and honor Black dandyism’s legacy. This theme is more than just fashion; it is a celebration of history, resilience, and artistry. The most memorable looks will be those that embrace the depth and significance of this moment through intricate tailoring, bold reimaginings, and direct collaborations with Black designers.

As we await May 5, let’s take a look back at some of the most influential red-carpet moments of all time…

The late fashion titan André Leon Talley and supermodel Naomi Campbell made an unforgettable entrance in 2006 – for the theme of Anglomania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion. Talley, known for his grandiose presence, wore an opulent floor-length cape, exuding regal sophistication. Campbell, a longtime muse of British fashion, dazzled in a structured McQueen gown that melded Victorian influences with the brand’s signature edgy tailoring. Together, they embodied the duality of British fashion – classic elegance mixed with avant-garde rebellion – demonstrating why they remain among the most revered figures in the industry.

This was another masterclass in interpreting the Anglomania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion theme. Coordinating in tartan ensembles, McQueen and Parker paid tribute to the designer’s Scottish heritage while perfectly encapsulating ‘anglomania’. Parker’s one-shoulder dress, cinched at the waist, blended punk aesthetics with historical references, while the late McQueen’s tailored kilted suit showcased his ability to fuse tradition with subversion. Their coordinated looks highlighted their collaborative genius, resulting in one of the most memorable and revered Met Gala moments.

Known for her avant-garde approach to fashion, Guinness transformed into a living sculpture for the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty theme. Her platinum hair sculpted into an architectural updo. The ethereal feathered McQueen gown, reminiscent of McQueen’s final collections, solidified her role as both a muse and a curator of his legacy. More than just a red-carpet moment, her look was a moving homage to the late designer’s artistic vision.

For the theme Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty, this was a dazzling tribute to the legendary designer’s love of opulence. Dressed by Prabal Gurung, Yai stunned in a gold-embellished, ethereal gown with intricate beading that mirrored the grandiose elegance Lagerfeld often infused into his designs. Featuring a red veil that conveyed a subtle symbolism of mourning, this look was a modern homage to the late designer’s timeless aesthetic.