Most Dramatic Looks at the Met Gala Over the Years: Photos

We’re looking back at the most dramatic Met Gala looks in history as the 2024 Met Gala rapidly approaches.

Every year, fashion’s biggest night out is a chance for A-list stars to push the envelope when it comes to daring and dramatic red carpet looks and we’re guessing this year will be no different.

On Monday, May 6 stars will strut up the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in looks suited to this year’s theme which is “The Garden of Time.” The theme was selected to celebrate the Costume Institute’s new exhibit, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” so we’re hoping to see archival looks and plenty of florals!

Over the years, the Met Gala’s creative themes have inspired some weird, wonderful, and downright jaw-dropping looks — some that we loved, such as Rihanna’s famous 2015 look, and some that we’re still scratching our heads about years later, like Katy Perry’s 2019 look. 

So as we gear up for another dazzling Met Gala, let’s take a look back at some of the most elaborate looks of all time at the Met Gala. Check out our favorite, most outrageous looks at the Met Gala throughout the years below (and get ready to see a bunch from the iconic 2018 theme!)

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Jared Leto (2023)

Jared Leto, who’s known for his dramatic Met Gala looks, took the 2023 theme one step further and become Karl Lagerfeld’s cat Choupette. And no, you’re not watching an episode of The Masked Singer!

Lil Nas X (2023)

Lil Nas X wasn’t afraid to show his toned body at the 2023 Met Gala as he covered himself in silver paint to become Karl Lagerfeld’s one and only cat Choupette.

Janelle Monáe (2023)

Janelle Monáe took Karl Lagerfeld’s design aesthetic to a whole new level at the 2023 Gala in this custom Thom Browne look.

Cardi B (2023)

Cardi B took inspiration from the Chanel flower at the 2023 Gala in this structured black floral number from Chenpeng Studio.

Jeremy Pope (2023)

Jeremy Pope took the Karl Lagerfeld theme to the letter at the 2023 Met Gala in this huge black and white Balmain cape with the late designer’s face.

Lizzo (2022)

Not only did Lizzo turn heads at the 2022 Met Gala in this black, gold-detailed ensemble from Thom Browne (which took over 20,000 hours to create!), but she also paired it with her matching flute (and a killer flute solo on the red carpet!

Blake Lively (2022)

As one of the co-chairs of the 2022 Met Gala, Blake Lively opted for her most dramatic look yet: a blue and pink dropout Atelier Versace gown, which she paired with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.

After entering in a bronze look, Lively’s dress transformed color while walking up the steps.

Kim Kardashian (2022)

Kim Kardashian seems to always be in the headlines, and her journey to fitting into Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress worn as she sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy was no exception. The SKIMS founder wore the dress for the 2022 Met Gala celebrating “In America: An Anthology of Fashion.”

Lil Nas X (2021)

Lil Nas X rocked not one, not two, but three insanely gorgeous and elaborate gold looks for the 2021 theme of “In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion.” He originally stepped out in a detailed cloak, unveiling this custom gold armor look, and later wowing in a showstopping gold and black jumpsuit,

Iman (2021)

For the 2021 Met Gala theme of “In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion,” Iman was the definition of a golden goddess. Designed by Dolce & Gabbana x Harris Reed, this elaborate piece of a feathered ball-gown skirt and matching headpiece was definitely one of the best looks of the night.

Grimes (2021)

When Grimes stepped out in this black and white ombre Iris Van Herpan gown, all eyes were on her (and the freaking cool sword she had as an accessory!)

Lady Gaga (2019)

Lady Gaga stole the show at the 2019 “Camp”-themed Met Gala in this fuschia-caped Brandon Maxwell gown with a 25-foot train and matching, oversized pink bow.

Zendaya (2019)

Zendaya was an IRL princess when she broke the internet with her Cinderella-inspired look for the 2019 Met Gala. Styled by CFDA Award-winning stylist Law Roach, Zendaya donned this light-up, color-changing gown from Tommy Hilfiger.

Jared Leto (2019)

While the matching head accessory still haunts our nightmares, we do love Jared Leto’s red, Victorian dress with gorgeous jewel-detailing from Gucci.

Katy Perry (2019)

Who could forget when Katy Perry stepped out in this Swarovski-crystal-encrusted chandelier-sinpired dress from Moschino?! And yes, those are actual lightbulbs.

Celine Dion (2019)

Celine Dion was the definition of showstopping in this floor-length-fringe bodysuit from Oscar de la Renta to the 2019 Met Gala.

Frances McDormand (2018)

The prolific actor gave new meaning to”heavenly bodies” with her ethereal, feathery headpiece and dramatic matching gown during the 2018 Met Gala.

Cardi B (2018)

For Cardi B’s Met Gala debut, she decided to go all out with this pearl and jewel-encrusted, cream-colored train gown from Moschino (which she paired with a matching headdress!)

Blake Lively (2018)

For the 2018 theme “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” Blake Lively wowed in a custom red velvet and gold-detailed Versace gown, along with a custom-made halo by Lorraine Schwartz. In an interview with Vogue, Lively even said that this was her “favorite dress ever.”

Katy Perry (2018)

Katy Perry was truly an angel when she arrived at the 2018 Met Gala. She rocked a gold, chainmail mini-dress from Versace, with matching knee-high boots, and the ultimate accessory: insanely large, jewel-encrusted white wings

Alessandro Michele, Lana del Rey & Jared Leto (2018)

Alessandro Michele, Lana del Rey, and Jared Leto all arrived in ethereal blue and white looks, with intricate gold detailing throughout from Gucci at the 2018 Met Gala.

Rihanna (2018)

Yet again, the 2018 Met Gala is hitting this list, because no “Best Met Gala Looks” list is complete without Rihanna’s Pope-inspired look. She wowed in this pearl and jewel-encrusted, matching mitre and cloak look from the house of Maison Margiela.

Sarah Jessica Parker (2018)

While Sarah Jessica Parker always arrives in something dramatic, the gold and red-hearted gown from Dolce & Gabbana she donned at the 2018 Met Gala with the matching headpiece is a work of art.

Gigi Hadid (2018)

For the 2018 “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination” theme, Gigi Hadid came ready for all eyes to be on her when she arrived in this sparkling, navy and gold dress from Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination

Ariana Grande (2018)

For her Met Gala debut in 2018, Ariana Grande decided to be the definition of ethereal in this tulle Vera Wang gown that had the Sistine Chapel design all throughout it. (Patiently waiting for her to stun in another look at the Met Gala!)

Katy Perry (2016)

For the 2016 theme  “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology,” Katy Perry didn’t hesitate to show off her gothic spirit in this black velvet Prada gown with elaborate gold embellishments.

Solange Knowles (2015)

For the  “China: Through the Looking Glass” theme, Solange Knowles focused on the mirror aspect of the theme for this circular, optical illusion-like mini-dress from Giles.

Beyonce (2015)

For the “China: Through The Looking Glass,” Beyonce wore one of the most loved naked dresses of all time: this golden-sheer Givenchy gown.

Rihanna (2015)

Despite this becoming a meme, this dramatic yellow caped look from Guo Pei that Rihanna rocked for the 2015 Met Fala is still a fan-favorite. Not only did it have a gorgeous fur trim, but it had intricate detailing throughout the long train and on her matching headpiece

Christina Ricci (2011)

Christina Ricci unleashed her inner Addams Family identity in this sheer, black gothic mermaid-style gown from Zac Posen.

Helena Christensen (2009)

Supermodel Helena Christensen went outside her comfort zone with this ruched, baby-pink mini-dress from Zac Posen that had the word “Vogue” bejeweled throughout the front.

Sarah Jessica Parker & Alexander McQueen (2006)

The 2006 theme of the Met Gala was “Anglomania,” and Sarah Jessica Parker and late fashion designer Alexander McQueen showed their love for English fashion in matching tartan outfits.

Karolina Kurkova (2005)

For the Met Gala theme honored Coco Chanel, Karolina Kurkova didn’t hesitate to show how crazy she is for Coco in this white, floor-length ballgown with the words “I love you,” scattered across the skirt.

Amber Valletta (2004)

For 2004, this was as out there as it could possibly be. Supermodel Amber Valletta fully embraced the 18th-century theme by rocking this Maggie Norris Couture gown. Comprised of a cream corset and a white, blue, and red skirt, this look was on everyone’s minds for years to come.

Liv Tyler & Stella McCartney (1999)

Okay, so you typically don’t see more casual looks on the Met Gala red carpet, so that’s why this matching look from Liv Tyler and Stella McCartney had to make the list. For the 1999 Met Gala with the theme “Rock Style,” these two arrived in matching shirts that said “Rock Royalty” to honor their papas. (Was this the OG Nepo Baby shirt? We think so!)

Donatella Versace (1999)

Before Jennifer Lopez wowed in the iconic jungle dress, Donatella Versace rocked the plunging gown at the 1999 Met Gala theme “Rock Style.”

Princess Diana (1996)

Princess Diana only attended the Met Gala once, but she definitely left her mark. Celebrating designer Christian Dior, the late Princess of Wales wore a slinky navy blue dress, complete with lacy black trim on the bodice and straps. She wore the sensual number just months after her divorce from Prince Charles.

Eloise Moran, author of The Lady Di Look Book: What Diana Was Trying To Tell Us Through Her Clothes, called the look a “revenge” outfit, telling Yahoo that it “was one of her most shocking dresses. But I thought she looked fabulous. She just looks so happy and confident.”

Iman (1985)

Model Iman and Ferre Gianfranco attend the Costume Institute Gala honoring Gianni Versace, with Iman in a gold taffeta jacket.

Cher (1985)

Bob Mackie and Cher attended in style, with Cher commanding attention in this sparkling look.

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