Celebrity Couples Who Made Their Red Carpet Debut at the Met Gala
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The Met Gala, often referred to as fashion’s biggest night out, isn’t just a playground for the most avant-garde outfits and breathtaking couture. Over the years, it has served as the backdrop for something equally captivating — the debut of some of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples. Amid the glitz and glamour, these lovebirds chose the grandeur of the Met Gala’s red carpet to publicly confirm their relationships, leaving fans and fashionistas alike buzzing with excitement.
From the unexpected to the fairy-tale romances, these duos knew how to make an entrance. Remember when Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra stepped out together in 2017, turning heads and setting the rumor mill into overdrive? Or when tech mogul Elon Musk and musical artist Grimes surprised everyone in 2018 with their pairing, proving that opposites do attract? And who can forget the powerhouse duo of Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez, whose appearance in 2017 was nothing short of show-stopping?
Each couple not only made their mark in the world of celebrity romances but also left a lasting impression on the fashion scene, perfectly embodying the drama of each Met Gala’s theme with their coordinated looks. Whether they’re still together, have since parted ways amicably, or remain etched in our memories for their unforgettable debut, the story of each celebrity couple’s first red carpet appearance at the Met Gala is captivating in its own right.
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Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds (2014)
In 2014, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds took the Met Gala by storm, their appearance marking one of the most memorable couple debuts in the event’s history. With the theme “Charles James: Beyond Fashion,” the pair embodied old Hollywood glamour — Lively in a breathtaking Gucci gown and Reynolds in a sharp Gucci tuxedo. Their coordinated attire not only stole the show but also set a new standard for Met Gala elegance.
Their romance began on the set of Green Lantern and blossomed into a marriage by 2012. Since then, they’ve become one of Hollywood’s most adored couples, balancing their successful careers with a growing family — now parents to three daughters and just welcomed their fourth baby in February 2024. This duo has consistently captured the public’s admiration, blending style, humor, and genuine affection in a way that feels both aspirational and attainably sweet.
Sarah Silverman & Michael Sheen (2014)
In the grandeur that the Met Gala always promises, 2014 was no exception, shining a spotlight on “Charles James: Beyond Fashion.” Among the glittering sea of celebrities, Sarah Silverman and Michael Sheen stood out, marking their first official appearance as a couple. For the occasion, Silverman donned a sleek, burgundy Zac Posen gown that perfectly encapsulated the elegance of the night, while Sheen kept it dapper in a traditional black tuxedo.
The timeline of their relationship stretches back to early 2014, when rumors of their dating began to surface. Over the years, they graced many events together, sharing snapshots of their life on social media, and giving us peeks into their compatibility and mutual respect for one another’s careers.
However, in a narrative all too familiar within Hollywood’s fast-paced scene, Sarah Silverman and Michael Sheen ended their relationship in 2018. Citing the long-standing issue of geographical distance, with Silverman based in Los Angeles and Sheen in the UK, they chose to part ways on friendly terms. Post-breakup, Silverman found companionship in Rory Albanese in later 2020, known for his role as an executive producer and writer for The Daily Show. Sheen, meanwhile, embarked on a new chapter with Swedish actress Anna Lundberg. Their relationship blossomed, welcoming a daughter in 2019, marking Sheen’s new venture into fatherhood while juggling his acting obligations.
Robert Pattinson & FKA Twigs (2015)
Back in 2015, when “China: Through the Looking Glass” was the buzzword of Met Gala, Robert Pattinson and FKA Twigs decided it was the perfect moment to step out as the newest it-couple on the block. FKA Twigs rocked a Christopher Kane gown that was as much a piece of art as her music. Pattinson, in his effortlessly cool black tux, was the perfect counterpart to Twigs’ avant-garde style.
The whispers about Pattinson and Twigs started floating around in September 2014, making their gala debut highly anticipated. It was more than just a fashion statement; it was their way of saying, “Yes, we’re an item,” without saying a word.
But like all tales of star-crossed lovers, theirs took a turn, and by 2017 they had called it quits. Following their split, FKA Twigs experienced a tumultuous period with Shia LaBeouf, spanning from 2018 to 2019, before being linked to fashion photographer Jordan Hemingway more recently. On the other hand, Pattinson found love with Suki Waterhouse in 2018, and the couple has been going strong since. The latest chapter in their love story includes the arrival of their first child together in March 2024.
Alex Rodriguez & Anne Wojcicki (2016)
At the 2016 Met Gala, famously themed “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology,” Alex Rodriguez and 23andMe co-founder and CEO Anne Wojcicki decided it was prime time to strut their stuff as the event’s newest dynamic duo.
This power couple had the rumor mill churning since March 2016, but it was their grand entrance at the Met Gala that officially sealed the deal. However, as is often the case with tales of romance under the Hollywood spotlight, their story was a fleeting chapter. They parted ways later in the year.
Post-split, A-Rod’s romantic ventures remained under the public eye, especially his high-profile engagement to Jennifer Lopez, which eventually culminated in a mutual parting. He’s been linked to Canadian fitness instructor Jaclyn Cordeiro since October 2022. Meanwhile, Wojcicki has preferred to keep her personal life away from the limelight.
Zayn Malik & Gigi Hadid (2016)
The theme for the gala that year was “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology.” Malik embraced the theme with a metallic arm sleeve paired with a classic black tuxedo, while Hadid complemented him in a custom Tommy Hilfiger gown. Their coordinated outfits not only captured the essence of the theme but also solidified their status as a power couple in the making.
At the time of their Met Gala debut, Malik and Hadid had been romantically linked for about six months, following speculation that began in late 2015. Their on-and-off relationship dominated headlines, frequently captured the media’s spotlight. Despite the ups and downs, the arrival of their daughter, Khai, in September 2020, seemingly turned a new leaf for the couple.
Malik and Hadid ended their romantic relationship for good in October 2021, but they remain united in co-parenting their daughter. In a brief 2023 fling, Malik was seen with Selena Gomez, though it quickly faded. On the other hand, Hadid’s been linked with some of Hollywood’s most eligible, including Leonardo DiCaprio from 2022 to 2023. More recently, in October 2023, rumors began to circulate about her and Bradley Cooper, who seem to have been inseparable since. Malik reportedly has a cordial relationship with Cooper now, despite initial reservations.
Jennifer Lopez & Alex Rodriguez (2017)
Oh, who can forget when Alex Rodriguez and J.Lo decided to take their relationship public in a grand fashion at the Met Gala back in 2017? The theme that year was “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between,” celebrating the daring and boundary-pushing designs of the iconic Japanese designer. J.Lo, known for her jaw-dropping red carpet choices, turned heads in a sky blue Valentino gown. Alex Rodriguez complemented her perfectly, looking dapper in a classic black tuxedo.
The duo reconnected in February 2017, but their initial meeting traces back to 2005 at a baseball game, where Lopez attended with her then-husband, Marc Anthony. Fast forward to a serendipitous encounter outside a Los Angeles restaurant in 2017, Rodriguez made the first move by saying hello.
The couple officially announced their decision to part ways on April 15, 2021, stating they were better off as friends. The announcement came after weeks of speculation about the status of their relationship. J. Lo quickly rekindled her romance with Ben Affleck, going public in July 2021 and getting engaged by April 2022. Alex Rodriguez has been connected with Canadian fitness instructor Jaclyn Cordeiro since October 2022.
The Weeknd & Selena Gomez (2017)
The 2017 Met Gala, themed “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons,” was the backdrop for Selena Gomez and The Weeknd’s first public appearance as a couple, an event fans had been buzzing about since rumors of their connection surfaced in January. Selena, in a stunning cream Coach dress, and The Weeknd, in a sharp black tuxedo, were the picture of elegance. Their affectionate red carpet kiss sealed the deal, making their relationship official in a moment that was as stylish as it was sweet.
By October 2017, Selena Gomez and The Weeknd had called it quits, citing the familiar strains of long-distance and busy schedules as the culprits behind the split. Not long after, Gomez was back with Justin Bieber, reigniting a romance that had fans watching closely, though it wasn’t to last, ending for good in the spring of 2018. In a twist few saw coming, Gomez has recently been linked with producer Benny Blanco, marking one of the year’s most surprising celebrity pairings.
In 2018, the Weeknd briefly reconnected with Bella Hadid, though their reunion was short-lived. The rumor mill buzzed again in 2020 with talks of a budding connection with singer Rosalía after a music collaboration. He’s reportedly been seeing DJ Simi Khadra since 2022.
Nick Jonas & Priyanka Chopra (2017)
In 2017, the Met Gala rolled out the red carpet under the theme “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between,” celebrating the bold and the boundary-pushing in fashion. That night, Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra made an appearance together that set the rumor mills buzzing. They were both decked out in Ralph Lauren — Nick in a patterned tuxedo that added a modern twist to his classic charm, and Priyanka in a show-stopping custom trench coat gown with a sweeping train.
The reason behind their joint appearance? They were both guests of Ralph Lauren. At this point, whispers of a romance were just that – whispers. It wasn’t until the following year that these whispers turned into a torrent of confirmation as their relationship came into the spotlight.
From speculative beginnings at the Met Gala, their relationship quickly blossomed. By December 2018, they were celebrating their love through a series of wedding ceremonies, blending their cultures and families in a beautiful testament to their bond. Today, Nick and Priyanka are more than just a captivating celebrity couple; they’re proud parents to their daughter, Malti Marie Chopra Jonas, born via surrogacy in January 2022.
Elon Musk & Grimes (2018)
In 2018, the Met Gala theme was “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” which invited a celestial array of interpretations from its star-studded attendees. Among the glittering throng, one couple truly caught the eye — tech mogul Elon Musk and musician Grimes. Their appearance together not only surprised many but also confirmed the swirling rumors about their relationship.
For the occasion, Grimes (born Claire Boucher) embraced the theme with a gothic twist. She wore a black gown adorned with a Tesla choker – a nod to Musk’s electric car company, blending technology with high fashion in a uniquely Grimes way. Musk, on the other hand, kept it classic in a white tie and black tails, complementing Grimes’ look with understated elegance.
Their relationship timeline is as intriguing as their Met Gala debut. The pair reportedly connected over a nerdy joke about artificial intelligence on Twitter, combining humor and intellect in a way that sparked something more. By the time they stepped onto the Met Gala red carpet, it was clear that this connection had blossomed into something serious.
Elon Musk and Grimes have had a tumultuous relationship, marked by significant moments and changes. They welcomed their son, X Æ A-Xii, in May 2020, and daughter Exa Dark Sideræl Musk van surrogate in December 2021, who has since been renamed Y. In September 2023, the couple surprised fans by revealing they had secretly welcomed a third child, a son named Techno Mechanicus in 2022. Post-split, Grimes was seen with DJ Anyma, and Musk’s life took another intriguing turn as he had twins with Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis.
Kylie Jenner & Travis Scott (2018)
Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott made a striking appearance at the 2018 Met Gala, marking their first public debut as a couple. The event, themed “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” saw celebrities and icons in outfits that were nothing short of divine. Jenner was dressed in a sleek, strapless black gown by Alexander Wang, accessorized with a set of tiny sunglasses. Scott, complementing Jenner’s ensemble, opted for a military-inspired suit by Wang.
The couple’s relationship timeline began amidst swirling rumors in April 2017, after they were spotted together at Coachella. Their relationship quickly evolved, with the birth of their daughter, Stormi Webster, in February 2018, just a few months before their Met Gala appearance.
In February 2022, the on-and-off couple welcomed their son, Aire Webster, into their family. But by the end of the year, they went their separate ways, choosing to end their romantic relationship while still focusing on raising their children together. Following the split, Jenner has been seen with Timothée Chalamet since April 2023. Meanwhile, Travis Scott had a brief link with SZA but has kept his dating life quieter since then.
Shawn Mendes & Hailey Baldwin (2018)
The 2018 Met Gala, themed “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” was a night to remember, not least for the red carpet debut of Shawn Mendes and Hailey Baldwin.
Baldwin dazzled in an off-the-shoulder Tommy Hilfiger gown that cascaded down in a sleek, flowing manner, embellished with a high leg slit. Shawn Mendes, complementing Hailey’s divine attire, wore a dark, burgundy Tommy Hilfiger suit that was both sharp and sophisticated.
Rumors of Mendes and Baldwin dating began to swirl around the end of 2017. Their appearance at the gala, walking hand-in-hand and looking every bit the stunning couple, seemed to confirm their romantic connection. However, this relationship was as fleeting as it was fascinating; by the summer of 2018, their paths diverged.
Today, Hailey Baldwin is known as Hailey Bieber, having married pop sensation Justin Bieber in a whirlwind ceremony in September 2018. The couple has since become one of the music industry’s most famous pairings, who have recently been combatting breakup rumors. Shawn Mendes, on his part, has embraced his single status post his brief relationship with Camila Cabello — although the two were just spotted at Coachella together, sparking rumors of a reignited romance.
David Foster & Katharine McPhee (2018)
David Foster and Katharine McPhee chose the 2018 Met Gala for their red carpet debut, and they definitely matched the theme of “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.” McPhee donned a sheer blue gown adorned with gold embellishments, embodying the celestial theme, while Foster complemented her in a classic, sophisticated tuxedo.
Their step onto the Met Gala carpet was more than just a fashion moment; it officially confirmed the rumors that they were a couple, after a year of speculation that started when McPhee appeared on American Idol, where Foster was a guest mentor. From quiet beginnings to saying “I do” in London in June 2019, their relationship has grown stronger by the day.
In February 2021, they welcomed their first child together, a son, Rennie. Foster’s five daughters from his previous relationships (Sara, Erin, Amy, Jordan and Allison Foster) have also bonded well with McPhee, who seems to have this blended family thing down to an art.
2 Chainz & Kesha Ward (2018)
2018’s Met Gala, set against the enchanting theme, “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” inspired some celestial looks. Among the divine outfits, one couple, 2 Chainz and Kesha Ward, shared a moment that was undeniably heartwarming.
2 Chainz wore a classic, sleek black suit, but with a twist: a long, dramatic coat that swept behind him. Ward, beside him, looked nothing short of celestial in her gown. Her dress was a stunning creation that seemed to capture the very essence of the gala’s theme, with intricate detailing that sparkled under the event lights.
But what truly stole the show wasn’t just their outfits; it was the surprise proposal that 2 Chainz had up his sleeve. Yes, amidst the flashing cameras, 2 Chainz took a moment to bend the knee and ask Ward to marry him.
Even though 2 Chainz and Ward had been together for years, sharing a deep bond and three beautiful children (and yes, 2 Chainz had popped the question before), their public proposal at the Met Gala was more than just a reaffirmation of their love. It was also the first time the two walked a red carpet together. The two tied the knot in August 2018 and have been going strong since.
Cole Sprouse & Lili Reinhart (2018)
Cole Sprouse and Lili Reinhart made their relationship public when they graced the red carpet together at the 2018 Met Gala. The event’s theme, “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” saw Sprouse in a polished black suit and Reinhart in a striking silver H&M dress, complemented by a headpiece, making them one of the most talked-about couples of the night.
The actors, who met on the set of Riverdale, quickly became a fan-favorite duo, with their real-life romance beginning to bloom in early 2017. Their appearance at the Met Gala not only confirmed their relationship but also set them in the spotlight as a couple to watch.
Despite their eventual split in March 2020, both Sprouse and Reinhart have moved forward positively in both their professional and personal lives. Since the breakup, Cole Sprouse has been in a relationship with Ari Fournier since February 2021. Meanwhile, Reinhart has been linked to Jack Martin since at least April 2023, continuing her advocacy for mental health awareness and body positivity.
Alexa Chung & Tom Sturridge (2023)
At the 2023 Met Gala, the spotlight wasn’t just on fashion but also on the celebrities who chose this event to debut their relationships, including Alexa Chung and Tom Sturridge. The theme for that year, “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” paid tribute to the complexity and diversity of American fashion history. Chung opted for a metallic silver dress that merged elegance with contemporary flair, while Sturridge complemented her in a classic black tuxedo accented with modern details.
Chung first confirmed her relationship with Sturridge in July 2022, but their appearance at the Met Gala was the confirmation everyone was waiting for. Since their Met Gala debut, the couple has maintained a low-profile relationship.
