The Met Gala, formally as the Costume Institute Gala or the Costume Institute Benefit, takes place on the first Monday of May annually. Because of the appearance of lots of amazing people from various fields, making it becomes one of the most exciting and recognised fashion events in the world. It has different themes every year which always surprises us with many iconic looks. This week, we are looking back to all kinds of stunning looks over the years at the Met Gala.
The prestigious Met Gala just announced the theme for 2023 – “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”. The exhibition is to honour the German designer Karl Lagerfeld who was renowned as the creative director of the French fashion house Chanel.
As the main dress code, concept and purpose of the gala, the theme announcement is key. To correspond to the theme, every artist will show the best presence that exerts creativity and personal style based on the concept.
Every theme has a behind story. And It is an impressive demonstration of how fashion and art both contribute to and define our cultural fabric. As years go by, the themes are also in memory of historical events and demonstrate the trace of time on society.
Here are some of the iconic looks of the Met Gala from 1995, when Anna Wintour first became a chair of the event. Let’s see how the artists perfectly embody the theme, and different fashion trends of all time as well.
1995: “Haute Couture”
The British supermodel Kate Moss at the 1995 Met Gala. She rocks the simple Calvin Klein gown. The collaboration with Calvin Klein takes her to the fashion icon status and brings the unique heroin chic fashion trend.
1999: “Rock Style”
As the daughters of Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and The Beatles’ Paul McCartney, Liv Tyler and Stella McCartney won’t go wrong. The studded one-shoulder t-shirt with ‘Rock Royalty’ perfectly points to the theme. They also show that as long as you have the rock ‘n’ roll’ attitude, the rock style it is.
2004: “Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century”
The supermodel Amber Valletta looks exactly like royalty! From her tall wig, enormous earrings, and a full bottom covered in quilting, she is the real queen of the 18th century.
2009: “The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion”
The iconic singer Madonna rocks the Louis Vuitton costume, which included a poofy skirt and a sleeveless teel short dress with a plunging V-neckline and ruched sides. There is no doubt that she is everyone’s muse.
2012: “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations”
The Avengers Scarlett Johansson is in a Dolce & Gabbana dress and Christian Louboutin heels. The delicately embroidered bodice and tulle skirt present her elegance and beauty. Different from her cool killer look in the movie, she looks like a princess here.
2015: “China: Through the Looking Glass”
Rihanna surprises everyone in the bright yellow haute couture piece by Guo Pei. The 2015 gala celebrates the influence of Chinese culture on Western society. Her look is the best interpretation of the mix of two great cultures.
2018: “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”
The rap star Cardi B impresses people with the angelic and over-the-top ensemble by Moschino. It is hard to tell that it’s her first Met Gala ever. She successfully shows her charming religious awakening.
2021: In America: A Lexicon of Fashion
The pop star Billie Eilish shows a different side of herself at the 2021 Met Gala. She is in a cream Oscar de la Renta gown. The classic look reminds us of the old Hollywood glamour and celebrates the theme of American independence.
2022: In America: An Anthology of Fashion
Gigi Hadid steals the show again with a stunning Versace leather corset catsuit, knee-high heels, and a dramatic, crimson-red puffy cloak. The whole blood-red look definitely corresponds to the theme of “Gilded Glamour.”
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