If there’s one event that pushes the boundaries of fashion in the best possible way, it’s the Met Gala. Held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this year sees Amal Clooney, Rihanna, Donatella Versace, Anna Wintour and more as co-hosts, with the theme “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.” What to expect? Plenty of gold, Papal inspiration, and a carpet heavily leaning on the Baroque and Renaissance periods.
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Like every year, there are some real winners and then those who didn’t brush up on their art history enough. From safe choices to breaking trends, here’s a ranking of the best and not-so-fantastic looks from the Met steps.
Princess Beatrice
As it turns out, the Princess’ headpiece to William and Kate’s wedding was more interesting than this.
Frances McDormand
We can’t help but think that Frances’ dry wit and sarcastic nature may have influenced her dress choice a little too much.
Doutzen Kroes
The multi-coloured look from supermodel Doutzen felt like a missed opportunity. We can see her radiating in a stunning gold gown more in tune with the Renaissance.
Kate Moss
We can’t believe we’re saying this, but we’re very disappointed with Kate Moss’ choice of dress. It’s less Met Gala and more after-party.
Alicia Vikander
Oh, Alicia. We were all rooting for you.
Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling may look like a Disney Queen (and she’s usually the queen of our hearts) but this look is a little too safe for the Met carpet.
Anne Hathaway
The headpiece works for the theme but the frumpy red dress is a fashion faux pas.
Zendaya
Zendaya’s Joan of Arc-inspired look was a rare misstep for the usually fashionable actress.
Taylor Hill
An example of a theme taken too literally, and not in the show-stopping way of Sarah Jessica Parker.
Amal Clooney
We are huge fans of Amal Clooney, but as co-host, we expected something more. Designed by Richard Quinn, the same designer who won the first Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, the pants and corset combination feels like a bit of a miss (though we do love this couple shot).
Selena Gomez
The bad tan and frumpy gown were a losing combo for the usually on-trend singer.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
Channelling their usual Bohemian look, the Olsen twins look less than impressed with their outfits and their invitation.
Kris Jenner
The reality queen’s massive feather skirt wasn’t the best choice, though we imagine it won’t take away from her daughters’ Met looks.
Uma Thurman
With a tall and commanding presence, we wanted Uma to garner the attention she deserves, however the Gabriela Hearst dress she chose looked like it would be more fitting for a film premiere than the Met Gala. She does look angelic though.
Hailee Steinfeld
While gorgeous, it’s a safe option from Hailee in this Prabal Gurung gown. We’re getting a bit of déjà vu – Grammys 2018?
Donatella Versace
As a co-host for this year’s Gala, the fashion queen’s look was far from exciting.
Lily Aldridge
She may be radiant in this marigold gown by Ralph Lauren but the shirtdress look is a little too country club for us.
Jennifer Lopez
J-Lo does what she does best when it comes to the fashion carpet – wearing a tight-fitting ensemble. Looks good, but nothing particularly exciting.
Anna Wintour and Bee Shaffer
Anna’s Chanel gown was a slight change from her usual tailored outfits, though Bee’s choice is quite boring. Red may symbolise the Passion but there was no passion in this fashion choice.
Rita Ora
With a winning headpiece, Rita’s embellished black Prada gown could do with fewer 90s-inspired hyper-coloured squiggles.
Alessandro Michele, Lana Del Rey and Jared Leto
Gucci sent out The Holy Trinity with this one. We’re not too sure about the birds but it’s still a striking combination.
Cardi B
Is it just us or did Cardi B steal Beyonce’s 2017 Grammys look?
Olivia Munn
We’re actually kind of liking the “fish-caught-in-a-net” piece that Olivia’s got on her head.
Madonna
We all know this theme was made for Madonna and she pushes the boundaries much as she’s done for her entire career. It’s perfectly in theme, even though we’re getting some unnerving The Nun vibes from it.
Lily Collins
Keeping it monochrome much like her look last year, Lily Collins’ elaborate headpiece and structured gown was on trend, though her makeup is a bit too reminiscent of Lewis Carroll’s Queen of Hearts.
Kim Kardashian
Wearing exactly what we expected her to, at least Kim looks a million dollars (is anyone else getting a strong Monica Bellucci vibe?)
Priyanka Chopra
With her gold headpiece and deep red velvet gown, Priyanka was a theme winner of the night.
Sarah Jessica Parker
Did you expect any less from the fashionista? She even donned a headpiece with the Nativity Scene built inside it. Carrie Bradshaw would be crying with joy.
Katy Perry
Her wings have earned her a spot on the better-dressed side of things, though the gold Versace chain-mail dress and boots are a letdown.
Bella Hadid
A gothic look from Chrome Hearts has Bella winning all of our hearts.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
It only makes sense that Rosie, a former Victoria’s Secret angel, should look heavenly on the Met carpet. The Ralph Lauren look is a step up from other Angel, Lily Aldridge’s, choice.
SZA
Queen SZA was a pastel dream in this tulled angelic gown from Versace and a fitting halo. We’re in love.
Nicki Minaj
The Red Queen is here.
Gigi Hadid
Gigi took a more ethereal approach than her sister, choosing this butterfly-inspired look.
Solange Knowles
Solange never fails to impress us with her no-holds-barred approach to high fashion. She’s commanding attention with this sculpted Iris Van Herpen and combination of halo and du-rag (which was chosen by a fan poll).
Rihanna
Really, only Rihanna could pull off something like this. Wearing Margiela (by John Galliano), the elaborate gown and headpiece took a leaf out of the Pope’s book. We’re feeling blessed.
Kate Bosworth
It’s safe to say that Kate has nailed the theme of this year’s gala, with a heavenly look by Oscar de la Renta. We expect to see this veil making an appearance on a few more wedding aisles in the coming months.
Blake Lively
Blake just sent us to heaven with this gold and burgundy look. We’re not surprised it took 600 hours to make.
Jasmine Sanders
The “Golden Barbie” stayed true to her name with an eye-catching, tight-fitting gold ensemble by H&M. She’s also won hair inspo with her elaborate floral braid.
Ariana Grande
Ariana made her Met Gala debut dressed as the Sistine Chapel thanks to Vera Wang. Winner.
