The Met Gala is not just an event, it’s a legacy. It has evolved into the cultural touchstone of fashion—a place where high-fashion designers, celebrities, and cultural influencers come together to celebrate creativity, history, and often the intersection of both. From avant-garde visions to iconic red carpet moments, the Met Gala is a reminder of why fashion is art, and art is fashion.
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Timeless Highlights: Iconic Moments and Little-Known Gems
1948
The Met Gala began in 1948, when it was founded by Eleanor Lambert, a public relations powerhouse, as a fundraising event for the Costume Institute. In the early years, it was more of a formal dinner with guests expected to dress elegantly for the occasion. However, the event started to evolve and attract more attention, especially as fashion became more mainstream and celebrity-driven.
1995
In 1995, Anna Wintour took the reins, and made it fashion’s Super Bowl.
DID YOU KNOW: Anna Wintour Hand-Picks Every Met Gala Invitation. Anna Wintour, the queen of the Met Gala, personally hand-picks every single guest for the event.
If you made it to the Gala, it was because Anna wanted you there.
1996
Princess Diana made an appearance once, in 1996, wearing a navy Dior slip dress that broke every royal rule.
Her ensemble was one of the most talked-about moments in Met Gala history.
2004
The red carpet goes live. Suddenly, celebs mattered more than couture.
The digital evolution also made the Met Gala more globally accessible, attracting millions of viewers who now eagerly await the annual red carpet coverage.
2016
Kim & Kylie in metallic Balmain! Both sisters wore Balmain metallic creations, setting the stage for futuristic, bold fashion with elements of camp. The shiny, chrome look was nothing short of iconic.
Claire Danes lit up—literally.
2017
2018
Zendaya truly owned the Met Gala in 2018, embodying Joan of Arc in a custom Versace look that was both powerful and dramatic, complete with a sword prop.
Blake’s gown matched the carpet, like she always does.
Fun Fact
Blake Lively, The Met Gala’s ultimate style chameleon, always matches her outfits to the red carpet.
From pink Burberry to a Statue of Liberty tribute, Blake ensures her look is perfectly in sync with the carpet and theme every year.
2019
In 2019, Gaga took drama to new heights, revealing four outfits on the red carpet. From pink oversized ball gowns to sleek black lingerie, it was a performance art piece.
2020
Canceled, but fashion fans turned their living rooms into red carpets.
2021
Kim K went full mystery in a faceless Balenciaga outfit, leaving just a trace of her mysterious allure.
2022
Kim made history by wearing Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress in which she sang “Happy Birthday” to President Kennedy, sending shockwaves through both fashion and pop culture.
Blake’s gown transformed into Lady Liberty before our very eyes, with the dress shifting to reveal green details and paying homage to New York’s iconic statue.
2023
Doja Cat and Jared Leto became Karl Lagerfeld’s cats, embodying fashion’s feline fantasy in purrfect ensembles that added whimsy and humor to the night.
2024
Tyla’s gown effortlessly captures the essence of timeless elegance with its intricate texture, while her hourglass-shaped handbag subtly echoes the theme of sands of time.
2025 Met Gala Theme and the Co-Chairs: What to Expect
For the 2025 Met Gala, the theme is Tailored for You, in relation to the Costume’s Institute’s landmark new exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,
The 2025 Met Gala, set for May 5, will be co-chaired by a powerhouse group of celebrities, including:
- Colman Domingo
- Lewis Hamilton
- A$AP Rocky
- Pharrell Williams
- Anna Wintour
with LeBron James serving as the honorary chair. In a fitting tribute to the theme, the gala dress code, “Tailored for You,” encourages guests to honor the art of suiting and menswear, celebrating the rich legacy of Black dandyism. The Host Committee will include influential figures from various sectors, such as art, culture, fashion, film, music, and sports, ensuring a night of diverse cultural representation and cutting-edge style.
As the Gala continues to evolve, we can only imagine what future iconic moments will unfold on its red carpet. One thing’s for sure: The Met Gala will continue to be the ultimate stage for fashion and creativity.
