The most iconic Met Gala looks of the last decade reveal a dramatic evolution on the red carpet, moving beyond beautiful couture to theatrical and theme-driven styles guaranteed to go viral.
Rihanna made a regal arrival in a fur-trimmed Guo Pei gown with a cape in 2015 for the “China: Through the Looking Glass” theme, featuring an elaborate 16-foot train that set the trend in motion. The omelette-yellow look became an instant meme that captured the event’s growing extravagance.
The “Camp: Notes on Fashion” gala in 2019 marked a zenith of performative dressing. Who could forget Lady Gaga‘s multiple outfit changes on the pink carpet? Or Billy Porter‘s “Sun God” entrance, carried by six shirtless men? Both highlighted their commitment to outré statements.
Even traditionally elegant celebrities, like Blake Lively, embraced scene-stealing style in 2022 with a custom Atelier Versace gown inspired by Lady Liberty. The copper tulle column transformed when the actress summoned three men in tuxedos to unfold the train, revealing an even larger blue-green train reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty’s patina, with its verdigris evolution. Meanwhile, a celestial map motif that mirrored Grand Central Station’s zodiac mural ceiling cascaded down the Met’s steps and reversible gloves completed the artistic masterpiece.
There have also been more cases that blend high fashion and cultural commentary. In 2022, Kim Kardashian donned Marilyn Monroe‘s “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” naked dress, which is as iconic as it is irreplaceable. Despite wearing the Jean Louis design for only a few minutes, as Kardashian changed into a replica after climbing the stairs, her wardrobe sparked widespread debate on social media and among fashion editors, museum curators and conservators alike.
That’s precisely why it’s one of the most unquestionably memorable red carpet turns in recent Met Gala history. Take a closer look at 60 moments that truly defined the last decade to see how boundary-pushing creativity replaced conventional notions of glamour on fashion’s biggest night.
