Favorite Met Gala Looks

The first Monday in May is one of my favorite days of the year. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, the Met Gala was canceled this year. The theme for this year’s gala was going to be “About Time: Fashion and Duration”, and was supposed to showcase the changes in fashion since the initial opening of the Met in 1870. It was also going to be the museum’s 150th anniversary. Since the opening night gala will be postponed to a later date, I thought that I would reminisce about my favorite looks in the meantime.

Jackie Kennedy Onassis

Theme: “Fashions of the Hapsburg Era”, 1979

This is perhaps my favorite Met Gala look of all time. I adore Jackie Kennedy, and I think that she is the best-dressed woman of all time. This Valentino dress is stunning, with the sleeveless bodice and ruffled skirt. I also love her matching ruffle wrap, which she styled on her shoulders or elbows throughout the evening. This ensemble is elegant and classic, just like many of her other looks, which have stood the test of time.

Princess Diana

Theme: “Christian Dior”, 1996

Princess Diana, especially after her divorce from Prince Charles, had amazing style. She attended her first and only Met Gala in 1996, wearing John Galliano for Christian Dior. This negligee-style dress is made sophisticated with the pearl chocker with the sapphire clasp and mini Lady Dior bag. It’s ultra chic; unique and breathtaking.

Princess Marie-Chantel of Greece

Theme: “Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years”, 2001

In 2001, the Met Costume Exhibit was dedicated to Jackie Kennedy and specifically, her fashion during her time as first lady. Princess Marie-Chantel wore a stunning one-shoulder kaftan gown by Valentino (who is pictured with her). The gown is an homage to one Jackie wore, with the same embroidery and the fabric in a nearly identical shade. She also styled her hair as Jackie wore it, in a bouffant updo.

Taylor Swift

Theme: “Charles James: Beyond Fashion”, 2014

The 2014 Met Gala celebrated the work of Charles James, and Anglo-America fashion designer. He is most famous for his exquisite and innovate ball gowns, which helped shape 20th century fashion. Taylor Swift wore a sophisticated pale pink Oscar de la Renta gown. On the back, there is a giant bow that flows into a train. This dress is beyond gorgeous. I especially love the gold and silver detailing throughout the dress, as well as Taylor’s red lip. It is truly a classic masterpiece.

Sara Jessica Parker

Theme: “Charles James: Beyond Fashion”, 2014

While the front of the dress is beautiful, the back is breathtaking. SJP, who was also co-chair that year, looked amazing in Oscar de la Renta. Since he passed away in 2013, I think that this dress, especially the visible red logo, is an homage to the famed courtier. This dress beautifully represents the brand; timeless, elegant, innovative, and iconic.

Suki Waterhouse

Theme: “Charles James: Beyond Fashion”, 2014

If you haven’t figured it out by now, I absolutely adore ruffles. Suki Waterhouse looks fabulous in this pink and beige Burberry gown. By wearing just a pair of earrings and a couple of rings, the dress takes the center stage, blending two colors that ordinarily aren’t put together. The dress is complex, yet easy one the eyes as it’s dimensions and length are perfect.

Naomi Campbell

Theme: “Charles James: Beyond Fashion”, 2014

Naomi Campbell is one of the greatest supermodels of all time, and she is clearly still an icon today. She looks incredible in this Riccardo Tisci embellished gown, complete with feathered sleeves. Her light makeup makes her look truly ethereal. Her supermodel body also allows her to pull of this very revealing dress, yet still look very classy.

Rihanna

Theme: “China: Through the Looking Glass”, 2015

This is perhaps one of the greatest Met Gala looks of all time. This cape is made by Guo Pei, a Chinese designer. The stunning piece is trimmed with fur and detailed with floral embroidery. She is also wearing a gold headdress, which pulls the whole look together. Rihanna was one of the only stars to wear a piece by a Chinese designer that night, making her look even more powerful.

Sienna Miller

Theme: “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an age of Technology”, 2016

Sienna Miller looks incredible in this look. The gold Gucci dress, adorned with a bow and sequins throughout, is very sophisticated. It’s daring, yet very charming. She finished off the look with a burgundy clutch and emerald-drop earnings.

Stella Maxwell

Theme: “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”, 2018

I was especially intrigued by this theme, especially since I’ve always pondered with the idea of converting to Catholicism. Also, religion as a theme was something new for the Met Gala, and I though that it was very compelling. Stella Maxwell looks amazing in this Moschino look. I love how this dress has a simple structure, yet extremely intricate detailing. The skirt of the dress features the heads of prominent Catholic figures, while the bodice has more detailed embroidery and leather straps.

Kim Kardashian West

Theme: “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”, 2018

I am obsessed with this Atelier Versace gown. The gold dress features two crosses, a nod to the gala’s theme, and Kim completed the look with two gold cross necklaces. I love that even though this is a relatively simple look compared to the other outfits that night, it makes a statement. Kim’s dark eye makeup and sleek high-pony make her look polished, yet show-stopping.

Emma Roberts

Theme: “Camp: Notes on Fashion”, 2019

When I first heard that the 2019 Met Gala theme was “Camp”, I thought to myself that if I were going, I would wear a big, pink poofy Giambattista Valli gown. That is exactly what Emma Roberts did. This coral/pink dress is beyond stunning, and fits perfectly with the theme. Though dressing “campy” is supposed to be outrageous and distasteful, Emma gave it a modern and approachable take with the bright ruffled-tulle gown. Her coordinating makeup is a nice touch, especially since the colors are balanced out by the flower crown.

Kacey Musgraves

Theme: “Camp: Notes on Fashion”, 2019

I don’t think I could pull this look off, but Kacey Musgraves looks fantastic as Barbie in this Moschino look. I’ve loved Barbie dolls since I was a little girl, and Kacey looks like the ones I use to have. Flawless blonde hair, perfect makeup, pink fur, and even the hairdryer clutch. This look was probably one of the most original and creative of the night. She literally looks like a doll, in this truly playful ensemble.

Anna Wintour

Theme: “Camp: Notes on Fashion”, 2019

Anna Wintour is the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue and queen of the Met Gala. This look is by Chanel, as many of her others have been in years past, and she looks incredible. This light pink gown with flower embroidery and a big feathered cape was my absolute favorite look of the evening. The feathers are very campy, and she is very on-theme, as per usual.