The annual Met Gala will take place May 6 in New York City. Dubbed as “fashion’s biggest night out”, it is expected to attract some of the most famous stars – and they will surely be aiming to impress with their outfits.
In the past, the most daring designs have turned heads on the red carpet. Pushing the boundaries of avant-garde aesthetic, each one is seen trying hard to out-fashion another.
Celebrities like Rihanna, Blake Lively and Sarah Jessica Parker are known as the undisputed queens of the Met Gala red carpet. They often dare to take risks to stand out from the crowds.
Read more: Everything you need to know about the 2024 Met Gala, fashion's biggest night out
This year’s theme is “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion”, which will see the museum’s corresponding exhibit display approximately 250 rare fashion designs drawn from its archives.
The dresscode however, is “The Garden of Time” – so expect lots of florals and botanical theme embellishments making an appearance.
In the meantime, here is a look at a few of the stunning (or questionably unique) Met Gala looks from recent years.
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Singer-songwriter Rihanna opted for an all-black design by Balenciaga at the 2021 Met Gala, paired with a beanie. It is meant to be powerful yet feminine, a nod to the hoodie, which Black people in the US are often incriminated for wearing. The evening celebrated all things American fashion.
Lively's 2022 Met Gala dress was something special. To fit the dress code of "gilded glamour", the rose gold Versace design was inspired by Manhattan's intricate architecture and paid homage to the Empire State Building. Halfway through walking the red carpet, the actress untied the bow on the skirt to reveal a cascading blue train, the design of which was inspired by the constellation decor at the city's Grand Central station.
Malaysia's Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh turned heads at the 2023 Met Gala. The Academy Award-winning actress flaunted a Karl Lagerfeld gown that included a white collared top with buttons that had long flared out white sheer sleeves. The evening paid tribute to Lagerfeld, who died in 2019.
In 2022, Sarah Jessica Parker wore a strapless ball gown by Christopher John Rogers, coloured in shades of white, black and grey. The piece featured buttons down the bodice and a full skirt, with the actress finishing the look with an eye-catching headpiece.
Tennis star Naomi Osaka sported a custom Louis Vuitton gown in 2021. It is said to be a tribute to both her Haitian and Japanese heritage. The unique print was designed by Osaka’s sister Mari and featured images of koi fish. The folds of the dress is meant to resemble a kimono.
Designer Jeremy Scott turned singer-songwriter Katy Perry into a giant chandelier for the 2019 Met Gala. The theme of that year was "camp" aesthetic, which means a more flamboyant way of dressing.
Actor and singer Jared Leto actually dressed up as a cat for the Met Gala red carpet last year. The costume was meant as a nod to Lagerfeld's cat, Choupette.
