Over the past decade, the Met Gala red carpet has become increasingly extravagant and daring, encouraging attendees to have fun and take risks with their fashion choices. The themes of the event have pushed boundaries and inspired celebrities to showcase their creativity and individuality. From the 2010 Met Gala to the 2019 camp theme, the red carpet has evolved from a display of elegant gowns to a spectacle of showmanship and extravagance.
The upcoming Met Gala will celebrate the Costume Institute’s new exhibition, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” The exhibition will feature rare items spanning over 400 years from the Costume Institute’s collection, including designs by iconic fashion houses such as Schiaparelli, Dior, and Givenchy. Co-hosted by Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, Chris Hemsworth, and Anna Wintour, the red carpet dress code for this year’s gala is “The Garden of Time,” promising a display of elaborate and imaginative fashion choices.
While we wait for this year’s event, we can reminisce about past iconic Met Gala moments and themes by revisiting the looks that have graced the carpet since 2010. From Helen Lasichanh’s shapely Comme des Garçons look in 2017 to the Olsen twins’ unexpected take on the punk theme in 2013, there have been many memorable and innovative fashion choices at the Met Gala over the years. Vogue has collected all the looks from past events, allowing us to appreciate the creativity and boldness of celebrities on the red carpet.
In 2023, the Met Gala theme was “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” honoring the late designer’s unique contributions to fashion while leading major fashion houses like Chanel and Fendi. Co-hosted by Michaela Coel, Penélope Cruz, Roger Federer, Dua Lipa, and Anna Wintour, the event showcased stars such as Rihanna and A$AP Rocky in stunning Valentino and Bvlgari ensembles. The theme celebrated Lagerfeld’s legacy and influence on the fashion industry.
In 2022, the theme for the Met Gala was “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” focusing on American style and paying tribute to unsung heroes of U.S. design. The red carpet dress code, “in honor of Karl,” inspired celebrities to wear refined and elegant black and white looks in homage to the late designer. The event highlighted the diversity and creativity of American fashion, showcasing celebrities’ interpretations of the Gilded Glamour and White Tie dress code.
The Met Gala continues to push boundaries and inspire creativity in the world of fashion, with each year’s event offering a platform for celebrities to showcase their individuality and artistic vision. From elaborate and extravagant ensembles to themes that challenge conventions, the Met Gala has become a staple of the fashion calendar, providing a space for both established designers and emerging talent to shine. With each new theme and red carpet moment, the Met Gala reinforces its position as a groundbreaking and influential event in the world of fashion.
