A Fashion Editor's Overview of the Most Memorable Met Gala Themes Ever

      In just a week, the 2025 Met Gala will take place. This year's exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is titled “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” inspired by Monica L. Miller's 2009 book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. It will delve into the fashion of Black dandies from the 18th century to the modern day. As is customary, the dress code for attendees will slightly vary while paying tribute to the exhibit, and this year it is “Tailored for You.” As a result, we can anticipate many guests donning sharp suits, reflecting the exhibition's menswear theme. As we look forward to this day, which resembles a blend of the Super Bowl and the Oscars for fashion, let's revisit my personal favorites of the Met Gala themes from past years as a fashion editor with a passion for this topic.

      2018: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination

      For many, Heavenly Bodies stands out as the best Met Gala exhibit, themed “Sunday Best.” The exhibit showcased papal attire borrowed from the Sistine Chapel, encouraging guests to dress modestly in respect of the ecclesiastical garments. Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton aimed to highlight how material Christianity has influenced the Catholic imagination, acknowledging that fashion's connection to fate, while occasionally controversial, cannot be overlooked. This remains my all-time favorite theme. Occasionally, I revisit images from that red carpet to reignite my belief in the magic of fashion. Rihanna famously wore a Margiela papal mitre, while Madonna donned Jean Paul Gaultier with a tiara adorned in sparkling crosses. This epitomized fashion excellence, with nearly all attendees seemingly grasping and adhering to the theme.

      2015: China: Through the Looking Glass

      As a fashion editor, covering the Met Gala is part of my role. However, as a lifelong fashion enthusiast, it's a subject I've been enamored with for years. When the documentary First Monday In May premiered in 2015, I had just graduated from college and was uncertain about my future career. I think I watched it twice in one go. It provided a behind-the-scenes look at the exhibit and event of that year, "China Through the Looking Glass,” which examined Chinese aesthetics in Western fashion, with the dress code set as “Chinese White Tie.” The documentary partially motivated me to pursue fashion journalism; I wanted to immerse myself in the realm it depicted. Therefore, I hold a special fondness for this exhibit and its theme, despite initial concerns about cultural sensitivity from guests. But Rihanna, the indisputable queen of the Met Gala, showcased an unforgettable look in a custom yellow fur-trimmed gown by Chinese designer Guo Pei. Andrew Leon Tally's astonishment upon seeing it for the first time is a quote that remains etched in my memory: "I love a girl from humble beginnings who becomes a big star."

      2013: Punk: Chaos to Couture

      The 2013 Met Gala exhibit examined the influence of Punk subculture on high fashion, tracing its origins from the 1970s to its effects on the early 2000s. The seven galleries especially highlighted Punk's DIY spirit and its aesthetic for the anti-establishment. The dress code straightforwardly embraced Punk—simply “Punk.” Kristen Stewart sported red eye makeup, while Miley Cyrus styled her bleached hair into spikes. Sienna Miller and Cara Delevingne wore dresses and jackets adorned with studs. It’s enjoyable to reflect on, as while everyone honored 1970s punk, they also managed to capture the indie sleeve vibe of the time, whether they realized it or not.

      2011: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

      2011 marked my first year back in New York City after my freshman year of college. I waited in line with my mom, cousin, and sister for this exhibit, which stands out as one of my cherished memories from that time. Alexander McQueen held significant meaning for many, and witnessing his impact firsthand was remarkable. We waited for hours, but I didn’t mind—everything faded away once we entered and saw over 100 pieces from his decade-long career, including iconic items like the bumster trouser. Guests wore outfits that honored the designer, and considering many had personal connections with him or were significantly affected by his work, the tone of the red carpet was truly unique.

      2019: Camp, Notes on Fashion

      The Camp Met Gala exhibit drew inspiration from Susan Sontag’s 1964 essay, Notes on “Camp.” In her writing, Sontag described the essence of Camp as "its love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration." She added that when something is merely bad (rather than Camp), it's often because the artist hasn't attempted anything truly outrageous. I appreciated this theme for its ability to confuse many, especially Karlie Kloss, who inadvertently created one of the most