Zendaya! Rihanna! Princess Diana! These 13 Iconic Met Gala Dresses Created Fashion History

      On the first Monday of May, the elite of the fashion world come together on the Upper East Side for the most lavish showcase of style, creativity, and taste, more widely recognized as the Met Gala. For those unfamiliar, this annual charity ball has been held for 75 years and raises money for the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With an exclusive guest list that brings together aristocrats, designers, actors, musicians, athletes, business magnates, and industry leaders, this spectacular night has become the pinnacle of the fashion calendar. The actual event is shrouded in mystery due to a strict no-phones policy—aside from star-studded selfies taken in the ladies’ room—making it one of the most secretive events in the East Coast region. However, the true highlight of the evening is undoubtedly the stunning array of outfits seen on the red carpet. Serving as a metaphorical runway, the granite steps provide both a literal and figurative platform for haute couture that surpasses all expectations. From Gigi Hadid’s custom Thom Browne gown, which took an astounding 13,500 hours to make, to Dua Lipa donning a mesmerizing 100-carat Tiffany & Co. necklace reportedly valued at over $100 million, these outfits are not for the timid. With the Met Gala fast approaching, we thought it fitting to look back at the finest Met Gala dresses of all time. Heart-pounding, jaw-dropping, and incredibly memorable, this serves as the ultimate guide to iconic looks throughout the years.

      The 13 Best Met Gala Dresses of All Time:

      1. Rihanna

       Style Notes: With the theme "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" rich in historical significance, it was perfect that Rihanna took both the most subversive and straightforward approach. Literally bringing fashion to a sacred space, the versatile musician and beauty mogul showcased a custom silver Maison Margiela cape-dress designed by John Galliano. The highlight was her Stephen Jones headpiece, a tribute to papal attire. This was one conclave we’d happily join.

      2. Princess Diana

       Style Notes: Just six months after solidifying her fashion legacy in the infamous revenge dress designed by Christina Stambolian, the late Lady Spencer discreetly appeared in another iconic outfit. Merging seamlessly into the Manhattan night, she arrived in a simple midnight blue slip dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior—a defining moment of her sartorial transformation following her separation from King Charles III, embodying elegance and a newfound sense of self.

      3. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

       Style Notes: No exploration of Met Gala moments would be complete without the ever-enigmatic Olsen twins. Making the event a second home since they turned 18, the 2017 theme "Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons" saw the designers of The Row make a notable statement. Returning to their bohemian roots, they donned true antique lace slip dresses over a century old, adorned with pendant necklaces, fur-trimmed jackets, and chunky accessories, referencing a previous collection by the Japanese designer.

      4. Zendaya

       Style Notes: Whenever Zendaya confirms her RSVP, a fashion spectacle is guaranteed. As a leader in method dressing, she approaches her guest role with utmost seriousness. At the 2024 event, she did not disappoint, showcasing two different, visionary looks. Her interpretation of the theme "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," featuring a John Galliano gown for Maison Margiela, beautifully encapsulated the theme’s essence.

      5. Kate Moss

       Style Notes: Another iconic co-chair, Kate Moss attended the 2009 event themed "The Model as Muse." She demonstrated the power of supermodels as dynamic trendsetters, swapping her usual Camden-inspired attire for a gold lame mini dress and matching turban inspired by Elizabeth Taylor.

      6. Zoë Kravitz

       Style Notes: Emblematic of Anthony Vaccarello’s vision for Saint Laurent, Zoë Kravitz made a striking impression at the 2021 Met Gala. Dressing according to the theme "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion," the actor-turned-director wore a provocative netted dress adorned with shimmering crystals shaped like tiny YSL monograms—a daring choice.

      7. Lady Gaga

       Style Notes: Why stop at one outfit when you can have four? Lady Gaga embraced this philosophy at the 2019 Met Gala in a captivating Brandon Maxwell ensemble that blended performance art with a costume spectacle. She began in a magenta overcoat, transitioned to a gown, sported a Madonna-inspired column dress, and concluded her dazzling entrance in a sequin-laden ensemble.

      8. Lily-Rose Depp

       Style Notes: Having been one of Karl Lagerfeld’s “choupettes” as a teenager, it’s no surprise that Lily-Rose Depp has near-unlimited access to Chanel’s archives for