Zendaya! Rihanna! Princess Diana! These 13 Most Iconic Met Dresses Changed Fashion Forever.

      On the first Monday of May, fashion's elite congregate on the Upper East Side for the most extravagant showcase of style, taste, and creative brilliance, commonly referred to as the Met Gala. For those unfamiliar, this annual charity ball has been taking place for seventy-five years, raising money for the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With an exclusive lineup featuring aristocrats, designers, actors, musicians, athletes, business magnates, and leaders in various fields, the event has developed into the pinnacle of the fashion calendar. The specifics of the evening remain shrouded in mystery due to a strict no-phones policy—except for star-studded selfies taken in the ladies’ room—making it one of the East Coast's most clandestine affairs. However, the true highlight of the night is the stunning array of outfits seen on the red carpet. The granite front steps serve as a remarkable stage, providing both a literal and metaphorical platform for haute couture creations that surpass all expectations. From Gigi Hadid's bespoke Thom Browne gown, which took over 13,500 hours to create, to Dua Lipa's mesmerizing 100-carat Tiffany & Co. necklace valued at over $100 million, these outfits are not for the timid. With the annual Met Gala fast approaching, we believe it's important to reflect on the best Met Gala dresses in history. Adrenaline-pumping, jaw-dropping, and awe-inducing, this serves as the ultimate guide to the most unforgettable looks ever.

      ### The 13 Best Met Gala Dresses of All Time

      1. **Rihanna**

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       **Style Notes:** With the expansive and historically-rich theme “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” it was only right for Rihanna to take a bold yet straightforward approach. Bringing fashion to church, the multifaceted musician and beauty mogul wore a custom silver Maison Margiela ensemble designed by John Galliano. The highlight was her tribute to papal attire, demonstrated through her Stephen Jones headpiece—a conclave we'd happily join.

      2. **Princess Diana**

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       **Style Notes:** Six months after she cemented her fashion legacy with the infamous revenge dress at the Serpentine Gallery Summer Party, the late Princess Diana discreetly appeared at another event in a timeless ensemble. Dressed in a simple midnight blue slip dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior, she blended seamlessly into the Manhattan evening. This single appearance later symbolized her sartorial transformation following her separation from King Charles III—elegant, liberated, and a true reflection of her identity.

      3. **Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen**

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       **Style Notes:** The enigmatic Olsen Twins have been regulars at the gala since age 18, making it a true second home for the private pair. However, their biggest impact came at the 2017 event themed “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons,” where they embraced their bohemian origins in antique lace slip dresses, over a century old. Adorned with pendant necklaces, fur-trimmed jackets, and chunky accessories, the looks also paid homage to the Japanese designer’s autumn/winter 2005 collection “Broken Brides,” marking a full-circle moment as it coincided with the year they began attending.

      4. **Zendaya**

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       **Style Notes:** Whenever Zendaya confirms her attendance, a fashion spectacle is ensured. As a pioneer of method dressing, the 29-year-old takes her role as a guest seriously. During her co-chairing of the 2024 event, she surpassed all expectations, appearing with two visionary looks. She delivered a hauntingly beautiful interpretation of the theme “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” wearing a custom John Galliano gown for Maison Margiela, perfectly embodying the theme's essence.

      5. **Kate Moss**

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       **Style Notes:** Another notable co-chair, Kate Moss attended the 2009 gala themed “The Model as Muse,” showcasing the power of supermodels as ultimate chameleons. Departing from her typical Camden style, she donned a gold lame mini dress and an Elizabeth Taylor-inspired turban, perfectly realizing Marc Jacobs’ vision for the evening.

      6. **Zoë Kravitz**

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       **Style Notes:** Representing Anthony Vaccarello’s sensuous sophistication for Saint Laurent, Zoë Kravitz made a striking appearance at the 2021 Met Gala. Following the theme “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” she wore a daring netted gown adorned with shimmering crystals forming tiny YSL monograms—who needs a slip when draped in diamonds?

      7. **Lady Gaga**

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