Amid all the glitz and spectacle of the Met Gala, it’s easy to forget its modest beginnings as a simple fundraiser. The Costume Institute, originally known as the Museum of Costume Art, was founded by Irene Lewisohn and Aline Bernstein before eventually becoming part of the Met. Established in 1948, the Institute was in urgent need of financial support, and the Gala was conceived as a low-key benefit dinner—with tickets priced at just $50.
In its early years, the event moved between several iconic New York venues, from Central Park to the Rainbow Room, and later the Waldorf Astoria, before finding its permanent home at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
It wasn’t until Diana Vreeland—fresh off her long reign as editor-in-chief of Vogue US—joined the Institute as a special consultant that the Gala began to transform. Under her trained eye, the event evolved into the extravagant fashion celebration we know today. Vreeland invited style legends and cultural icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Diane von Furstenberg, and Diana Ross, opening the doors to a new era of glamour and star power.
In 2025, on the first Monday of May, the event will take shape for its 79th annual iteration, this time celebrating the dress code, 'Tailored For You', derived from the theme 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.' So, what better time to dip into the archives and revisit our favourite looks and fashionable moments that the Met Gala has delivered over the last seven decades? Ahead of the 2025 Met Gala, we're bringing you the RUSSH edit of the best Met Gala looks of all time.
Hunter Schafer, 2021
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Fembot in Prada. We couldn't get enough.
Bianca Jagger, 1981
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Before the little black dress there was this: a tight-bodiced evening gown studded with black rosettes.
Lana Del Rey, 2018
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We all remember where we are. Or at least I do: frantically refreshing Twitter in my Gothic Literature tutorial and screengrabbing any image of haloed Lana to make my desktop wallpaper. Heavenly Bodies, for our very own Gucci fallen angel.
Jacqueline Kennedy, 1979
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In her first Lady Valentino regalia.
Rihanna, 2023
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Embroidered in white roses.
Cher, 1974
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In bespoke Bob Mackie. The theme of 1974 was 'Romantic and Glamorous Hollywood Design'. The brief was signed, sealed, delivered.
Em Rata, 2019
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A custom Dundas gown.
Raquel Welch, Diane Von Furstenberg and Diana Ross, 1981
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A trifecta of fashion foremothers.
Lady Gaga, 2019
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No notes on camp.
Sarah Jessica Parker, 2022
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Donning a custom Philip Treacy headpiece, SJP wears a contoured, patch-worked bodice, pleated ball skirt in black and ivory with Swarovski crystal buttons and silk moiré bows.
Jared Leto, 2023
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Starring Jared Leto as Choupette.
Zendaya, 2024
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The reigning Met Gala Queen wore custom Maison Margiela by John Galliano, styled by Law Roach.
Billie Eilish, 2022
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Looking utterly regal in Gucci.
Rihanna, 2015
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Yes, Rihanna deserves a second mention, this time for her unforgettable Guo Pei look, celebrating the theme of China: Through the Looking Glass.
Doja Cat, 2023
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Love it or hate it, you can't deny that Doja Cat committed to the bit with this Versace nod to Karl Lagerfeld's cat, Choupette.
Naomi Campbell, 1995
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Is there anything more iconic than Naomi Campbell in all-over sparkle by Versace?
Zoe Kravitz and Channing Tatum, 2024
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Once a power couple, always a power couple.
Lily Collins, 2019
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The actress took 'Camp' very seriously in Gimabattista Valli.
