Met Gala hits and misses: A look back at the best and worst fashion moments of all time

Met Gala 2023: The highly-anticipated Met Gala is set to return on the traditional first Monday of May, and fashion enthusiasts around the world are eagerly anticipating the event. The 2023 Met Gala theme will be ‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty’ to honor Karl Lagerfeld, who was a regular attendee at The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute. As fashion enthusiasts prepare for this momentous event on May 1, 2023, let’s take a walk down memory lane and reminisce some of the best and worst Met Gala looks from previous years that have left an indelible mark on fashion history. From show-stopping gowns to eyebrow-raising ensembles, these fashion moments will always be etched in our minds. (Also read: It’s Met Gala time again – here’s what we know so far )

Best and worst Met Gala looks of all time:

Rihanna: At the 2015 Met Gala, Rihanna stunned in a divisive Guo Pei confection that remains one of the most talked-about looks in Met Gala history. The fur-trimmed off-the-shoulder robe featured a massive filigree-embroidered train that extended for several feet behind her. The bold choice drew polarizing reactions, with some calling it a work of art and others poking fun at it online. The extravagant train of the dress spawned countless memes and drew comparisons to everything from Big Bird to an omelet to pizza.

Katy Perry: The 2018 Met Gala’s “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” theme saw Katy Perry don a stunning Versace gold minidress with an antique bronze netted overlay studded with Swarovski crystals. But it was the larger-than-life set of wings made of real feathers that stole the show. The intricate details and craftsmanship of the wings left everyone awestruck, and it cemented Perry’s place in Met Gala history as one of the most unforgettable looks of all time.

Madonna: Madonna’s 2016 Met Gala look was definitely one for the books, but not necessarily in a good way. Her black lace Givenchy gown was extremely sheer and showed off a lot of skin, which was made even more unusual by the fact that she wrapped her arms and thighs in KT tape, typically used for sports injuries. It was a strange choice that left many wondering what the pop icon was trying to achieve with this look.

Lady Gaga: Lady Gaga’s custom Versace outfit at the 2019 Met Gala was a stunning ensemble that included four different looks, each more outrageous than the last. The first look was a billowing hot pink gown with an oversized bow, followed by a sleek black gown with a long train. The third look was a form-fitting hot pink dress with a matching cape, and the final look was a black lingerie-inspired bodysuit with fishnet stockings and platform boots. The outfit was a perfect fit for the “Camp: Notes on Fashion” theme of the 2019 Met Gala, and it cemented Lady Gaga’s status as a fashion icon.

Priyanka Chopra: Priyanka Chopra wore a silver Dior gown with a sheer top and feathery skirt to the 2019 Met Gala. The gown was inspired by the theme of “Camp: Notes on Fashion” and featured a thigh-high slit and a cape that trailed behind her. She also wore a crown-like headpiece that sparkled under the lights. Her look was regarded as stunning and magical, but it also attracted some negative reactions from trolls and critics. Despite her offbeat and unique look, she was subjected to jokes and memes from the troll brigade who are known for not sparing anyone.

Kim Kardashian: Kim Kardashian’s Thierry Mugler dress at the 2019 Met Gala was a standout look that captured the attention of many. The wet-look dress was designed to look like it was dripping water, and had a corset-style bodice that accentuated Kim’s curves. The dress also featured crystals that sparkled under the lights, and was paired with strappy heels and wet-look hair. The overall effect was a modern take on old Hollywood glamour, and it was a bold and daring choice that received mixed reactions from fashion critics and fans alike. Nevertheless, it made a memorable impact on the Met Gala red carpet.

Deepika Padukone: Deepika Padukone’s pink dress at the 2019 Met Gala was a standout look that showcased her unique style. Designed by Zac Posen, the dress was a voluminous ball gown with a tiered train and a strapless bodice. The dress was made of a custom pink lurex jacquard fabric, and the bodice was hand-draped and embroidered with 3D printed pieces. The dress also featured a large bow at the back, which added to the drama and glamour of the look.

Gigi Hadid: Gigi Hadid made a bold statement on the Met Gala 2022 red carpet with a striking and seductive ensemble. The 27-year-old model wore an all-red Versace outfit consisting of a boned burgundy corset worn over a tight-fitting latex jumpsuit, topped off with a voluminous silk puffer jacket. She completed the look with knee-high leather boots and matching jewelry around her neck. Her outfit was a daring and show-stopping choice, emphasizing her unique sense of style and flair.

Jennifer Lopez: Jennifer Lopez is known for her stunning fashion choices on the Met Gala red carpet. However in Met Gala 2021 she surprised everyone with a different look. Her outfit was designed by Ralph Lauren and consisted of a brown faux fur cape, a cowboy hat, and a beaded dress that resembled a Wild West saloon girl’s outfit. She also wore a choker necklace and carried a clutch bag that resembled a vintage book. Many admired her confidence and willingness to take a risk with her outfit, while others felt that it did not quite fit with the “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” theme of the 2021 Met Gala.

What did you think of these looks? Let us know in the comments.