The Met Gala is an annual fundraising event held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, where celebrities and fashion icons gather to show off their most extravagant outfits. Each year, the event has a different theme that inspires the attendees’ fashion choices, and some of these themes have become iconic over the years. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best Met Gala themes throughout the years.
The theme of the 2018 Met Gala was inspired by the relationship between fashion and the Catholic Church. The exhibition showcased garments and accessories borrowed from the Vatican, as well as other religious artifacts. This theme resulted in some of the most stunning and controversial outfits in the history of the Met Gala. From Rihanna’s bejeweled pope hat to Lana Del Rey’s heart-shaped halo, the attendees’ outfits paid homage to the religious iconography in the most fashionable way possible.
In 2016, the Met Gala’s theme was focused on the relationship between technology and fashion. The exhibition showcased garments made using both traditional and modern techniques, from hand-sewn couture to 3D-printed dresses. The attendees’ outfits reflected this theme with a mix of futuristic and vintage-inspired looks, such as Claire Danes’ glowing Cinderella dress and Taylor Swift’s silver metallic mini dress.
The 2013 Met Gala theme celebrated the punk movement’s impact on fashion, featuring garments that reflected punk’s rebellious spirit. The exhibition showcased pieces from designers such as Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen, who were known for their punk-inspired designs. The attendees’ outfits were a mix of punk-inspired and high-fashion looks, from Madonna’s studded leather jacket to Sarah Jessica Parker’s mohawk headpiece.
The 2015 Met Gala theme was inspired by Chinese art and culture, featuring over 140 haute couture pieces designed by both Chinese and Western designers. The exhibition showcased the influence of Chinese culture on Western fashion, from intricate embroidery to the use of richly colored fabrics. The attendees’ outfits reflected this theme with a mix of traditional Chinese-inspired looks and modern interpretations of Chinese fashion, such as Rihanna’s yellow fur-trimmed cape and Beyonce’s sheer beaded gown.
The 2019 Met Gala theme celebrated the art of camp, defined as exaggerated and theatrical fashion. The exhibition showcased the history of camp in fashion, from the origins of the term to contemporary examples. The attendees’ outfits reflected this theme with a mix of playful and extravagant looks, from Lady Gaga’s four outfit changes to Jared Leto’s decapitated head accessory.
In 2014, the Met Gala celebrated the work of fashion designer Charles James, known for his sculptural, architectural designs. The exhibition showcased James’ iconic ball gowns, as well as sketches and photographs of his work. The attendees’ outfits reflected this theme with a mix of classic and avant-garde looks, from Sarah Jessica Parker’s black-and-white ball gown to Karlie Kloss’ elegant red gown with a dramatic train.
The 2011 Met Gala celebrated the work of fashion designer Alexander McQueen, who passed away the previous year. The exhibition showcased McQueen’s most iconic designs, including his skull-print scarves and armadillo shoes. The attendees’ outfits paid homage to McQueen’s rebellious spirit and avant-garde style, from Sarah Jessica Parker’s black velvet gown with a high neckline to Lady Gaga’s floor-length gown made entirely of feathers.
In 2008, the Met Gala celebrated superheroes and their impact on fashion. The exhibition showcased costumes from superhero movies, as well as avant-garde designs inspired by superheroes. The attendees’ outfits reflected this theme with a mix of classic and innovative looks, from Mary-Kate Olsen’s vintage-inspired gown with a flowing cape to Sarah Jessica Parker’s sparkly silver dress with a dramatic headdress.
The 2010 Met Gala celebrated the influence of American fashion on the world stage. The exhibition showcased garments from designers such as Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, and Diane von Furstenberg, as well as iconic outfits worn by American women throughout history. The attendees’ outfits reflected this theme with a mix of classic and modern looks, from Sarah Jessica Parker’s voluminous yellow gown to Katy Perry’s blue, white, and red patriotic-themed gown.
The most recent Met Gala theme in 2021 was “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” which celebrated American fashion and designers. The exhibition featured pieces from designers such as Ralph Lauren, Carolina Herrera, and Calvin Klein, as well as garments worn by notable Americans throughout history. The attendees’ outfits ranged from classic American styles to more avant-garde interpretations, with notable looks such as Billie Eilish’s custom Oscar de la Renta gown and Timothée Chalamet’s white silk suit by Haider Ackermann.
The 2011 Met Gala theme was “Savage Beauty,” which paid homage to the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen. The exhibition showcased McQueen’s iconic designs and celebrated his influence on the fashion industry. The attendees’ outfits reflected McQueen’s signature style, with a mix of dark and edgy looks, from Sarah Jessica Parker’s feathered headdress to Naomi Campbell’s dramatic gown with a long train.
The Met Gala theme in 1999 was “Manuscripts,” which celebrated the art of calligraphy and handwriting. The exhibition showcased illuminated manuscripts from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, as well as modern designs inspired by calligraphy. The attendees’ outfits reflected the theme, with a mix of elegant and refined looks, from Kate Moss’ silver metallic gown to Gwyneth Paltrow’s shimmering silver mini dress.
In conclusion, the Met Gala has been a platform for celebrating the world of fashion and exploring various themes throughout the years. The themes have ranged from religious influences to technology, calligraphy, and even comic book culture. Each theme has inspired unique and iconic fashion moments that will be remembered for years to come. It will be exciting to see what themes will be explored in the future and how they will inspire the fashion industry.