Amidst the glitterati of the Met Gala, it's easy to overlook the event's humble beginnings as a charity event. The Costume Institute, was created by Irene Lewisohn and Aline Bernstein and initially called the Museum of Costume Art before it coalesced with the Met. With origins dating back to 1948, the unassuming Costume Institute was in dire need of financial resuscitation. The gala was to serve as a pre-celebration dinner with tickets going for $50 a pop. The event hotfooted around many locations in New York City - Central Park, Rainbow Room, and Waldorf Astoria all played host before it found its forever home at the Metropolitan Museum of Art..
Following a long tenure as EIC of Vogue, Diana Vreeland was tapped as a cultural consultant for the institute - collectively transforming the Gala into the sumptuous feast of fashion we recognise today. We have her to thank for opening the event up to style iconoclasts like Elizabeth Taylor, Diane Von Furstenberg and Diana Ross and many more society big-weights of the time.
The 2024 Met Gala will commence on Monday, May 6, celebrating with “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” Before it kicks off, we've assembled a cabinet of our forever favourites over the years. Here is our round-up of the best Met Gala looks of all time.
Hunter Schafer, 2021
View this post on Instagram
Fembot in Prada. We couldn't get enough.
Bianca Jagger, 1981
View this post on Instagram
Before the little black dress there was this: a tight-bodiced evening gown studded with black rosettes.
Lana Del Rey, 2018
View this post on Instagram
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
View this post on Instagram
In her first Lady Valentino regalia.
Rihanna, 2023
View this post on Instagram
Embroidered in white roses.
Cher, 1974
View this post on Instagram
In bespoke Bob Mackie. The theme of 1974 was 'Romantic and Glamorous Hollywood Design'. The brief was signed, sealed, delivered.
Em Rata, 2019
View this post on Instagram
A custom Dundas gown.
Raquel Welch, Diane Von Furstenberg and Diana Ross, 1981
View this post on Instagram
A trifecta of fashion foremothers.
Lady Gaga, 2019
View this post on Instagram
No notes on camp.
Sarah Jessica Parker, 2022
View this post on Instagram
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
View this post on Instagram
Starring Jared Leto as Choupette.
