Met Gala Through The Years: A Visual History Of Fashion’s Biggest Night

In 2015, the Met Gala ventured into the intricate dance between Western fashion and Chinese aesthetics. The exhibition, rather than focusing solely on Chinese fashion, delved into how Western designers have interpreted—and often misinterpreted—Chinese culture. Rihanna's appearance in a regal yellow Guo Pei gown, meticulously crafted over two years, became the night's defining image, embodying both homage and the complexities of cultural appropriation.

The 2016 theme explored the dichotomy between handmade haute couture and machine-made fashion. Attendees showcased this interplay, with garments that fused traditional craftsmanship with technological innovation. Claire Danes' luminous gown, which glowed in the dark, epitomised the night's theme, marrying classic design with modern tech.

Honouring the avant-garde designer Rei Kawakubo, the 2017 Gala challenged conventional fashion norms. The exhibition featured approximately 140 of her designs, emphasising themes of duality and contradiction. Attendees embraced the abstract, with ensembles that blurred the lines between fashion and art.

This theme delved into the relationship between fashion and Catholicism, showcasing religious artefacts alongside designer pieces inspired by ecclesiastical attire. Rihanna's papal-inspired ensemble and Zendaya's Joan of Arc tribute stood out, blending reverence with high fashion.

Drawing from Susan Sontag's 1964 essay, the 2019 Gala celebrated the exaggerated and theatrical. Lady Gaga's multi-outfit reveal and Billy Porter's grand entrance exemplified the essence of camp, turning the red carpet into a stage of flamboyance.

Met Gala 2020: "About Time: Fashion and Duration"

Though the Gala was postponed due to the pandemic, the theme reflected on fashion's temporal nature. Inspired by Virginia Woolf's "Orlando," the exhibition presented a fragmented timeline, challenging the linear perception of fashion history.

Focusing on American fashion, this theme highlighted emerging designers and the nation's sartorial diversity. The exhibition showcased over 100 pieces, emphasising themes of identity and inclusivity.

Continuing the exploration of American fashion, the 2022 exhibition delved into historical narratives, spotlighting both renowned and overlooked designers. Blake Lively's gown, transforming from copper to green, paid homage to the Statue of Liberty, symbolising transformation and freedom.

Honouring the prolific designer Karl Lagerfeld, the 2023 Gala showcased his extensive body of work. The exhibition, structured around themes like the serpentine and straight lines, reflected Lagerfeld's duality of romanticism and modernism. Attendees, including Doja Cat, paid tribute to Lagerfeld's design sensibilities as well as his cat Choupette.

The 2024 theme celebrated the ephemeral nature of fashion, drawing inspiration from J.G. Ballard's "The Garden of Time." The exhibition featured delicate garments, too fragile to be worn, symbolising the transient beauty of fashion. Tyla's sand-inspired gown poignantly captured the essence of time slipping away.