The Met Gala
The Met Gala is not just a celebration of fashion, but also a celebration of art, culture, and creativity – known as an annual fundraising event for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. It is regarded as one of the most prominent fashion events in the world, attracting some of the biggest names in the fashion, entertainment, and art industries.
Each year, the Met Gala has a different theme, and guests are expected to dress according to that theme. The event is known for its elaborate and often avant-garde fashion, and is widely covered by the media, ranging from Vogue to Harper’s Bazaar.
Here are some of my all-time favorite looks worn by incredible women. They truly make a statement!
Blake Lively
First up, we have Blake Lively’s 2022 look, dressed by Atelier Versace. She wore a custom gown that was made of sheer fabric, featuring intricate beading and embroidery. When she walked up the red carpet stairs, the wrapping of the dressing revealed a long train that matched the carpet, which was the component that made the entire look so memorable.
Lively also perfected 2022’s theme – In America: An Anthology of Fashion – as the initial dress, which had red-tones and was inspired by the Empire State Building, while the second one, which added an aqua blue train, represented the Statue of Liberty. Her hair was also styled in a sleek updo and she wore a diamond necklace and earrings to complete the look.
Lively’s look delivered drama and glamour, paying homage to the legacy of New York City.
Beyonce
At the 2015 Met Gala, Beyonce, known to us as Queen Bey, broke the internet with a sheer, crystal-embellished Givenchy gown. Her look was incredibly memorable, because it was completely transparent with rhinestones that were strategically placed, making her look like she was wearing nothing underneath. Moreover, she showed up famously late, which sparked a buzz of conversation about her look.
The look went viral, and received numerous mixed reviews: some were criticizing how revealing it was, while others praised how fashion plays into sexuality and feminism.
Princess Diana
Next, we have Princess Diana’s 1996 look in Dior. After her recent divorce from Prince Charles, she wore a silk navy maxi dress with black lace on the necklines and straps. However, it was not just the dress that was a showstopper, as the sapphire necklace she wore was initially built from a brooch gifted to her by Queen Elizabeth on her wedding day.
Not only was it impressive to see a royal attending the ball, but she was characterized as the “belle of the ball” with an elegant look, enabling her legacy and style to live on forever.
Zendaya
Last but not least, my absolute favorite look is Zendaya’s Tommy Hilfiger Cinderella look, which looked identical to the actual dress in the fairytale. Law Roach, her stylist, played the part of the fairy godmother, and as he waved the wand, smoke was emitted and the blue gown lit up. The dress transformed her, literally into a princess, and this robotic dress is something that is rarely seen before.
She even left a glass slipper behind on the Met Gala stairs, echoing the fairytale, and was intended to represent her career transition from a Disney Channel star to a popular actress.
Women’s Empowerment
Most celebrities use the event to showcase their most avant-garde and daring looks, going out of their comfort zone and making a statement to the public eye, prompting us to become bewildered.
However, most importantly, these women have made significant statements at one of the most prominent events in the world, allowing for women’s empowerment to be an issue being vocalized across the globe.
Click here to see more popular looks from iconic women at the Met Gala and their dress inspiration!
