With my absolute favorite fashion event of the year coming up in exactly one week, this seemed like perfect timing to talk about the best Met Ball red carpet looks of all time. Because I can’t wait another week for a red carpet post, here it goes…
Last year, things got super fancy with a Charles James themed gala. The year before was my favorite theme to date — Punk. Next Monday A-list celebrities with $25k to spare will [possibly] be dressing to the theme of China: Through The Looking Glass. In the mean time, let’s get a little nostalgic for a second (is that even allowed not on a Thursday?) and take a look at some memorable moments and fantastic fashion from Met Galas past.
Sarah Jessica Parker in Giles Deacon, 2013
Leave to to SJP to appear twice already in this post. Although her Oscar de la Renta number last year wasn’t my favorite, she is always on-point with dressing to the theme. But she really got it right in 2013 whens she not only was perfectly punk but exceptionally chic in that mohawk headpiece. THIS is where you bow down (sorry Beyonce…not sorry).
Rihanna in Stella McCartney, 2014
What was so cool about this dress is that it looked like separates from the front, then totally surprised you from the back. Of course I’m not surprised to be surprised by something Rihanna wears, but this was one of her classier looks she’s done on the red carpet, but still with that BadGalRiRi edge we love.
Chloe Sevigny in Miu Miu, 2012
Like Rihanna, what we love about Chloe is that she DGAF (and for those of us just joining in 2015, that translates to doesn’t / don’t give a fuck…you’re welcome). This would typically be too casual of a look for such a fancy event, but sometimes you just have to do you…and that’s why Chloe is all about. Plus, those shoes are 👌.
Cara Delevingne in Burberry, 2013
It’s always interesting to see how to-the-theme people dress for this specific event (if you’re not familiar with the Met Ball, there’s a different theme each year that correlates with the new exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art). Cara’s look had just the right amount of edge, it’s something that could be worn to any black tie event, regardless of a theme (as it’s not too costumey like some people go for) and when doesn’t she look unreal? Added bonus — no one would mess with you in this dress. And that’s what it’s all about.
Beyonce in Givenchy, 2012
I wouldn’t say this is necessarily my favorite Met Ball look of all time but it’s definitely a memorable one. There’s a lot going on here — sheer, beading, feathers, a train…it all looked incredible when she was going up those stairs (why this is the ideal event if you’re ever going to rock a train, besides your wedding). It didn’t have as much of a wow factor simply standing, but how can you forget a dress like this?
Isabel Lucas in Louis Vuitton, 2011
This is a great example of why styling really matters. The dress on its own is pretty, but it’s the headpiece, the bag, the earrings (and the WERK IT attitude) that really makes it all come together.
Nicole Richie in Topshop, 2013
I would say most of my favorite Met Ball looks are from the punk-themed 2013 event, just because it was so incredible to see how people interpreted the theme, as it was all very different. You think black, studs, spiky hair, etc. but would a white dress and matching hair come to mind? Probably not. Somehow Nicole makes it look appropriate for both the event and the theme (all of her amazing ear decor does not hurt the situation). And the fit of that dress? KILLIN’ IT , NICOLE.
Selma Blair in Chanel, 2005
Although it’s very mid-2000s to pair a long necklace with anything, this is such a timeless dress that you’d never think was from ten years ago. The gold detail is absolutely beautiful (also looks crazy expensive to make) and it’s not a ground-breaking silhouette but it goes to show that detail matters. And so does Chanel…
Kate Moss in Marc Jacobs, 2009
If you didn’t know this was her outfit choice for the Met Ball in 2009, I’m sure you’ve seen this image before. This was iconic, especially because this event is typically all about the gown. But with the open back, the extreme draping and that insanely awesome turban? Never forget.
Lupita Nyong’o in Prada, 2014
I had to include this because it was just such an OMG / WTF moment. People had a love / hate relationship with this (mine was more on the hate side) but it’s one dress you’ll always remember, regardless. This was Lupita’s Met Ball debut, after coming off of a super successful red carpet season. We all expected to be WOW-ed. And we were. Just probably not in the way we expected.
Diane Kruger in Prada, 2012
It’s not often you see a purple gown done right on the red carpet. The jewel tone dresses are almost always satin and shiny — I make fun of them and forget about them the next day. This was the opposite of that. It was perfect. You would never think a gown this color with a feather trim could actually come off sort of simple (not sure how but it does). The minimal hair and makeup was a great choice…and overall, I will always remember Diane’s purple feather-trim Met Ball moment. ALWAYS.
Anja Rubik in Anthony Vaccarello, 2013
This one surprised me as I’ve never liked the color red…and this couldn’t be more red. Typically we see red gowns on the red carpet and let’s be honest, they’re pretty basic. This could not be less basic. Never thought I would live for a red leather dress with a popped collar, matching red lipstick AND red pumps but DAMN GIRL. I’m so in.
Charlotte Gainsbourg in Balenciaga, 2007
She’s just so effortlessly stylish. Literally couldn’t look bad if she tried. There’s so many incredible elements to this dress and like Diane Kruger, I love how she paired it with minimal hair and makeup. Ladies, remember…when it comes to the beauty department, sometimes less is more (and by sometimes I mean always).
Crystal Renn in Zac Posen, 2011
Zac Posen isn’t my favorite red carpet designer, as most of his dresses look very similar and they’re all super feminine (which is just not my style). This was edgy and dramatic (same goes for her hair!)…two things I love to see on the red carpet.
Sofia Coppola in Marc Jacobs + Marc Jacobs in Commes des Garcons, 2013
TALK ABOUT FASHION FRIENDS…
Rooney Mara in Givenchy 2013
Another example of how you wear white to a punk-themed event. Also, what ever happened to her? I miss her Givenchy-ness.
Karolina Kurkova in Rachel Zoe 2012
Although I have a ton of respect for designers like Riccardo Tisci, Miuccia Prada and Stella McCartney (red carpet go-tos), somehow this is my absolute favorite Met Ball dress of all time…and it’s Rachel Zoe. Although some compare this look to Kate Moss’s turban moment in 2009, this just blew me away when I first saw it AND continues to blow me away three years later. I guess that’s what head-to-toe sparkle and a turban can do to a girl.
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So now it’s your turn. What’s your favorite Met Ball look of all time? Or perhaps the one you remember most that may not have necessarily popped up on your best dressed list? And who are you most excited to see on next week’s red carpet?
Images via The Cut, Vogue & Pinterest
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