50 Most Jaw-Dropping Met Gala Dresses of All Time
Sometimes referred to as "fashion" prom, the Met Gala (aka Met Ball) is one of the biggest nights of the year for designers and A-list celebrities. It's an annual fund-raising gala for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York City, and it's put together by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who's turned it into an exclusive and fashion-centric event. It's such a huge undertaking that the organization and planning of it was even documented in a film called The First Monday in May.
Almost every major star has attended at some point in time -- including well-known musicians like Rihanna and Beyonce, models like Chrissy Teigen and Kendall Jenner, and actresses like Katie Holmes and Blake Lively. And this isn't a red carpet event where stars can get away with a simple gown. In fact, they're encouraged to wear something creative that fits that year's theme.
Previous themes have centered around technology, punk, superheroes, art movements, history, fashion designers, and more. Since the 1970s, all eyes have been on the extravagant dresses worn at the event -- every year we seem to see more daring fashion choices. Here are some of the most memorable Met Gala dresses we couldn't take our eyes off of. We seriously had to do a double take for most of these!
Jennifer Lopez's 2018 Met Gala Dress
Jennifer Lopez looked absolutely stunning in this Balmain design. She took the year's theme -- "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" -- and really went for it with the giant embellished cross front and center on the gown. And that feather train is insane!
Priyanka Chopra's 2018 Met Gala Dress
Priyanka Chopra wore this beautiful Ralph Lauren gown with the most amazing embellished hood. According to Harper's Bazaar, the hood took over 250 hours to hand bead!
Priyanka Chopra's 2017 Met Gala Dress
Priyanka Chopra may have attended the 2017 Met Gala with Nick Jonas, but we're pretty sure all eyes were on her. This trench coat dress had an insanely long train, a very streetwear aesthetic, and quite a bit of sex appeal (just saying).
Sarah Jessica Parker's 2016 Met Gala Outfit
In 2016, Sarah Jessica Parker wore something that Carrie Bradshaw would totally approve of. She went against the red carpet norms and rocked this elegant cropped pant look with a fabulous tulle-sleeved jacket. The look was inspired by the Broadway show Hamilton.
Nicole Richie's 2014 Met Gala Dress
In 2014, Nicole Richie rocked purple hair and this edgy-chic gown. According to Us Weekly, Donna Karan Atelier custom-dyed the sage backless velvet gown.