Before the stars walk up those famous Met Gala steps, we're looking back at some head-turning looks from years past.
TheMet Gala, which was founded in 1948, has managed to consistently bring together the most sought-after people in fashion and entertainment over the course of its 78-year-run.
Themes were first introduced in 1973, and have included everything from 1992's "Fashion and History: A Dialogue" to 1998's "Rock Style," to 2010's "American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity." Stars and designers have interpreted each in their own way, giving us some of themost unforgettable momentson the carpet — thinkZendayain Zac Posen in 2019,Rihannain Guo Pei in 2015, andDamson Idrisin Tommy Hilfiger last year.
Still, for every jaw-dropping moment, they've been some equally eyebrow-raising ensembles that might have missed the mark. Below, check out 27 amazing Met Gala looks you may have forgotten about— the good, the bad and the ones who were truly just products of their eras.
Timeless Chic
Former first lady Jackie Kennedy continued to be a major style-setter at all the most major fashion events in New York, long after leaving the White House. Above, she is pictured at the 1979 Met Gala themed, "Fashions of the Habsburg Era: Austria-Hungary."
Turning Back Time
Cher looked otherworldly as she was accompanied by designer Bob Mackie for the 1985 Met Gala.
Glitz and Glam
It takes a true supermodel to outshine a dress so sparkly, it's practically galactic. Naomi Campbell was that supermodel at the 1995 event, whose theme was "Haute Couture."
'90s Classic
The relationship between Claudia Schiffer and David Copperfield may have lost its magic, but the photos of them from this era (is that a scrunchie?) sure didn't. The former couple pulled up in all-black for the 1995 Met Gala.
Always Classic
It's a tribute to the star's enduring fashion icon status that she could repurpose this 1995 number today, and we wouldn't bat an eye.
Young Star
Brandy's shimmery two-piece mini suit with matching silver boots at the "Haute Couture"-themed event was so out of this world, it might have been the inspiration for the costumes onXenon: Girl of the 21st Century.
A Royal Appearance
A lady who knew a thing or two about good jewels,Princess Diana accompanied her fashion editor friend Liz Tilberis(and outshone the celebs) in a Dior gown and her famous pearl-and-sapphire necklace in 1996.
Golden Girl
Barbara Walters made allover gold sequins appear timeless as she made her into the event in 1996.
Keeping It Simple
Even at an exhibit dedicated to one of the most flamboyant designers of all time (Gianni Versace), Sandra is going to do Sandra — and we love her for it. The actress kept her ensemble simple and wore all black to the event in 1997.
Art of Seduction
When the Met Gala honored Gianni Versace in 1997, Salma Hayek stunned in leather and was not shy about showing some skin.
Icon Living
Long before fashion faceoffs were a thing, Donatella gave 1999 viewers a preview of the dress Jennifer Lopez would make immortal at the Grammys the next year.
Feeling Blue
A dark-haired Gwyneth Paltrow made waves in a form-fitting, snakeskin-patterned dress for her 1999 appearance.
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Going with the Flow
Jessica's interpretation on the Jacqueline Kennedy theme of 2001 was a decidedly beachy one.
Goddess Chic
For the "Goddess: The Classical Mode" theme in 2003, Victoria Beckham struck a pose in a sheer Dolce & Gabbana mini, five years before she'd reinvent herself as a major designer.
Just Heavenly
With her backless white Stella McCartney gown, halo of curls and tiara, Kate Hudson looked positively angelic at the 2003 Met Gala.
Young Love
Between Jake Gyllenhaal's rumpled, tie-free suit and Kirsten Dunst's knit beanie, could these fashion faux pas from 2003beany more millennial-coded?
Serious About Fashion
Some themes are best left to the supermodels, as Amber Valletta proved in 2004, by making her "Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century"-themed attire look killer rather than costume-y.
Showing Love
Karolina Kurkova understood the assignment, bringing the drama and opulence to 2005's "The House of Chanel" theme.
It's a Twin Thing
Before firmly establishing their caftans-and-oversized-jewels aesthetic, Mary-Kate and Ashley, then-NYU freshmen, opted for floaty boho dresses and a lot of eyeliner at the 2005 Met Gala.
Big Hair, Don't Care
The theme for 2006 was "AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion," which should help put Eva Mendes' sexy tribute to Jane Austen novels in context.
Laced to Perfection
Suffice it to say, no one could have rocked this perfectly-fitted Oscar de la Renta strapless gown like Drew Barrymore in 2006. And the pop of red on the lips took the look to the next level.
All About the Gild
Once again, Cate Blanchett proved she can look transcendent in gowns mere mortals can't even approach as she wore this gilded Balenciaga gown for 2007's "Poiret: King of Fashion" gala.
Red Hot
The best part of this gorgeous red Valentino gown with its cape-like train Jennifer Garner wore in 2007? She could have totally recycled it the next year for the Superheroes theme.
Going for Gold
It's a bold star who chooses a mini for the Met Gala, but Kate Bosworth has never played it safe. The actress opted for custom Prada when she attended in 2007.
Style Starts
She might have been better known for being the daughter of Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet back in 2008, but theVogueteam saw her potential early: In the decades that followed, Zoë Kravitz has clearly established herself as a style superstar.
Made for This
There's pretty much nothing more rock 'n' roll than establishing your credentials the way Liv Tyler and Stella McCartney did at 2009's "Rock Style" themed gala via their "Rock Royalty" tees and trousers. (And they came by that title naturally: Dads are Steven Tyler and Paul McCartney.)
Strike a Pose
Blake Lively was draped in Chanel as she took her "red carpet goddess" status super-literally at the Alexander McQueen-themed event in 2011.
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