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The Met Gala, known as ‘fashion’s biggest night,’ is an annual fundraiser for the Costume Institute at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.
(L-R) Priyanka Chopra in Ralph Lauren at the Met Gala 2018, Billie Eilish in Oscar de la Renta at the Met Gala 2021
Widely regarded as ‘fashion’s biggest night,’ the Met Gala is an annual gala held to benefit the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The event unites the most influential figures from fashion, entertainment, and culture under one roof, where creativity meets couture. Each year, the gala revolves around a carefully curated theme, encouraging attendees to showcase daring, imaginative, and unforgettable interpretations on the red carpet.
While Hollywood’s elite often dominate the spotlight, Bollywood stars have also left a remarkable impression at the prestigious affair, adding a unique cultural richness to the global celebration of style.
Let’s revisit the themes of the past ten Met Galas and the standout fashion moments that defined them.
2015 – China: Through the Looking Glass
Rihanna completely changed the Met Gala after wearing this. People only started taking the met gala seriously after 2015 because of Rihanna’s yellow grown https://t.co/9PBGF4Gy3N— chu (@THEHORRORGOTH) May 6, 2024
The 2015 theme explored China’s impact on Western fashion. The night’s most talked-about look came from Rihanna, who stunned in a grand yellow fur-trimmed cape designed by Chinese couturier Guo Pei, instantly becoming a pop culture sensation.
2016 – Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology
This theme focused on the blend between traditional craftsmanship and modern machine-made fashion. Celebrities embraced futuristic designs—Katy Perry channelled a dark, tech-inspired aesthetic, while Emma Watson made a sustainable statement in an outfit crafted from recycled plastic bottles.
2017 – Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between
Honoring the visionary Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo, this edition embraced avant-garde fashion. Stars either wore Kawakubo’s own experimental designs or interpreted her distinctive style. Katy Perry and Pharrell Williams co-chaired the event, emphasizing the boundary-pushing nature of the theme.
2018 – Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination
Drawing inspiration from Catholic art and iconography, this theme saw the Met partner with the Vatican to exhibit rare religious garments. Priyanka Chopra embraced the divine aesthetic in a deep burgundy velvet Ralph Lauren gown topped with an ornate bejewelled hood, epitomising celestial elegance.
2019 – Camp: Notes on Fashion
Defined by extravagance and theatrical flair, 2019’s theme encouraged over-the-top glamour. Lady Gaga delivered a dramatic red carpet performance with multiple outfit reveals, while Deepika Padukone enchanted in a voluminous pink gown, channelling a life-sized Barbie dream.
2021 – In America: A Lexicon of Fashion
Marking the Met Gala’s return after the COVID-19 hiatus, this theme celebrated American identity through fashion. Billie Eilish brought old Hollywood glam to life in a sweeping peach tulle gown, while Zoë Kravitz turned heads with her bold, sheer crystal-embellished dress.
2022 – In America: An Anthology of Fashion
The follow-up to 2021’s theme delved deeper into American fashion history and its most iconic designers. Natasha Poonawalla stood out in a daring look that fused tradition and couture, combining a classic Sabyasachi saree with a gold sculptural Schiaparelli bustier.
2023 – Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty
This year paid homage to the late fashion legend Karl Lagerfeld. Attendees celebrated his signature monochrome aesthetic, with many paying tribute to his legacy through Chanel-inspired ensembles.
2024 – Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion
Inspired by archival fashion and forgotten masterpieces, this theme asked guests to evoke The Garden of Time. Alia Bhatt embraced the vision in a delicate pastel Sabyasachi saree, exuding timeless grace and subtle drama on the red carpet.
2025 – Superfine: Tailoring Black Style
Set to unfold on May 5, the 2025 Met Gala will spotlight Black style and sartorial storytelling, inspired by the aesthetics of dandyism and the tailoring tradition. The theme, Tailored for You, invites personal interpretations of fashion excellence. Co-chaired by Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, and Pharrell Williams—alongside Anna Wintour and honorary chair LeBron James—the evening promises to celebrate individuality, identity, and craftsmanship in striking new ways.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
