Iconic and Desirable: The Met Gala Through the Years
During the Jazz era in New York City, a collaboration emerged between theatre director Irene Lewisohn and stage designer Aline Bernstein, creating an extensive collection of costumes aimed at inspiring theatrical productions. The collection, comprising over 8,000 pieces, eventually became the foundation where the Metropolitan Museum of Art established its renowned Costume Institute in 1946. Eleanor Lambert, a prominent New York fashion publicist, pioneered an annual fundraising event two years prior. Dubbed the "Party of the Year," the gala, priced at $50 per ticket, quickly became a hallmark gathering for the city's most influential socialites.
Since Lambert's initiation, only four other individuals (all female) have chaired this illustrious event - each contributing to its evolving prestige. Notable figures such as Diana Vreeland and Pat Buckley played pivotal roles in shaping the gala's trajectory. Vreeland relocated the fundraiser to the museum premise, expanded its guest list to include celebrities, and introduced themed extravaganzas. Since 1995, the reins of the Met Gala have been assumed by Anna Wintour, who further elevated its prominence and allure, establishing the Gala as the most coveted event we know and love today.
The Met Gala has continuously escalated in glamour and cultural significance throughout its history. For 76 years, the gala has introduced captivating themes and iconic ensembles, prompting reflection on its storied past's most memorable and influential fashion moments. Below are some of the most iconic looks.
1974: “Romantic and Glamorous Hollywood Design”
An icon of the decade, Cher – accompanied by designer Bob Mackie – stunned the world in the allusive “naked dress.”
Sprayed down in souffle silk—a fabric that has since been banned and discontinued due to its high flammability—the gown was attached to her body as if it were skin. The shimmered, bedazzled elements covered only as much as they needed to.
While the debate on who originated the “naked dress” has been ongoing for ages, this gown will always be the most iconic. The dress was so provocative that Cher re-wore it for a Times cover shoot. Certain states banned the release of the issue, while others sold out in seconds.
Many have attempted to recreate the lure of this seminal look – but ultimately, who can compare to Cher?
1981: “The 18th Century Woman”
Accompanied by photographer Patrice Calmettes, Diana Ross looked stunning in this feathered gown. The off-the-shoulder look rained down feathers from hood to trim. A clean makeup look and slicked-back bun exaggerated the power of the dress.
After leaving “The Supremes” in the 1970s, Ross began her journey to ultimate stardom—and she was not looking back. In 1976, Diana was named the “Female Entertainer of the Century,” and by 1980, she had sold over 100 million records. At the height of her career, one thing was for certain: she was killing it.
The dress was so iconic that Ross reworked it for the 2014 American Music Awards, shocking the world once more.
1996: “Christian Dior”
The “queen of our hearts,” Princess Diana, only attended one single Met Gala before her passing. After divorcing Prince Charles, Diana was breaking from the royal shackles holding her back, wearing a series of dresses labeled as “revenge dresses.” This Met Gala look was no different. The lingerie-inspired slip dress designed by John Galliano was not only provocative but also a statement.
Knowing she could not shield herself from the attention, Diana repositioned the spotlight. She was no longer the submissive royal; she was like Marilyn, the established megastar. Despite the gorgeous sapphires and diamonds framing her face, nothing shines brighter than her smile. The only caveat? She was worried she would embarrass the fourteen-year-old Prince William.
2004: “Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the Eighteenth Century”
Twenty-year-old Scarlett Johansson stole the world’s heart in the 2004 Met Gala. Shining in a custom-made Calvin Klein dress, the stunning bodice perfectly combined timeless and modern. The movie Lost in Translation had just come out the year before, solidifying Johansson as a talented actress and a woman with range. The beautiful yellow is a color of the time and her age: bright, beautiful, and radiant.
What better dress to inaugurate Miss Johansson into the glitz and glamour world than with one Mr. Klein created?
2019: “Camp: Notes on Fashion”
The 2010s were the most outrageous and outstanding Met Gala looks since its conception, but one look stands out above the rest. “Camp,” a term coined by the drag community, is defined as “over-the-top and outrageous. It is all about exaggeration and making a statement.” So, who else could embody such power than the queen of Camp herself? Lady Gaga stole the 2019 carpet with four separate looks.
Designed by Brandon Maxwell, each look was crafted with theatrics and, most importantly, confidence. The first look featured a 25-foot-long train; the second: an all-black ensemble with an umbrella (because why not?); the third: a fitted hot pink gown with a giant black cell phone bag created by Judith Leiber; and finally, Gaga stripped down, revealing a bedazzled bra and underwear with shoes so high she could hear God. And if that wasn’t enough? She wheeled around a hot pink wagon with roses and cowboy hats.
Officially reigned “camp queen,” no one does it better than Gaga.
2022: “In America: An Anthology of Fashion”
Black Lively is known for her Met Gala glamour. With looks from 2008 to 2022, her repertoire speaks for itself. So, when she was co-chair for 2022, the pressure was on—and boy, did she not crack.
On theme, Lively wore a Versace gown to commemorate the gifting and oxidation of the Statue of Liberty. The first look was dramatically unraveled on the steps, revealing the glorious mint green. Lively was quoted by People Magazine as saying, "Instead of looking to fashion to influence the dress, I looked to New York City architecture and the classic buildings."
It's truly a dress for the ages.
As time passed, the theatrics of the Met Gala only increased, establishing the most coveted red carpet of the year. So, as we venture on, waiting for the first Monday of May, we can only wonder: what will 2024 have in store?