Fashion
The 21 Most Memorable Met Gala Gowns of the Last 10 Years (Eat Your Heart Out, Oscars)
Forget the Oscars. When it comes to fashion’s biggest night of the year, everyone knows the annual Met Gala holds the crown. And for good reason: For more than four decades, the Costume Institute Gala has played host to some of the most glamorous, outrageous, and truly unbelievable gowns that have ever been worn on the red carpet by the most famous names and faces to grace Hollywood’s A-list crowd. Though the gala boasts a long list of show-stopping ensembles every year, there are a few gowns that stand out above the rest for good, bad, and downright interesting reasons. So in celebration of the 2014 Met Gala, which takes place Monday, May 5, let’s count down 20 of the most memorable Gala gowns of the last 10 years.
Amber Valletta, 2004
In a Marie Antoinette–inspired John Galliano gown — complete with a slimming bodice, tiered skirt, and powdered wig — the supermodel and actress made a major statement in her unforgettable period piece.
Renee Zellweger, 2004
The in-demand actress looked absolutely luxe and radiant in her gilded Carolina Herrera gown, which featured a foil-print bodice and flowing, satin train.
Karolina Kurkova, 2005
One thing’s for sure: The supermodel knows how to make a style statement, which she did outright in her one-shouldered, “I love you” gown from Viktor & Rolf.
Elle Macpherson, 2005
It may have been a simple, strapless gown, but no one could forget how gorgeous the model looked in her bustier-bodice, electric yellow Calvin Klein Collection number.
Sarah Jessica Parker, 2006
Leave it to this style icon to make a half-tartan, half-tulle Alexander McQueen gown look like one of the chicest ensembles to ever hit the Met Gala red carpet.
Charlize Theron, 2006
Can you say “luxe?” The Oscar-winning actress looked unbelievably elegant in her voluminous, burgundy John Galliano gown, which got an extra kick of class thanks to its chiffon, diamond-encrusted neckline.
Jennifer Garner, 2007
It’s not often that Garner makes an appearance at the annual event, but when she showed up in this liquid red stunner from Valentino, she made sure she would go down in Met Gala history.
Mary Kate Olsen, 2007
This may be the most glamorous the Olsen twin has ever looked, thanks in part to the sexy cut, all-over feather embellishment, and waist-cinching leather bodice on her Rita Warnick number.
Kimora Lee Simmons, 2008
Wearing out-there ensembles is part of the fun when it comes to the Met Gala, but some stars totally miss the mark — like Simmons did in this graphic, multi-hued column gown from Kevan Hall.
Eva Longoria, 2008
With its ruffled swirls, dramatic train, and stunning color, Longoria’s fabulous Marchesa gown couldn’t have looked more beautiful on the lovely actress.
Madonna, 2009
Thought the pop star’s 2013 punk-themed Met Gala outfit was insane? That was before you saw this ruched Louis Vuitton number, which she made look even more ridiculous with her thigh-high boots and antenna-like hair accessory.
Jessica Biel, 2009
When you have someone as style-conscious (and insanely sexy) as Justin Timberlake on your arm, you better deliver in the fashion department, which is exactly what Biel did in this incredible high-low, red-hot Versace gown.
Mila Kunis, 2010
Kunis has had her share of mind-blowing looks over the years, but few have rivaled the glamour and sophistication that this tulle, floral-embroidered Vera Wang gown delivered.
Coco Rocha, 2010
Rocha is known for making a splash year in and year out at the Met Gala, but this watercolor number from Zac Posen — with its fluid fit and miles-long train — may have been her best look yet.
Jennifer Lopez, 2011
We’re used to seeing J.Lo in her sexy bombshell numbers, which made her ultra-glamorous Gucci gown — featuring an understated keyhole cutout and dramatic, floral-appliqué shoulders — even more of a surprising style statement.
Christina Ricci, 2011
Ricci had curves for days in her corseted mermaid gown from Zac Posen, which was sexy and chic thanks to its lace detailing, sheer cutouts, and head-turning train.
Florence Welch, 2012
The singer never fails to deliver on the quirky fashion front, but she took it to a whole new level at the Met Gala in this tiered, floral-embroidered, organza gown from Alexander McQueen.
Beyonce, 2012
Queen Bey made a show-stopping entrance at the 2012 Met Gala when she glided down the red carpet wearing this hourglass-shaped Givenchy Haute Couture gown that dazzled with its sheer backdrop, crystal embellishments, and ombre-feathered train.
Carey Mulligan, 2012
Mulligan looked like a high-fashion darling in her fish scale–sequined Prada number, which got an extra dose of style and shine thanks to its gold and silver color blocking, high-neck cut, and structured skirt.
Kim Kardashian, 2013
Kardashian’s mere presence at the 2013 Met Gala made quite the splash, but it was her suffocating, floral-print Givenchy gown that had all eyes on her — and not in the best of ways.
Sarah Jessica Parker, 2013
Parker’s fashion risk paid off big time last year when she chose this stunning paint-splattered Giles Deacon gown, whose voluminous skirt wowed alongside her over-the-knee velvet boots and incredible Philip Treacy headpiece.
