Celebrity Style
10 Times Rihanna’s Outfit Won The Met Gala
Follow the icon’s fashion progression.
Rihanna may’ve only attended the Met Gala 10 times, but she is easily recognized as one of the unofficial faces of the exclusive party. Though she skipped out on the event here and there over the course of nearly two decades (can you imagine what she would have turned out for 2019’s “Camp” theme?), the times the Grammy winner and makeup mogul has graced it with her presence became instant cultural moments.
Think: Her textured Comme des Garcons dress in 2017, her late arrival to the 2021 event, the time she became a viral meme in 2015 — all have gone down in fashion history.
Not only has she given us plenty of style statements, but Rihanna also served as performer and co-chair in 2015 and 2018, respectively — dual roles that only Lady Gaga and Katy Perry have held besides her.
Though she skipped out on the 2024 spectacle, Rihanna is all but confirmed to attend the 2025 Met Gala, as her partner, A$AP Rocky, is one of this year’s co-chairs. And with a theme like “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” you know she’s going to show out. Until then, let’s take a trip through the gala archives to remember some of her most history-making looks. Ahead, all of Rihanna’s iconic Met Gala looks past.
2007: “Poiret: King Of Fashion”
Rihanna was only 19 years old when she attended her first Met Gala in ‘07. She left the “Umbrella” at home, but was still wore her then-signature fingerless gloves with her Georges Chakra gown.
2009: “The Model As Muse: Embodying Fashion”
Rihanna’s punk era was iconic. The dark eyeliner, leather motorcycle gloves, and a feminized puff-sleeve tuxedo were perfection. Her bowtie was the cherry on top.
2011: “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty”
This black, lace Stella McCartney gown was perfectly punctuated with a red braid and bright, emerald earrings.
2012: “Schiaparelli And Prada: Impossible Conversations”
This skin-tight crocodile gown by Tom Ford was classic Rihanna, while her bare-faced glam offered an unexpectedly soft look in contrast.
2014: “Charles James: Beyond Fashion”
2014 was the year that Rihanna began to cement her status as a Fashion Girlie, receiving the CFDA Style Icon Award just a month after this photo was taken. She opted for another Stella McCartney ensemble, this time going for an all-white, figure-hugging set. The cropped and shoulder-padded top offer a subtle throwback to the ‘90s.
2015: “China: Through The Looking Glass”
This heavily memed outfit paid homage to Chinese designer Guo Pei, who was featured in the 2015 Costume Institute exhibit. The yellow, fur-lined cape measured a whopping 16 feet, covering the staircase for one of the most memorable Met Gala moments of all time. Not a soul could have pulled off a 55-pound gown better than the Bad Gal herself.
2017: “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between”
This look, though. The lace-up heels, the artistic Comme des Garcons dress, the matching lip — perfection from head to toe.
2018: “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination”
Yet again, Rihanna loves a theme. Channeling Pope realness, with a crystal-encrusted bishop’s hat, Rihanna presided over 2018’s event as co-chair, alongside Donatella Versace, Amal Clooney, and Anna Wintour. Her dress and cape were both designed by John Galliano for Margiela, with Christian Louboutin red bottoms, and jewelry by Cartier.
2021: “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion”
It’s all about the effortless aura that only Rihanna can pull off. She pulled up to the Met Gala an hour late, wearing a beanie, some black lipstick, and what closely resembles a black duvet cover. A true icon.
2023: "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty"
Entering the party last once again, RiRi made sure it was worth it at the 2023 soiree. In an all-white ensemble, the then-pregnant star wowed in a voluminous Valentino gown that was so bridal. She accessorized it with a hooded, rosette-covered top, and matching sunglasses complete with their own oversized lashes.
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