MOST MEMORABLE MET GALA LOOKS OF ALL TIME
I’ve always been absolutely obsessed with the Met Gala. It always happened during school (that godforsaken New York/Sydney time difference), and I’d sit on my phone at the back of the classroom – or my computer if the teacher had seen me and yanked my phone out of my hand – and fawn over my favourite stars wearing outfits that looked as if they’d been created by god himself – if god were as handy with a sewing machine as any cast member of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.
With a mere 12 days to go until the Metropolitan Museum’s Annual Costume Benefit (theme – Rei Kawakubo/Comme Des Garçons), where many of the world’s wealthiest and most famous people gather to shine a light on designers and couture creations from the heavens, I decided to take a look back at some of the most iconic moments from the ball in history; moments that wowed, shocked, appalled and created Internet frenzies. In a time where it often seems as if the world is hanging by a thread, it’s arguable that we need creativity and art more than we ever have in the past, and for some reason the excitement and opulence of the Met Gala provides some much needed escapism for me from the crazy world in which we live. So, enjoy! :)
RIHANNA in Guo Pei (2015)
Rihanna’s elegant gown and cape for the 2015 ball stole the show, and was so large that she could be the only person on the red carpet when she arrived. It also took several unnamed minions to help her drag the thing up the stairs and place it into position for justifiably iconic poses for the cameras. Even though it was made from a significant amount of fox fur (weep), the headpiece and sprawling gown proved that Rihanna is a true fashion darling, and spawned endless memes (it lowkey did look like an omelette tho).
Pic: sharkbaitwhohahaa.tumblr.com
CHER in Bob Mackie (1973)
Cher practically invented the naked dress, along with inventing sounding like a robot in music (listen to Believe) and inventing being SO much better than Christina Aguilera in Burlesque. Naturally, this sheer Bob Mackie gown went down in the history books, and cemented Cher as a 70’s fashion icon, known for her bold and brazen style. It’s no wonder she became the gay icon to end all gay icons (although Britney gives her a pretty close run for her money HUNNI).
Pic: discojourney.tumblr.com
LILY-ROSE DEPP in Chanel (2016)
There comes a preconceived notion with being the child of one of the world’s most famous couples that a career in show business is almost handed to you. However, with this DIVINE Chanel number, Lily-Rose Depp not only proved that she’s a fierce Gemini queen with a stare that could melt ice, but that she’s got all the star quality she needs to make it on her own. This look screamed timeless Karl Lagerfeld muse mixed with 21st century millennial icon (with an aesthetic as f**k Instagram, no less), and I am HERE FOR IT.
Pic: americanamanhasset.tumblr.com
ROSE BYRNE in Ralph Lauren (2016)
In this timeless, satin Ralph Lauren piece, Rose Byrne is proving yet again that she’s one of Australia’s finest exports, alongside Zimmermann, uranium and Ugg boots. I’m also getting strong Helen Harris III vibes from this gown (her iconic Bridesmaids character), but this is a dress I would probably not be OK with Melissa McCarthy vomiting on. I can’t wait to see if Rose attends this year, and what she chooses to dazzle us with this time.
Pic: dailyactress.tumblr.com
LITERALLY ANY OUTFIT THE OLSEN TWINS WORE
The Olsen Twins have undergone a fashion evolution like no other – from the neoprene, curly-hair girls that dominated the Straight-to-video movie world to bona-fide fashion moguls with a multi-million dollar empire resting on their (barely) 5-foot tall shoulders. Their looks have evolved from playful to almost draconian over the years, and they continue to prove that there are only two people in the world like them – perfect pouts and all. Pics: hollywoodinpics.tumblr.com/zap2it.tumblr.com
KIM KARDASHIAN in Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci (2013)
A list of memorable Met Gala looks could not be published if it didn’t include this one. I kind of feel terrible for Kim, because I know what she was going for – she wanted to make a bold statement at her first Met Gala, and thought she couldn’t go wrong with a timeless, conservative floral print. However, I actually feel myself getting stuffy when I look at her. This was one of the first meme-worthy dresses of our time (this is never a good thing), and not even Kim’s demure and eloquent Lanvin look in 2014 can make up for this unprecedented disaster.
Pic: instagram.com/kimkardafans
MARC JACOBS in Comme des Garçons (2012)
Marc Jacobs, an Aries to the bone, has long been known for his exorbitant style – he even has a SpongeBob tattoo (how I am aware of this I do not know). His artistic expression reached its’ peak when he androgynously arrived at the 2012 Met in an iconic composition of a sheer button-up and tighty-whities. After looking at images of this number for a while with a mix of confusion and amazement, I realised that this would be my go-to outfit to wear to meet with any family members who are having doubts about my sexuality – just to set it straight for them.
Pic: papermagazine.tumblr.com
BEYONCÉ in Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci (2015)
Nobody can do showstopping like Beyoncé, and it’s safe to say that my jaw was on the floor when I first witnessed this one. Her bespoke Givenchy gown, embellished with Lorraine Schwartz gems in all the right places, proved that the naked dress is not a sartorial sin when it’s done correctly. Beyoncé was the last to arrive and the only one on the carpet at the time, letting all the attention be on her and proving once again that she’s well and truly on another level. This is one for the history books.
Pic: imadethis-me.tumblr.com
CLAIRE DANES in Zac Posen (2016)
Everyone needs a princess moment at least once in their life, and Claire Danes had hers at last year’s Met. In a bright space, her dress looked as if it was just a run-of-the-mill flowy Zac Posen gown with a little Disney flair. However, switch of the lights and Claire looked like she was hiding a bunch of wild glowworms in the seams of her gown. It wasn’t my favourite dress by any means, but she brought technicality to the showfront like no one else did.
Pic: mykindofdestraction.tumblr.com
HONOURARY MENTION: ME in a random assortment of non-couture brands (2016)
I was three months early for the 2016 Gala when I went to New York, assuming my invite had been lost in the mail, but I thought I’d force my mum to take a couple of photos of me, on the famous steps which see all the action on the first Monday of every May (even though it was 0 degrees Celsius – love you mum xxxxxxx). However, I ended up embodying Blair Waldorf waiting on the steps of the Met for Serena than I did any celebrity. Where’s Nelly Yuki to bring you a fro-yo when you need her?
xo, Jonah
