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For fashion fanatics, the Costume Institute Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art — AKA the Met Gala — is the end all and be all of red carpets. Sure, the Oscars are lovely. And the Cannes Film Festival is fabulous. But it’s at the Met where celebrities really let loose and have fun with what they’re wearing.
Each year there is a theme, ranging from technology to punk and beyond, and designers get to dress their muses accordingly. This means there have been some seriously epic style moments at the fête over the years. Who could forget the fiber optic-woven princess gown that Zac Posen created for the technology-themed ball in 2016? Claire Danes wore it and literally lit up the red carpet! Or Kim Kardashian’s floral gloved maternity dress? Or Rihanna’s regal yellow gown that trailed down the stairs behind her? Just imagine a ballroom full of celebrities dressed in the most OTT outfits the biggest designers in the industry could dream up.
From Beyonce to Billie Eilish, you have to see the best of the best from the last decade of Met Galas. Here, we’ve rounded up the most magnificent gowns that are sure to leave your jaws hanging. Trust us when we say you won’t want to miss a single one.
May 1, 2011 – Larry Busacca/Getty Images North America
Beyonce was a dream girl in a black Emilio Pucci mermaid gown with gold embroidery at the 2011 ball. The dress featured a high neckline, a cleavage-baring cutout, and a curve-hugging silhouette that flared out in a burst of tulle at the hem. It had such a tight fit that in some pictures, Beyonce could be seen being assisted as she painstakingly negotiated the Met steps. But anything for the Met Gala, right?
The superstar topped off her look with a sleek center-parted chignon.
May 1, 2011 – Larry Busacca/Getty Images North America
WOW! Please excuse us as we pick up our jaws off the floor. This Zac Posen mermaid gown that Christina Ricci wore to the 2011 ball was absolutely breathtaking! The black and nude number featured a spiderweb pattern and an epic hem, and we really think it nailed the Alexander McQueen theme!
The beautiful dress could definitely stand on its own and no accessories were necessary, but Christina wore it with a pair of Fred Leighton earrings. What a magnificent pair Christina and Zac made that night
May 1, 2011 – Larry Busacca/Getty Images North America
Daphne Guinness was very close with Alexander McQueen and for the 2011 Met Gala, she paid homage to her friend by wearing an avant-garde design from his label. Well, what better way to capture the night’s theme — “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” — than by wearing the designer himself?
The gown featured an all-over feather design and exaggeratedly flared hips, making it a standout look on the red carpet. She teamed it with silver platform Mary Janes, dangling earrings, and an updo with a black ribbon.
May 1, 2011 – Larry Busacca/Getty Images North America
Also at the 2011 gala, Jennifer Lopez was a gem in a berry-hued gown by Gucci. The dress featured a halter neckline with bow detail and a cutout on the bodice, and it came with a floral shrug that added an ultra-sweet touch.
JLo paired the gown with a matching clutch along with a red lip and mani. And to finish off her look, she wore her hair in a simple slicked-back updo. We loved this romantic and vibrant look from the singer.