Met Gala—the night where fashion meets fantasy, and celebrities pull out all the stops to deliver jaw-dropping moments. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit 12 of the most epic Met Gala moments that left us all speechless.
1. Rihanna (2015)
Remember when Rihanna showed up to the 2015 Met Gala wrapped in a giant yellow Guo Pei cape with the longest train anyone’s ever seen? She looked like fashion royalty casually arriving to claim her throne. The theme was “China: Through the Looking Glass,” and Rihanna nailed it with a look that was equal parts regal, bold, and instantly iconic. The cape was so extra it needed its own zip code—and honestly, so did she.
2. Lady Gaga (2019)
Never one to shy away from theatrics, Lady Gaga arrived in a voluminous pink gown by Brandon Maxwell. But why stop there? She proceeded to unveil three more outfits underneath, each more dazzling than the last, turning the red carpet into her personal runway. She peeled off the pink gown to reveal a black strapless number, then a bright pink bodycon dress, and finally, a sequined black lingerie set complete with fishnets and platform boots. Four outfits. One red carpet. Zero chill. It wasn’t just a look; it was a journey—a maximalist striptease-meets-performance-art moment that nailed the “Camp: Notes on Fashion” theme with theatrical precision. Gaga didn’t walk the carpet—she directed it.
3. Kim Kardashian (2021 and 2022)
Kim Kardashian knows how to make a Met Gala moment, and honestly, we still can’t decide which look was more unforgettable: 2021 or 2022. In 2022, she wore the actual Marilyn Monroe dress from 1962—the one Marilyn sang “Happy Birthday” to JFK in—which sparked a media frenzy and some controversy over the extreme measures she reportedly took to fit into it. But in 2021, she went full mystery mode in a black Balenciaga look that covered her from head to toe, including her face, making her the most instantly recognizable unrecognizable person on the carpet. Glamour or ghost? Regardless of your preference, both Kims were at their best.
4. Katy Perry (2019)
Katy Perry fully embraced the “Camp: Notes on Fashion” theme by transforming into a dazzling, fully functional chandelier. Her custom Moschino ensemble, designed by Jeremy Scott, featured a silver bejeweled mini dress adorned with layers of light-up candles encircling her waist and head. The elaborate outfit incorporated thousands of Swarovski crystals and concealed battery packs to illuminate the faux flames, ensuring she literally lit up the red carpet. Perry’s commitment to the extravagant aesthetic was evident as she navigated the event with the assistance of her team, making her one of the evening’s most memorable highlights.
5. Zendaya’s Cinderella Story (2019)
Same year Zendaya transformed the red carpet into a scene straight out of a fairy tale. She arrived in a custom Tommy Hilfiger gown reminiscent of Disney’s Cinderella. The ensemble featured a corseted bodice with puffed sleeves and a voluminous skirt. Law Roach, Zendaya’s stylist, enhanced the theatricality of the ensemble by dressing as her fairy godmother, complete with a wand. With a wave and a puff of smoke, the gown illuminated from hem to bodice, creating a magical transformation that captivated onlookers. Zendaya completed the look with a sleek updo, a black choker, and a Judith Leiber clutch shaped like Cinderella’s carriage. To top it off, she playfully left a glass slipper on the Met steps, fully committing to the Cinderella narrative.
6. Billy Porter’s Grand Entrance (2019)
Billy Porter knows how to make an entrance. Carried in on a litter by six shirtless men, he embodied an Egyptian sun god in a gilded ensemble by The Blonds, complete with a gold bejeweled catsuit with 10-foot wings. Talk about a royal arrival!
7. Blake Lively’s Color Transformation (2022)
At the 2022 Met Gala, Blake Lively wore a custom Atelier Versace gown that paid tribute to New York City’s iconic landmarks. She started in a shimmering copper dress inspired by the Empire State Building, then wowed the crowd with a quick-change moment—her skirt unfurled into a green train, symbolizing the patina of the Statue of Liberty. The train also featured embroidered constellations as a nod to Grand Central Terminal’s ceiling. With a matching crown and opera gloves to finish the look, Blake managed to stay perfectly on theme without going overboard.
8. Doja Cat Becomes Choupette (2023)
Doja Cat fully embraced her namesake by transforming into a feline vision reminiscent of Karl Lagerfeld’s cherished cat, Choupette. She donned a custom Oscar de la Renta gown that shimmered with silver sequins, featuring a hood complete with cat ears and a feathered train that mimicked the luxurious fur of the famous Birman. Elevating her transformation, Doja incorporated facial prosthetics to sculpt a cat-like nose and mouth, and adorned a dazzling diamond headpiece on her forehead. Her commitment to the role was evident as she playfully responded with meows during red carpet interviews, making her debut at the Met Gala both memorable and delightfully on-theme.
9. Jared Leto (2019 and 2023)
And just when you thought one Choupette tribute was enough, enter Jared Leto—because of course he showed up also dressed as actual Choupette, complete with velvety fur, haunting blue eyes, and an oversized plush head that made him look like a luxury brand’s theme park ambassador. No one knew it was him at first—he just silently wandered the carpet, hugging baffled celebrities until he whipped off the cat head in a grand reveal that had Lizzo (and the rest of us) gasping. And if that sounds unhinged, let’s not forget his equally iconic moment from 2019 when he strolled into the Gala cradling a disturbingly lifelike replica of his own head like it was a clutch bag from the underworld. That year’s theme was “Camp,” and Jared clearly got the memo—twice. Honestly, at this point, the Met Gala isn’t official until Jared Leto shows up as either a different species or a detachable version of himself.
10. Cardi B (2019)
Cardi B made one of the most unforgettable entrances of the night—because of course she did. Draped in a custom deep red Thom Browne gown, she was swaddled in feathers and tulle with a quilted train that dramatically spilled across the carpet—requiring a full support team to manage. The dress took over 2,000 hours to make and was topped off with a bejeweled headpiece and $250,000 ruby nipple covers, because subtlety is not the Cardi way. She didn’t just stick to the “Camp” theme—she ran it over in heels.
11. Lil Nas X (2023)
Lil Nas X left the fans in awe. Embracing the event’s theme, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” he, like a few others, paid homage to Lagerfeld’s beloved cat, Choupette, with a bold and avant-garde look. His ensemble featured head-to-toe silver body paint, meticulously applied over nine hours by makeup artist Pat McGrath and her team, adorned with thousands of crystals and pearls. Complementing this shimmering canvas, he wore a bejeweled face mask with feline-inspired whiskers, a silver Dior thong, and platform boots, creating a striking feline silhouette. Lil Nas X’s fearless approach to fashion once again showcased his ability to push boundaries and captivate audiences.
12. Cara Delevingne (2022)
Cara Delevingne made a bold statement that turned heads and sparked conversations. She arrived in a tailored red Dior Haute Couture suit, exuding classic elegance. However, it was her dramatic reveal that truly captured attention: shedding the blazer, she unveiled her torso adorned with shimmering gold body paint, complemented by gold jewelry and pasties. This daring choice not only embodied the “Gilded Glamour” theme but also showcased her confidence and flair for theatrical fashion. Notably, Delevingne chose to leave areas affected by psoriasis unpainted, bringing visibility to the condition and earning praise for her authenticity.
The Bonus HiddleSwift moment:
At the 2016 Met Gala, Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston were caught on camera having a full-on dance-off in the middle of the crowd, and the internet has never fully recovered. As The Weeknd performed, the two broke into spontaneous moves that quickly stole the spotlight—and the footage. The video went viral almost instantly, sparking endless headlines and fan theories about their chemistry. It was chaotic, charming, and just the right amount of awkward—basically, everything you want from a surprise celebrity moment at the Met.
