The Met Gala, also called the Costume Institute Gala, is an annual fundraising event, held in New York City, which raises money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. It takes place on the first Monday in May every year and is hosted by Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief at Vogue Magazine.  Each year there is a different theme – the museum showcases a significant exhibition in the fashion industry. The theme of the gala also dictates the dress code for the attendees. Each year celebrities and fashion powerhouses bring out their best looks and dress to impress. Some creations have withstood the test of time and have been inducted into the Met Gala Hall of Fame. Names such as Rihanna, Cher, Lady Gaga, Zendaya, and more have made their mark on the pink carpet. Let us discuss and analyze some of the most iconic Met Galas of all time:

Rihanna in Guo Pei for the 2015 Met Gala – China: Through the Looking Glass. This jaw-dropping gown took over two years to create. Chinese fashion designer Guo Pei designed it, and it was only fitting that someone like Rihanna wear such a show-stopping piece. The dress took 50,000 hours to make by hand. It is a part of one of Pei’s couture collections meaning that much time and care was spent in making this dress. Some do not even consider the garment to be a dress, but rather an elaborate cape with yellow-fur trimmings. No matter what the garment is classified, as it will go down in history as one of the Met’s most iconic looks. Naomi Campbell in Versace for the 1995 Met Ball. In her first Met Gala, Naomi dressed-to-impress. This gorgeous gown was simple in structure, but more than made up for it in fabric. The way dress caught the light was near magical. This dress was produced during Versace’s first golden age when everything produced and designed by Giovanni was over the top, but also a work of art.

Karolina Kurkova at the “Celebrating Chanel” gala in 2005 – The model sent a message of love to everyone who attended the Met Ball in 2005. Viktor & Rolf, designers known for their bold, imaginative, and downright ingenious creations, designed this stunning gown.  Even though the theme was the House of Chanel, Kurkova went a different route and decided to send a message. The gown looks like an oversized blanket over top a sheer white dress. In the end, it was jaw dropping in all the right ways and will always be one of the most remembered looks from the Met Gala.