The most fashion-focussed, celebrity-filled and bejewelled night of the calendar is finally upon us, so in honour of the much-anticipated 2023 Met Gala we're kicking off proceedings with a look back through the archives.
Founded in 1948, the Met Gala has served us countless memorable red carpet moments over the years and some of the most talked-about outfits of all time. From Rihanna's yellow Guo Pei creation and Beyoncé's see-through Givenchy, to Lupita Nyong'o's green bedazzled Prada and Sarah Jessica Parker in Alexander McQueen, these are the best Met Gala red carpet looks through the ages...
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1
Blake Lively at 2022's Met Gala
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For the 2022 theme of 'In America: An Anthology of Fashion', actor Blake Lively wore an Atelier Versace gown inspired by the Statue of Liberty and the process of oxidation it has undergone.
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2
Quannah Chasinghorse at 2022's Met Gala
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Native American model Chasinghorse wore an upcycled tulle blue gown by Prabal Gurung and custom indigenous jewellery designed by Lenise Omeasoo, a Blackfeet and Cree artist who runs Antelope Women Designs, to the 2022 Met Gala.
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3
Sarah Jessica Parker at 2022's Met Gala
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Sarah Jessica Parker went to Christopher John Rogers to work on their Elizabeth Hobbs-inspired gown. Hobbs was the official dressmaker of Mary Todd Lincoln, and the first Black female fashion designer in the White House.
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4
Billie Eilish at 2022's Met Gala
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The Oscar-winning singer wore a Regency-inspired and completely upcycled gown by Gucci, featuring a floral corsage and corset, to the 2022 Met Gala
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5
Kim Kardashian at 2022's Met Gala
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As an homage to one of the United States' most iconic stars, Kardashian chose a vintage Bob Mackie dress, once worn by Marilyn Monroe.
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6
Iman at 2021's Met Gala
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For the 2021 theme of 'In America: A Lexicon of Fashion', model Iman wore a stunning gold look by designer of the moment Harris Reed.
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7
Kim Kardashian at 2021's Met Gala
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Kim Kardashian's 2021 Met Gala look will go down in the books as one of the most memorable ever. The star was completely obscured in a custom look by Balenciaga, accessorised only with a floor-length ponytail.
Trust AOC to make one of the strongest style statements of the night, in a Brother Vellies off-the-shoulder gown that had 'Tax The Rich' emblazoned on the back in red.
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10
Grimes at 2021's Met Gala
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The 2021 Met Gala theme was 'In America: A Lexicon of Fashion', and singer Grimes wore a futuristic gown by Iris van Herpen which took over 900 hours to make. Oh, plus a medieval sword from The Met's permanent collection, and a Dune-inspired metal mask, naturally.
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11
ASAP Rocky and Rihanna at 2021's Met Gala
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Rihanna and ASAP made their Met Gala red carpet debut together in co-ordinating oversized coat-inspired looks. Rihanna's glorious black coat-gown was by Balenciaga, while ASAP wore a custom quilt piece by ERL over a black tux.
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12
Cardi B at 2019's Met Gala
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For the 2019 theme of Camp: Notes on Fashion rapper Cardi B wore a Thom Browne gown.
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13
Lady Gaga at 2019's Met Gala
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For the 2019 theme of Camp: Notes on Fashion singer and actor Lady Gaga wore no less than four Brandon Maxwell looks.
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14
Kim Kardashian at 2019's Met Gala
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For the 2019 theme of Camp: Notes on Fashion make-up mogel Kim Kardashian wore a Thierry Mugler dress designed to look like she'd been caught in a rain shower.
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15
Zendaya at 2018's Met Gala
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For the 2018 theme of Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination Zendaya wore Atelier Versace - inspired by Joan of Arc.
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16
Rihanna at 2018's Met Gala
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For the 2018 theme of Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination Rihanna wore a papal-inspired Maison Margiela.
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17
Kim Kardashian at 2018's Met Gala
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For the 2018 theme of Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination Kim Kardashian wore Versace.
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18
Rihanna at 2017's Met Gala
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For the 2017 theme of Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between Rihanna wore Comme Des Garçons.
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19
Cara Delevingne at 2017's Met Gala
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For the 2017 theme of Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between Cara Delevingne wore Chanel and sported a silver-sprayed shaven head.
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20
Bella Hadid at 2017's Met Gala
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For the 2017 theme of Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between Bella Hadid wore Alexander Wang