High Fashion Or Hot Mess
Though the Met Gala was established in 1948, it didn't really take off until Diana Vreeland took the helm in 1973. Since then, it's become one of the most exciting nights of the year, whether you have a few designer pieces in your closet, or watch the whole thing and sweatpants. And before you ask, 2019's Camp theme is not on the list, mostly because we weren't sure where to put it!
1. 1995: Haute Couture
Haute Couture has to be the most boring theme of all time as the Met Gala is haute couture by definition. It's an event based on high fashion, both in the exhibit on on the runway. Designers had nothing to work worth! The theme may as well have been Met Gala.
2. 1984: Man & The Horse
Guests didn't seem to vibe with this theme, based around the development of equestrian style. Based on the few photos we found, nobody even bothered to dress up. We thought we'd at least see a sea of jockeys, but nope!
3. 2013: Chaos To Couture
2013's punk theme was destined for failure. Punk's DIY and anti-establishment spirit is the antithesis of high fashion, something only magnified by the $15,000 ticket cost. Additionally, as we will see, celebs tend to not step too far out of their comfort zones or away from conventional beauty.
4. 2009: The Model As Muse
We understand the logic behind the theme: focusing on the models wearing the clothes rather than the clothes themselves. However, the vagueness of this theme made for a muddled Gala. By 2009, the Met had made its transformation from your average red carpet to the world's most expensive costume party, which made this theme all the more regressive.
5. 1994: Visions Of The East In Western Dress
This was the second of three Chinese themes, and is mostly on the "worst" half of the list because the third variation on this theme did it so much better. In comparison to 1980's Manchu Dragon theme which, while straightforwardly Orientalist, focused on Chinese textiles, and 2015's China Through The Looking Glass, which interrogated Orientalism, this is a nothingburger of a theme. A disappointing final gala for Pat Buckley.
Henri Privat-Livemont on Wikimedia
6. 2023: A Line Of Beauty
Yes we know that Karl Lagerfeld was one of the greatest designers in fashion history. However the clean lines and monochrome minimalism of this year's theme felt safe and underwhelming in comparison to past themes. The Met Gala is supposed to be over the top, where's the pizzazz?
Christopher William Adach from Mexico on Wikimedia
7.1979: Fashions Of The Hapsburg Era
The '70s and '80s saw a ton of historical themes, which we honestly would mind revisiting, if only the guests of honor would crack open a history textbook. While the Hapsburg Empire stretched for roughly 5 inbred centuries, this theme focused on the Romantic era, at the tail end of the late 19th century. The problem with this theme is that people weren't as committed to dressing up meaning we were robbed of of Hussar military jackets and Empress Elisabeth homages.
Franz Xaver Winterhalter on Wikimedia
8. 2022: Gilded Glamor
For a case study in historical themes flopping, look no further than 2022's Gilded Glamor. The second in a two-part theme about Americana, this theme focused on the Gilded Age a time of glamor and class disparity from the 1870-1890s. While there were a few knockouts—Blake Lively's Statue of Liberty transformation gown—most attendees either went for basic sparkle or any era other than the Gilded Age.
John Singer Sargent on Wikimedia
9. 1999: Rock Style
Much like the punk theme, Rock Style was marred by convention. The exhibit honored everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Mama Cass, which should have meant that there was plenty of inspiration to go around. Unfortunately, many of the guests looked better suited to junior prom or playing dress up in mom's closet.
10. 2024: The Garden Of Time
If a Met Gala ever suffered from too much theme, it would be this one. The theme was Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion; the dress code was The Garden of Time, inspired by a J. G. Ballard short story. The result was a bloodless event filled with florals and TikTok stars.
Now that we've discussed some of the Met Gala's misses, let's look back at some hits.
1. 2018: Heavenly Bodies
The Met Gala that got a lot of people into the Met Gala, Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination was the last time everyone did their homework and got a gold star to boot. Popes, angels, saints, nuns, priests walked the carpet with aplomb. Now this was putting on your Sunday clothes.
2. 2011: Savage Beauty
One of the first great Met Gala themes honored Alexander McQueen a year after his unfortunate passing. Not only was the exhibit itself so popular that the Met had to extend its hours to accommodate it, but the fundraiser itself was also a hit with the stars. Many of the late designer's friends showed dressed their grief up with histrionics, romanticism, and rebellion.
Isabell Schulz (photos · photo sets) on Wikimedia
3. 2015: China Through The Looking Glass
This theme was controversial from the moment it was announced and, while there were a few misses (SJP's dragon lady headpiece), there were enough hits to make up for them. This theme sought to interrogate Orientalism, looking at how Chinese aesthetics have impacted Western fashion. We're still not over Rihanna's saffron yellow Guo Pei gown.
4. 2016: Fashion In An Age Of Technology
The mid 2010s was a golden age for Met Gala themes. 2016's theme blended art and technology, manus and machina, with dazzling results—Clare Danes' light-up Zac Posen gown for one. The futuristic aesthetic was bright, shiny, and easy enough to nail that there were very few misses.
5. 1974: Romantic & Glamorous Hollywood Design
An early theme we haven't been able to find much about, this theme focused around Hollywood costuming. The exhibit featured some of the most stunning costumes in cinema history from Gone with the Wind, My Fair Lady, and The Seven Year Itch. The best look of the night—Cher's skintight & highly flammable Bob Mackie gown—wasn't on theme and we don't even care.
6. 1996: Christian Dior
Dior is a safe choice for a designer theme, but an iconic one. Having crafted the New Look silhouette that defined post-war feminity, Dior's craftsmanship, romanticism, and sophistication combine for a style that is classic and timeless. If it was good enough for Princess Di, it was good enough for us.
7. 2014: Charles James
Charles James was a legendary designer of the 1930s-1950s known for his highly structured ballgowns. While it's true that this theme didn't offer much for the men, the men are rarely the ones turning heads—especially in 2014. Some of our favorite looks incorporated sharp tailoring and mathematical precision.
8. 1976: The Glory Of Russian Costume
Another early theme it's difficult to get pictures from, 1976's Gala was one that could only be borne of the Cold War. The exhibit compared and contrasts traditional costumes from across the Soviet Union's extreme upper and lower classes. This is another theme we'd love a second version of, bring on the sarafans!
9. 1973: The World Of Balenciaga
Similar to Savage Beauty, this theme followed the death of a legendary designer. Taking inspiration from flamenco dancers and matadors, this gala honored both the haute couture and pret a porter fashions of Cristóbal Balenciaga. The first Met Gala saved the Costume Institute from bankruptcy, thank you, Diana Vreeland.
Wyeth, N. C. (Newell Convers), 1882-1945 on Wikimedia
10. 2006: AngloMania
While there hasn't been a proper Vivienne Westwood theme, we think that 2006's AngloMania is as good as it's going to get. Combining rebellion and tradition, Tatler described this theme as "Buckingham Palace meets Camden Market on a tipsy night out". The combination of Savile Row and safety pins led to some generally subversive looks!
