The Met Gala is more than just fashion’s biggest night—it’s a cultural phenomenon where celebrities transform into icons. Each year on the first Monday in May, stars ascend the storied steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, showcasing bold couture that reflects the theme of the Costume Institute’s exhibition. Unlike the flash-in-the-pan red carpets of award shows or premieres, the Met Gala demands looks that resonate, live on in style memory, and even redefine what red carpet fashion means.

The best Met Gala moments aren’t simply stylish—they’re legendary. From Rihanna’s papal-inspired ensemble to Sarah Jessica Parker’s unforgettable tartan McQueen look, the red carpet has been graced with outfits that spark conversation and inspire future generations. Think Madonna’s hippie caftan, Kate Moss’s golden turban, or Erykah Badu’s sparkling top hat—none of these would have made the same impact on any other night.

What sets the Met Gala apart is its invitation to push boundaries. Guests are encouraged to explore the avant-garde, drawing from The Costume Institute’s archival runway masterpieces to craft interpretations that are daring, theatrical, and uniquely personal. Whether it’s Cardi B requiring an entourage to maneuver her Thom Browne train or Lady Gaga unveiling four looks in one dramatic entrance, the night allows fashion to flirt with performance art.

The gala has seen its share of memorable themes. In 2021, after a pandemic-induced pause, the “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” exhibit made a patriotic comeback. In 2022, the celebration continued with “An Anthology of Fashion,” and in 2023, celebrities paid tribute to Karl Lagerfeld with dramatic, archival-inspired looks. Last year’s “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” brought cinematic moments from stars like Zendaya, Lana Del Rey, and Bad Bunny.

Now, all eyes are on the 2025 Met Gala, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” with a dress code titled “Tailored for You.” Co-chaired by A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo, Pharrell Williams, and Lewis Hamilton, this year’s gala promises a celebration of heritage, precision, and personal expression through fashion. While the looks remain tightly under wraps until May 5, one thing is certain—style history will be made once again.

In honor of this year’s gala, take a look back at 148 of the most iconic Met Gala outfits of all time—the daring, the divine, and the truly unforgettable.