Each year, the theme for the gala is revealed in advance, by Anna Wintour, Editor in Chief of Vogue. The big reveal creates awe and buzz, and usually a dash of controversy. While some themes have been bigger hits than others, there's no denying that each one offers us a unique insight into how designers view fashion today.
The Met Gala is an opportunity to see what the most creative minds in fashion have been up to. It’s an exciting and interesting way to learn more about how they think, what their inspirations are and what they hope to achieve through their work.
So, let's take a look back at some of the best and wildest themes ever…
Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between (2017)
Rei Kawakubo is the founder of Comme des Garçons, a fashion, and art company that was founded in Tokyo in 1969. In 2017, she designed a collection titled Art of the In-Between for her label's exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Arts' Costume Institute.
And why Rei? Because she is one of the most influential and avant-garde creators of recent years through her games with volume, architectural designs, and her ability to challenge conventional notions of beauty, good taste, and fashion. Kawakubo is only the second living fashion designer to be honored with a career retrospective here.
The theme was inspired by Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms and featured outfits made up of multicolored polka dots and suits. The look was completed with brightly colored hair and makeup; Kawakubo herself wore pink hair at the event. Katy Perry and Pharrell Williams served as the event's co-chairs.
Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology (2016)
In 2016, the theme of the Met Gala was inspired by an exhibition at the museum that showcased Fashion in an Age of Technology. Manus x Machina reflected the relationship between humans and machines, as well as how we've come to rely on machines in our daily lives. It was a glamorous night of mixing master artisans' details with the work of the most cutting-edge technology, where most guests wore metallic, black, and more metallic.
Taylor Swift, the host, donned a short, shiny Louis Vuitton dress. In fact, many of the guest stars in 2016 opted for a shorter length. Rihanna skipped the event altogether that year to let us know what we were missing.
China: Through the Looking Glass (2015)
The theme of the year was China: Through the Looking Glass. The red carpet was filled with designs inspired by Chinese fashion, art, and film, presenting a fantasy of the far east. A large number of guests wore black, red, and gold in keeping with the theme. This theme was thought by some as problematic as fear of cultural appropriation loomed. Furthermore, it would seem the “looking glass” was from a Western lens.
In true Met Gala fashion, the theatrics were high with the likes of Lady Gaga’s Balenciaga kimono cover-up. Zendaya made waves in Fausto Puglisi, while Justin Bieber looked classy in an embroidered Balmain jacket, balancing gold dragons and black tie.
Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination (2018)
Given the Catholic-inspired theme of this year's gala and the fashion show that followed it, a whole new range of possibilities (and controversies) opened up for designers. Featuring couture from fashion luminaries like Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and Schiaparelli alongside 41 pieces of ecclesiastical dress on loan from the Vatican, explored the intersection of the sacred and the profane.
Most people, however, did not go quite that far in their interpretations of this theme. Kim Kardashian looked divine in a Versace gown. Zendaya's Atelier Versace look was inspired by Joan of Arc, complete with a red bob and short chic bangs. Rihanna, in unforgettable fashion, dressed as the Pope in a Margiela gown.
In America: A Lexicon of Fashion (2021)
Participants were challenged to respond to the following question: Who gets to be an American? After canceling 2020’s Met Gala due to the pandemic, this hotly anticipated return of the event did not disappoint.
Lupita Nyong'o wore a Versace dress fashioned of denim. While the term ‘denim’ was ultimately coined in the French city of Nîmes, the blue cotton fabric of the 1800s shaped the culture of the working class in America. Most notably by German-American denim founder, Levi Strauss; offering the perfect American moment on the red carpet.
Kate Hudson wore a pink sequin bra top, maxi skirt, and silk organza feather coat, all custom-made for her by Michael Kors. Kors designed the look to celebrate the star's sunny vibes. "Kate is the ultimate California girl," he told People Magazine. "We wanted her to look to be a blend of Hollywood glamor and surfer chic — streamlined and opulent."
A reveal of the Met Gala theme, 2023: ‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty’
"Improvise. Become more creative. Not because you have to, but because you want to. Evolution is the secret for the next step," - Karl Lagerfeld.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute confirmed that the 2023 theme will be 'Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty.' The event intends to honor Lagerfeld with an avant-garde night of creative triumph after the longtime creative director of Chanel died in 2019.
The late designer's style lexicon, which was articulated through lines and aesthetic themes that recurred in his garments from the 1950s through his final collection in 2019, will also be highlighted at this event. 150 items, along with original sketches by Lagerfeld, are on show.
Karl Lagerfeld was one of the most captivating, prolific, and recognizable figures in fashion and culture.
Max Hollein, Marina Kellen French Director of The Met, said in a statement. "Karl Lagerfeld was known as much for his extraordinary designs and tireless creative output as for his legendary persona," he added. "Through this immersive show, Lagerfeld will explore his distinctive artistic technique and invite the public to witness a crucial aspect of his limitless imagination and innovation-fueled passion."
Would you like to attend next year’s Met Gala?
The Met Gala is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year and tickets are extremely coveted. It’s notoriously difficult to get on the guest list and Anna Wintour personally checks every name on the list. Do you want to attend the next year's Met gala and rub shoulders with trend-setting celebrities? If so, contact our team right away to discuss the possibilities. We'd be thrilled to help.
Check out The 50 Best Met Gala Looks of all time here, to start getting some inspiration for next year’s event!
