The Met Gala serves as a place where fashion is center stage, and designers, stylists and celebrities collaborate to create the most outlandish looks possible. Other red carpet events allow for some creativity, but not to the same extent as the Met Gala. As heiress and philanthropist Wendy Yu said:
“The Met Gala red carpet in many ways becomes the greatest couture show on earth — a celebration of fashion history and its lasting legacy.”
Over the years, thousands of looks have gone up the iconic red steps, and many remain relevant today. It’s hard to follow every look that makes its way to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and some designs end up overlooked. Still, several underappreciated icons of the Met deserve more attention, and so, in honor of this, I have compiled some of what I believe to be the more underrated looks from the Met over the years.
Stella Maxwell
Model Stella Maxwell had some stunning looks for 2018 “Heavenly Bodies” and 2019 “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” and they warrant more attention. She wears Moschino with sparkling David Yurman jewelry, and these unique fabrics and textures look gorgeous on her. The beading and adornment of Maxwell’s 2018 look demonstrates how detailed a Met Gala look can be and her 2019 look emphasizes the more playful side of the Met.
Quannah Chasinghorse
I don’t think Quannah Chasinghorse has ever missed at the Met. She always looks powerful and isn’t afraid to do something different. She often pays homage to her Indigenous roots and highlights the work of Native designers. Combining traditional aspects of fashion with the work of Native designers makes her Met appearances truly one-of-a-kind. She has worn Peter Dundas, Prabal Gurung and H&M with jewelry from Lenise Omeasoo as well as Hunter Meachum and pieces from her aunt, Jocelyn Billy-Upshaw.
Anna Wintour
Anna Wintour’s Met gowns are often criticized for being slightly dated or not “cool” enough, but her 1996 and 2003 looks prove why she’s a fashion icon. The Vogue Editor-in-Chief wore a blue John Galliano dress for the 1996 theme honoring Christian Dior. She is not afraid of a feathered jacket, and her look for the 2003 Goddess theme proves this (along with many of her other Met appearances). These sleek, full-length gowns showcase Wintour’s mastery of her field. She creates iconic, elegant looks without overly flashy embellishments or unnecessary grabs for attention. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a picture of her without sunglasses and a bob, and I love that she still sticks to this signature even at the Met.
Sarah Jessica Parker
I might be biased, because I’m really into plaid, but I think Sarah Jessica Parker’s look for the 2006 Met is perfect. It pays tribute to British fashion in unity with the theme and highlights the work of Alexander McQueen. She requested that the designer attend alongside her, and they combined modernity and tradition flawlessly.
Donatella Versace
I think Donatella Versace is glossed over at the Met, and her 2015, 2018 and 2022 looks are some of my favorites. The blue color looks amazing with her classic platinum hair, and she always wears something that pushes the boundaries of traditional celebrity fashion while still remaining on theme.
Alicia Vikander
2018 might have been the best year for everybody. “Heavenly Bodies” brought out glamor and ornate looks for what seems like all, and Alicia Vikander is no exception. The Swedish actress wore Louis Vuitton with Nikos Koulis jewelry, appearing very modern but elegant at the same time. The futuristic princess vibes are strong, and it’s definitely working to combine the new with the old.
Katie Holmes
The Met Gala is the time to do something out of the ordinary, and in 2008, Katie Holmes did just that. The superhero red and bright blue shoes match the “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy” theme, and show that a combination of bold colors and a short hairstyle not typically seen on the red carpet can work.
Rebecca Hall
Rebecca Hall’s look in 2024 might be my favorite Met look ever. The dress by Danielle Frankel along with the painted flowers on her skin take my breath away. The idea of painting directly on the skin is the embodiment of the theme of “Awakening Fashion,” with the way it points to fashion using the body as a canvas for design, and I can’t stop thinking about it.
Chloë Sevigny
Chloë Sevigny will forever be my inspiration. She embodies effortlessly cool and approaches fashion from such an unexpected angle. This look from the 2024 Met by Dilara Findikoğlu is iconic, just like everything Chloë does. Her hair is a tribute to Victorian-era mourning hair, and it adds that extra level of flair that can make something go from good to great.
Personally, I think we should definitely be talking about these hidden gems more, and I hope this inspires you to look more closely at each and every Met look — not just those with the most publicity. The designs highlighted here fully embody the theme of each year, while still staying true to the model, and that is ultimately what makes a Met look truly successful.
SHEI Features Writer Emma Blair can be reached at emmabl@umich.edu.
