Affectionately referred to as ‘the fashion Oscars,’ the Met Gala is the biggest event in any A-lister’s calendar, so choosing the perfect dress is kind of a big deal – especially if it’s your first time on the Costume Institute’s hallowed guest list…
In the interests of nostalgia – and who doesn’t love a fashion flashback? – we’ve taken a trip through the archives to remember what some of our favourite stars wore for their first journey up the Met’s red carpeted stairs.
Jennifer Lawrence, 2013
Jennifer Lawrence has a long-standing relationship with fashion house Dior, so it makes sense that she chose to wear the label for her first Met Gala in 2013.
Amal Clooney, 2015
2015 marked Amal Clooney‘s first Met Gala, but she still managed to steal the show in tiered Galliano. For 2018, she’s on co-hosting duties.
Charlize Theron, 1999
Charlize Theron wore the ultimate ’90s party ensemble for the 1999 event.
Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake, 2009
Jessica Biel wore red Versace back before the dancing lady emoji was a thing in 2009, while Justin Timberlake wore a suit from his own line, William Rast.
Eva Mendes, 2004
Eva Mendes wore Zac Posen for her first Met Gala in 2004, which took ‘Fashion and Furniture’ as its theme.
Kendall Jenner, 2014
Kendall Jenner wore Topshop to her first Met Gala (We’re guessing she didn’t pick it up in the Oxford Circus branch the night before, though).
Katy Perry, 2009
For the 2009 event, Katy Perry chose an atypically-forward gown from Tommy Hilfiger, though she’s henceforth played it far less safe for subsequent appearances on the Met steps.
Jennifer Lopez, 2004
Jennifer Lopez posed with Dolce and Gabbana at the 2004 Met Ball – blink and this picture could have been taken a few days ago, such is J.Lo’s age defying power.
Emma Stone, 2011
A blonde Emma Stone wore floral Lanvin to the Met Gal in 2011.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, 2005
Remember when Mary-Kate and Ashley wore colour and smiled in photos? The Olsen twins were Two of a Kind in boho Chanel for their first ball.
Emma Watson, 2010
Emma Watson kept things relatively simple for her Met Gala in 2010, wearing this white asymmetric gown by Burberry (for whom she’d just starred in her first major fashion campaign).
Cara Delvinge, 2011
Cara Delvinge took Douglas Booth as her date to her first Met Gala in 2011.
Victoria Beckham, 2003
2003 marked the peak of Victoria Beckham’s WAG era, and her Met Gala dress didn’t disappoint. Naturally, she accessorised with Dolce and Gabbana.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 2010
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s relationship with Burberry goes way back: here she is wearing the Brit brand for her first Met Ball appearance in 2010.
Kate Moss, 1995
Kate Moss wore Calvin Klein for the 1995 event, and is pictured here with the designer and fellow supermodel Christie Turlington.
Gisele, 2003
Gisele strikes a pose for the ‘Goddess’ themed event in 2003.
Anne Hathaway, 2009
The hair, the frills: Anne Hathaway really went all out for her first Met Gala appearance in 2009, wearing Marc Jacobs.
Lily Aldridge, 2011
Victoria’s Secret’s Lily Aldridge made a glamorous Met debut in 2011, wearing this classic champagne coloured gown by Ralph Lauren.
Rhianna, 2007
Eight years before she shut down the Met with her infamous Guo Pei gown, Rhianna opted for a white gown by Georges Chakra couture (complete with black fishnet gloves. Only in 2007).
Emily Blunt, 2007
Hands up who’d forgotten that Emily Blunt and Michael Buble were the ultimate Noughties power couple? Emily wore Calvin Klein for her first Met Ball in 2007.
Diana Kruger, 2004*
Diane Kruger is a Met Ball veteran – her first appearance was in 2004, when she wore golden Balenciaga and the sort of fancy scarf cover-up that your mum would totally approve of.
Kim Kardashian West, 2013
It’s the dress that launched a thousand memes: Kim Kardashian famously wore a floral gown from Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci for her first Met appearance in 2013.
Beyonce, 2008
Before Lemonade, before the lift incident and before Sasha Fierce, Beyonce wore the dress you dreamed of buying for your year 11 ball to the Met. Except that Queen B’s gown was Giorgio Armani, and yours definitely wasn’t.
Blake Lively, 2008
Blake Lively wore all American Ralph Lauren to the 2008 Gala, and accessorised with Dan Humphrey. (Sorry, Penn Badgley).
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