The Met Gala is the time of year when the world witnesses the most out-of-the-box outfits and our favourite celebrities dressed in completely different avatars. As we prepare for this year’s Met Gala on May 1 (Karl Lagerfeld: A line of beauty), let’s take a look back at some of the most outrageous fashion moments in the event’s history.
Here are 15 of the most bizarre outfits that have graced the renowned Met steps in the past:
1. Liv Tyler & Stella McCartney (1999)
In 1999, Liv Tyler and Stella McCartney tossed the “guide to dressing for a red carpet event” out of the window as they showed up at the Met in one-shoulder tees and low-rise khakis. TBH, only this duo could’ve pulled off such an unexpected look at such a prestigious fashion event. Their bedazzled tops quietly declared them “rock royalty.” If IDGAF were a person, Liv and Stella would be it.
2. Karolina Kurkova in Viktor & Rolf (2005)
Karolina Kurkova decided that wearing her heart on her sleeves would be too mainstream, so she draped it across her white ball gown! Karolina startled everyone in a white gown when she screamed “I love you” to the world at the “House of Chanel” themed Costume Institute exhibit in 2005. Although the attire was unusual, only the eight-foot-tall Czech model could have pulled it off.
3. Sarah Jessica Parker in H&M (2015)
At the 2015 “China Through The Looking Glass” Met Gala, Sarah Jessica Parker‘s headpiece caused quite a stir. Long tassels, ribbony flames, and a slew of fuzzy, red pom-poms graced the Philip Treacy headpiece. But what was more impressive than that hat? SJP was wearing a dress of her own design, in collaboration with H&M!
4. Lady Gaga in Versace (2016)
When it comes to Lady Gaga, nothing less than insane can be expected. Case in point: her attire for the 2016 “Manus x Machina” exhibit. The barely-there silver bodysuit wasn’t surprising given that it was Lady Gaga, but it was the huge hair and giant shoes that added the cray to Gaga’s crazy. But all in the right amount!
5. Rihanna in Rei Kawakubo (2017)
We don’t want to sound biased, but no one makes an entry like Rihanna! The singer has always managed to make headlines with her Met Gala looks. In 2017, Riri won the night in an avant-garde Rei Kawakubo outfit. How can someone look so stunning in a dress that seems like it has been made by an origami student? But fun fact, the outfit was actually featured on display in the Costume Exhibit that year.
6. Katy Perry in Maison Margiela (2017)
Katy Perry resembled a bride on a murder rampage as she arrived at the 2017 Met Gala wearing a sheer red veil and gown by Maison Margiela. While the look may seem bizarre to many, it made the singer feel like she “finally belonged in fashion.” Well, that’s a win, right? Katy also took it as an opportunity to promote her latest album, Witness, by wearing the title across her forehead.
7. Zendaya in Versace (2018)
In 2018, Zendaya dressed as Joan of Arc in armour for the religious-themed event. The custom Versace gown had an armoured neck and shoulder piece, dazzling chainmail, a spiky belt, and a short train. Also, can we take a moment to appreciate the hairdo?
8. Sarah Jessica Parker in Dolce & Gabbana (2018)
Sarah Jessica Parker and a bizarre headpiece are an unrivalled killer combo! SJP gave her own interpretation of Catholicism at the 2018 Met Gala. The actress went above and beyond with her version of the theme, wearing a gilded gold gown by Dolce & Gabbana with red heart embellishments and an exquisitely jewelled headdress.
9. Katy Perry in Versace (2018)
If you’re a sucker for utterly insane outfits at the Met, Katy Perry will never disappoint. At the 2018 Met Gala, the singer looked like a sexy angel who dropped right from heaven (?) onto the steps of the Met. She wore a gilded Versace ensemble with larger-than-life wings and metallic gold thigh-high boots.
10. Priyanka Chopra in Dior (2019)
Priyanka Chopra gave the internet a meltdown as she walked the 2019 Met Gala pink carpet in a Dior ensemble. Despite its oddity, the outfit perfectly matched the theme of Camps: Note on Fashion. She donned a sheer bodice with silver embellishments, a skirt, and a feathered cape trailing behind her. More than the outfit, it was the actress’ crazy hair and makeup that made her desi fans dizzy.
11. Katy Perry in Moschino (2019)
Katy Perry should be officially designated as the brand ambassador for odd Met Gala outfits. Hence, the singer’s appearance as a chandelier at the 2019 Met Gala was unsurprising. Her outfit was beautifully detailed yet bizarre, but it suited the “Notes on Fashion” theme in a way that few will understand. The Moschino outfit was a clear allusion to Susan Sontag’s 1964 essay “Notes on Camp.”
12. Katy Perry in Moschino (2019)
Katy Perry literally said, “If you think I’ve reached the pinnacle of strange, you’re mistaken.” While she wore the chandelier on the red carpet in 2019, she wore an even more unusual outfit inside the event. Moschino created a customised hamburger costume for the singer. The gems on the burger matched those on her hairnet and she also wore burger-themed shoes!
13. Kim Kardashian in Balenciaga (2021)
Kim Kardashian caused quite a stir when she appeared at the 2021 Met Gala dressed head-to-toe in a black Balenciaga bodysuit that even covered her face. While most people didn’t understand the outfit, Kim stated that it was inspired by the evening’s theme, “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” The stars were told to wear outfits that represented American independence, and Kim took the literal approach!
14. Gigi Hadid in Versace (2022)
Gigi Hadid, never one to miss a sartorial opportunity, dazzled at the 2022 Met Gala with an ensemble that was equal parts sensual and magnificent. Her all-red Versace ensemble featured a boned corset worn over a skin-tight latex jumpsuit and a big silk puffer jacket was thrown on top for good measure! Is it just me or does the jacket make you want to go to bed too?
15. Cara Delevingne in Dior (2022)
While we’ve seen quite a few celebs choosing to ditch their bra and underwear, Cara took it all a notch higher by ditching her top at the 2022 Met Gala. She wore a red Christian Dior haute couture suit and accessorised it with a walking stick. However, that wasn’t the weirdest part. The actress flaunted a naked torso covered in shimmering gold body paint and gold pasties.
I can’t keep calm ‘coz I can’t wait to see what this year’s Met Gala has in store for us!
Feature Image: Pinterest
