Hollywood has the Oscars, music's biggest night is the Grammy Awards, and fashion’s most notorious event is the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute benefit, aka the Met Gala. It always takes place on the first Monday of May and while, officially, it is a fund-raiser for the museum’s Costume Institute, unofficially, it is the most watched red carpet event that only A-listers get to walk. And it’s all about making a fashion statement.
Who can forget Rihanna walking up the stairs dressed as the Pope in Maison Margiela at last year’s Met Gala? Or Beyonce’s sheer Givenchy gown in 2015? Or Sarah Jessica Parker walking hand-in-hand with the late Alexander McQueen, both wearing tartan?
But the event also marks the opening of the Costume Institute’s annual exhibit. This year’s topic (and unofficial dress code inspiration) is “Camp: Notes on Fashion” which means that everyone has a carte blanche to go super extra and out-of-the-box with their outfits. And given that one of this year’ hosts is Lady Gaga (the others are Alessandro Michele of Gucci, Harry Styles, and Serena Williams) one thing is sure—this evening will be one for the (fashion) history books.
Here, we rounded up the most extravagant and mind-blowing outfits from the Met Gala’s 2019 red carpet.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga shut down the red carpet before it has even begun. The singer/actress definitely put on a show. She wore a pink cape dress with a 25-foot train and a matching hair bow by Brendan Maxwell. With some help from the designer, Gaga revealed a second outfit underneath—a black strapless ball gown. But that wasn’t all—another outfit was hiding under that dress and it was a pink column number. Finally, she stripped down to a sexy bra and panties.
Janelle Monáe
This outfit is one for the history books and we have Christian Siriano to thank for it. The designer was inspired by the Mad Hatter and Janelle Monáe totally pulled it off.
Gemma Chan
The Crazy Rich Asians actress looks statuesque for her first Met Gala in this metallic Tom Ford gown and headpiece.
Emma Stone
Emma Stone opted for a shimmery (and comfy) jumpsuit by Louis Vuitton.
Kacey Musgraves
The singer is having a Barbie-inspired fashion moment in this hot pink Moschino dress.
JLo and Alex Rodriguez
Jennifer Lopez really doesn’t have a bad red carpet moment. Tonight she came to slay in this sexy Versace number.
Cardi B
Cardi B’s jaw-dropping dress and train have to be seen to be believed. The designer behind this incredible look is Thom Browne.
Kate Moss
Kate Moss dressed like the fashion royalty that she is. The model attended the Met Gala sporting a metallic V-neck dress and a matching cape.
Lupita Nyong’o
The actress went all camp in this rainbow-inspired Versace gown.
Elle Fanning
We are totally here for Fanning’s fun interpretation of the camp theme courtesy of Miu Miu.
Gigi Hadid
Hadid stepped out with designer Michael Kors who designed her sequined jumpsuit and coat.
Naomi Campbell
The supermodel pulled out all the stops for this year’s Met Gala with this gorgeous Valentino gown.
Miley Cyrus
There is never a boring (fashion) moment with Miley. The singer wore a mini sequin dress by Saint Laurent.
Michael B. Jordan
The actor wore a classic black suit with a long sequined blazer and trousers.
Jared Leto
The actor/singer wore a red hot dress by Gucci which he accessorized with some serious bling and a replica of his own head that took six months to create.
Katy Perry
The singer had another major fashion moment. Her chandelier-inspired outfit was signed Jeremy Scott for Moschino.
Rachel Brosnahan
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel actress was accompanied by designer Erdem Moralioglu who also designed her Victorian era-inspired silk gown.
Charli XCX
The singer stepped out in this bright yellow ruffled asymmetrical dress and we are totally here for it.
Awkwafina
The rapper/actress wore one of our favorite outfits of the evening—a gold ruffled Altuzzara number.
Doutzen Kroes
Model Doutzen Kroes is absolutely stunning in this long-sleeved fuchsia gown with a long train.
Saoirse Ronan
We are getting some serious Game of Thrones vibes from Saoirse Ronan’s dragon-inspired Gucci gown.
Emily Blunt
The actress stuns in this Michael Kors gown that features more than half a million gold-tone sequins.
Regina Hall
The actress worked with fashion designer Dapper Dan on this beautiful off-the-shoulder number.
Celine Dion
As always Celine Dion didn’t disappoint. The singer wore an Oscar de la Renta metallic fringe bodysuit that weighed more than 22 pounds, Fred Leighton jewelry, and Chloe Gosselin pumps.
Sara Sampaio
The Victoria’s Secret model opted for this gorgeous structured white strapless number that features elaborate beadwork.
Richard Madden
The actor looks so handsome in this black Dior tuxedo.
Serena Williams
The tennis star and co-host of the event stepped out with her husband, Alexis Ohanian. She wore a custom neon yellow Versace gown. But our favorite thing about her outfit was her shoes—custom Nike sneakers.
Harry Styles
The singer arrived on the red carpet with Gucci designer Alessandro Michele. Styles wore a sheer pussy-bow shirt and (super) high-waisted trousers while Michele opted for a pink shimmery ruffled suit. Both were dressed by Gucci, of course.
Billy Porter
Porter clearly took a page out of Gaga’s book. He wore an elaborate costume by The Blonds that featured a gold cape, bodysuit, and a head piece, all inspired by ancient Egypt.
