Met Gala's most iconic fashion moments

Met Gala's most iconic fashion moments. (Courtesy)

The fashion fraternity is abuzz with anticipation as the Metropolitan Museum of Art prepares to host the biggest night in fashion - the annual Met Gala.

As designers, celebrities, and fashionistas alike gear up to interpret this year's theme of "Sleeping Beauties Reawakening Fashion," let's take a look back at some of the most iconic ensembles that have stunned on the Met Gala's famous red carpet over the past five years.

2023: Honouring Karl Lagerfeld's Legacy

Last year's gala celebrated the life and work of the late fashion titan Karl Lagerfeld, drawing interpretations of his iconic aesthetics from Chanel, Fendi, and beyond. While the night saw many stars pay homage through vintage Lagerfeld pieces and monochromatic looks, one ensemble truly embodied the legend's essence - Rihanna's sculptural white Valentino creation.

The Barbadian singer arrived draped in a voluminous sculpted cape layered over a form-fitting dress, both in crisp white with fur trim. Completing the look with a veiled headpiece, Rihanna channelled Lagerfeld's renowned penchant for black and white while the dramatic shapes captured his architectural silhouettes. Many heralded the new mom as the reigning queen for her masterful homage.

2022: Gilded Glamour's Golden Age

Blake Lively defined "showstopping" when she graced the red carpet in an ingenious Versace gown that transformed from rose gold to turquoise blue. As a co-chair tasked with setting the tone for the Gilded Age-inspired "Gilded Glamour" theme, the actress delivered excessive opulence befitting the era's wealth in the color-changing masterpiece.

2021: American Independence Avant-Garde

Emerging from lockdowns, the gala's "American Independence" dress code allowed stars to showcase national pride through the country's innovative design. Lil Nas X turned heads in a regal Versace cape adorned with ornate Navajo-inspired embellishments. Meanwhile, Iman stunned in a golden Harris Reed ensemble featuring a sculptural feathered headpiece and spiky updo.

2019: Camp's Theatrical Extravagance

With "Camp: Notes on Fashion" as the prompt, the only requirement was pure, unapologetic theatricality. Lady Gaga did not disappoint, executing a remarkable four-look transformation on the red carpet with assistance from an entire entourage. However, Billy Porter may have stolen the show as he arrived embodying an Egyptian sun god complete with wings, towering 10-foot headdress and voluminous bold attire.

2018: Heavenly Bodies' Religious Fervor

Rihanna once again reigned supreme when she embraced the "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" theme as the high priestess of fashion. The singer turned heads in an intricately bejewelled Maison Margiela minidress paired with an ornate, papal mitre-inspired headpiece. While Rihanna exuded reverence, Katy Perry's controversial 6-foot angel wings drew both awe and mockery, quickly going viral.

All eyes will be watching the Metropolitan Museum's iconic stairs tomorrow night as co-chairs Dua Lipa, Michaela Coel, Penelope Cruz and Roger Federer join Vogue's Anna Wintour in ushering the biggest stars through the Costume Institute's doors. Interpretations of "Sleeping Beauties Reawakening Fashion" are expected to range from literal fairy tale princess gowns to abstract symbolism of the fashion world's revival from the pandemic.

With this parade of unforgettable looks etched into Met Gala legend, all signs point to more shocking, meme-worthy and admirable feats of fashion for tomorrow's white tie affair. The only question is which bold visionaries will captivate like their predecessors to claim their place in the pantheon of Met Gala greats? The world is waiting to be wowed once again.