Archive May 5, 2025

The 2025 Met Gala is almost here! As we eagerly await to see this year’s red carpet snaps, lets take a look at the seven best dressed celebrities who made Met Gala history

On the first Monday in May, your favourite celebrities transform into fashion icons for the Met Gala in Manhattan. They don’t merely stroll the red carpet, they ascend the steps of the Metropolitan Museum, wearing striking couture, and showcasing their original takes on the exhibition’s theme for everyone to see.

Unlike an awards show or movie premiere, the aim is not just to dazzle for a fleeting moment. It’s about crafting a look that can resonate for years to come. And many have succeeded in doing just that.

The dress code for this year is ‘Tailored for You,’ aligning with the upcoming exhibition at the museum, titled “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” which is running from May 10 to October 26, 2025. This exhibition will explore how clothing and style shape the evolution of Black identities across the Atlantic diaspora, with a particular focus on menswear.

READ MORE: The 2025 MET Gala theme is ‘Tailored for You’ but what does it mean for guests

So, while we patiently wait to see who conquers the red carpet this year, it’s only fair to reflect on the best-dressed looks throughout the years.

From Sarah Jessica Parker and Alexander McQueen in matching kilts to Tyla in a dress that moulded to her body, that made her look like she effortlessly rolled in sand before taking to the red carpet. Here are seven of the best looks to appear on the Met Gala red carpet.

Sarah Jessica Parker and Alexander McQueen, 2006

Sarah Jessica Parker is a name synonymous with fashion for her iconic looks on cult classic series Sex and the City. But when she walked the red carpet with the late Alexander McQueen in 2006, the fashion world stood still for a minute.

The theme that year was “AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion”, and Sarah Jessica Parker invited British designer Alexander McQueen to attend the event with her. Ultimately, McQueen went on to design coordinating looks constructed from red and black plaid, paying homage to British fashion.

Zendaya, 2018

In 2018, Zendaya arrived at the Met Gala dressed as Joan of Arc, cementing her status as a fashion icon. The theme that year was “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”, which inspired the actresses’ look to don the armour of one of Catholicism’s most famed icons: Saint Joan of Arc.

The chainmail gown, designed by Versace, featured an armoured neck and shoulder piece, a spiked belt and a stunning train which effortlessly followed behind as she walked. The outfit was styled by her long-time stylist, Law Roach.

Tyla, 2024

Last year, South African singer and songwriter Tyla made her Met Gala debut, and she definitely didn’t disappoint. The singer donned a dress made out of sand by French fashion house Balmain in a nod to the theme “The Garden of Time”.

The strapless gown was moulded to her body and subtly flared out in an organza train. Crafted from three shades of sand and adorned with micro-crystal studs, the dress sparkled with every move Tyla made. Complementing the evening’s theme, she also carried the Balmain hourglass clutch.

Rihanna, 2023

In 2023, Rihanna was so late to the Met Gala that many began to wonder if she would even attend. But when she finally showed up at 10 pm, she reminded everyone of the true meaning of being ‘fashionably late’. The singer arrived wearing a dramatic, white Valentino gown adorned with over 500 petals and a billowing train.

She capped off the outfit with white fingerless gloves, a favourite accessory of Karl Lagerfeld, paired with white cat-eye sunglasses and mega-long false lashes, and, of course, the boldest red lip you’ve ever seen. The theme that year was “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” a tribute to the late designer who helmed the fashion houses of Chanel and Fendi for many years.

Cardi B, 2019

In 2019, Cardi B made a spectacular return to the Met Gala, and she definitely came to impress. The theme for the evening was “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” and Cardi fully embraced it by stepping onto the red carpet in a massive quilted and feathered gown designed by Thom Brown.

While the stunning dress stole the spotlight, the rapper had a 10-person team to assist her as she ascended the stairs. The striking red gown, which took over 2,000 hours to craft, featured 30,000 burnt and dyed feathers, securing Cardi B’s place in Met Gala red-carpet history.

Rihanna, 2018

Rihanna made Met Gala history again in 2018 when she arrived at the Met Gala dressed as the Pope. The theme, “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” which also featured Zendaya dressed as Saint Joan of Arc, showcased Rihanna in a custom outfit by Maison Margiela.

The strapless hand-beaded dress was embellished with a hundred pearls and featured a matching sculptural jacket. Accessorising with a pearl anklet and a bejewelled crucifix necklace. Each piece of the outfit was crafted in an elaborate Seaform jacquard, requiring over 250 hours to sew and an additional 500 hours to hand-embroider.

Blake Lively, 2022

Blake Lively showed up to the Met Gala and stole the show in 2022. The blonde beauty wore a custom Versace gown, inspired by New York City. The theme that year was “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” and Lively, one of the evening’s hosts, underwent a significant dress transformation that perfectly reflected the theme.

In a difficult time for them both when it comes to relationships, Pete Wicks opens up about best friend Sam Thompson and reveals that Sam is doing “great” as he sheds light on their relationship.

Gushing compliments from Pete Wicks aren’t a common occurrence – but when it comes to bestie Sam Thompson, he’s breaking his own rules. The former TOWIE and Made In Chelsea stars have forged a solid bond over the past six years.

In this exclusive chat, Pete – who split from Maura Higgins in February, but has been recently linked to another ex-Love Island star, Samantha Kenny – delivers a love letter to his Staying Relevant podcast co-host (and other celeb pals), as the 37-year-old tells us what friendship for him is all about.

Pete, is it difficult to form genuine relationships in your field?

Whatever you do, it’s challenging to form strong, lasting relationships. However, everyone has a right to criticize everything you do. If you can count on one hand five people you can count on as your friends until the end of your life, you’ve done well, according to my grandfather.

And Sam is one of those five, right?

My little finger, Sam! He is unapologetically self-assured. People assume the camera-freeze dynamic disappears, but he still rings me 15 times throughout the day to chat. I appreciate you taking me on this crazy adventure. When he learns that I’ve said that, he will have a heart attack.

Hot topics include toxic masculinity and male role models. Both of you have positive role models.

We never planned to be the poster boys for a bromance. We just love each other, and we’re always there for each other. Maybe men haven’t explored friendships further, because they generally find it difficult to talk. But it’s not always easy. Sam’s an emotional person. He likes to talk. I don’t – but he’s made me feel comfortable enough to, by being a safe space.

How have your relationships with women been?

I grew up with two really strong women, my mum and my nan, so I’ve always felt comfortable around women. The idea that men and women can’t be friends is b******s. I count Vicky Pattison and Olivia Attwood as two really close friends. I adore the bones of those girls.

Tell us about your newest Twix campaign: you’re Sam and Pete now. !

It’s about fostering friendship and sharing, which is great for Sam and I because it would be impossible for us to do the amazing things we do without a partner to share them with.

You both went through significant relationship ups and downs this year…

Nicely put! Yes, we’ve both had so much going on. Sam had a ‘different’ start to the year [Sam split from Zara McDermott in January]. Part of being someone’s friend is being there no matter what – to say, “Things are always going to get better,” and they have.

What is his current state?

He is fantastic. Sometimes it’s about allowing others to work on themselves and recognize their worth. Because he is amazing and deserves the best, I hope I’ve helped him do that.

A Christmas special and two more seasons of the For Dogs’ Sake show have been commissioned. You resemble Paul O’Grady, the new man!

I don’t feel like the new Paul O’Grady – he was an idol of mine and I don’t think anyone will be able to replace him. But this is a passion project for me. Being around animals is the only time I feel truly content. But it’s about the dogs, and the incredible work of the Dogs Trust. They say heroes don’t wear capes, and it’s true.

We must inquire about your new haircut.

It was a choice made on impulse. My hair has always been the same way. I was concerned, but now that the grays are in and the hairline is receding, I can try to hide that with a shorter cut. Sam also had a glow-up, and he looks incredible. I’ve chosen the incorrect path. I’m aging, graying, and sluggish!

Pete is the ambassador for Twix’s latest campaign, Two Is More Than One. See more at twix.com/uk.