After what seems like an eternity, the Met Gala is back. The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute benefit — or Met Gala as we know it — was delayed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but returns this Monday in full-fashion glory. Typically hosted the first Monday of May to raise money for the Met’s Costume Institute, the gala is always looked forward to by many. In honor of our favorite night of fashion, we’ve put together what we think are some of the most iconic Met Gala looks of all time below.

 

Lady Gaga at the 2019 Met Gala, Celebrating Camp: Notes of Fashion

Just one of four of her looks at the 2019 Met Gala, this enormous fuschia gown was designed by Brandon Maxwell for the lovely co-chair of the event and paired exceptionally well with Gaga’s glittering lashes.

 

Rihanna at the 2015 Met Gala, China: Through the Looking Glass

Fur and fauna made up Rihanna’s yellow cape worn in 2015. Designed by Guo Pei for the artist, the piece was 16 feet long and took two years to make.

 

Rihanna at the 2018 Met Gala, Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination

Shall we call her the queen of the Met Gala? We couldn’t leave Rihanna’s 2018 look out of the lineup, with the Maison Margiela cape and matching papal mitre, the jewels and pearls of the look had Rihanna shining throughout her debut night of being a co-chair for the event.

 

Salma Hayek at the 1997 Met Gala, Gianni Versace 

Effortlessly stunning, Salma Hayek wore an Atelier Versace gown with a beautiful slit and a mix of fabrics to her first Met Gala in 1997.

 

Naomi Campbell at the 1995 Met Gala, Haute Couture 

Wearing an eye-catching Versace gown in 1995, it’s clear to us that Naomi’s legendary status has always been prevalent, and it’s not stopping anytime soon.

 

Ariana Grande at the 2018 Met Gala, Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination

Draped in Vera Wang — who also designed her wedding dress back in May — Ariana Grande’s gown brought the Sistine Chapel to uptown. To tie the look together, a delicate gauzy bow sis atop her head and cascades down replacing her signature ponytail.

 

Diana Ross at the 1981 Met Gala, The Eighteenth-Century Woman

The Met Gala in 1981 looked a bit different than what it does now, but one thing has been lasting throughout — the quintessential looks from attendees. Diana Ross wore a ruffled tulle dress and oozed glamour and style.

 

Zendaya at the 2018 Met Gala, Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination

It seems like 2018 was a hit for everyone. Zendaya wore a jaw-dropping custom metallic armored gown by Versace, channeling Joan of Arc’s essence and spirit.

Cardi B at the 2019 Met Gala, Celebrating Camp: Notes of Fashion

Cardi B knows how to show up to a Met Gala. Wearing a feathered Thom Browne gown that boasted around 30,000 feathers, the silhouette and structure of her look here is one we’ll never forget.

 

Blake Lively at the 2018 Met Gala, Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination

Taking more than 600 hours to make, Blake Lively’s hand-beaded red wine Versace gown was adorned with ornate embroidered that take our breath away everytime we get a glimpse of it.

 

Chadwick Boseman at the 2018 Met Gala, Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination

Last but not least, the late great Chadwick Boseman also wore a custom Versace outfit, fully equipped with a cape and adorned with golden cross detailing and red tassels.