##2024: Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion The 2024 Met Gala theme, ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,’ promises a diverse range of interpretations, from fairy tale-inspired couture to explorations of archival sleep-themed looks. The Met’s collection will showcase 250 garments and accessories spanning four centuries.
##2023: Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty Honoring the late Karl Lagerfeld, the 2023 theme saw stars like Nicole Kidman delve into fashion archives, paying tribute to Lagerfeld’s iconic designs for Chanel, Krizia, Valentino, and Chloé.
2022: In America: An Anthology of Fashion Continuing the Met’s focus on American fashion, the 2022 theme, ‘In America: An Anthology of Fashion,’ explored the rich tapestry of American style, providing a holistic view of the nation’s fashion evolution.
##2021: In America: A Lexicon of Fashion Celebrating emerging American designers shaping the nation’s fashion landscape, the 2021 Met Gala theme, ‘In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,’ highlighted the evolving identity of American fashion.
##2020: About Time: Fashion and Duration Despite the cancellation due to the global pandemic, the 2020 theme, ‘About Time: Fashion and Duration,’ marked the Met’s 150th anniversary. Exploring fashion from 1870 to 2020, the collection traced the philosophy of time by Henri Bergson and Virginia Woolf.
##2019: Camp: Notes on Fashion A fan-favorite, the 2019 Met Gala theme, ‘Camp: Notes on Fashion,’ drew inspiration from Susan Sontag’s essay, celebrating excess, performance, and a touch of ‘bad taste.’
##2018: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination Revered as the best Met Gala theme, ‘Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination’ transformed celebrities into fashion icons. Memorable looks, like Amal Clooney’s hybrid Richard Quinn ensemble, defined the night.
##2017: Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between Honoring Rei Kawakubo, the 2017 Met Gala theme explored the visionary work of the legendary Japanese designer, inviting guests to embrace the ‘Art of the In-Between.’
##2016: Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology Posing a futuristic question, the 2016 theme, ‘Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology,’ pondered the impact of technology on handmade fashion. Stars showcased intricate couture with a nod to futurism.
##2015: China: Through the Looking Glass Celebrating China’s influence on Western fashion, the 2015 Met Gala theme, ‘China: Through the Looking Glass,’ explored the interplay between Eastern and Western aesthetics.
##2014: Charles James: Beyond Fashion Honoring English-American designer Charles James, the 2014 Met Gala showcased 100 of his most significant designs, making him the central theme of the event.
##2013: Punk: Chaos to Couture Taking a retrospective look at punk as a subversive movement in fashion, the 2013 Met Gala theme, ‘Punk: Chaos to Couture,’ celebrated the impact of punk on various cultural aspects.
##2012: Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations Juxtaposing Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada’s work, the 2012 Met Gala theme, ‘Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations,’ delved into the creative dialogue between these iconic designers.
##2011: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty Honoring the late Alexander McQueen, the 2011 Met Gala theme, ‘Savage Beauty,’ paid tribute to the designer’s enduring impact on the fashion world.
##2010: American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity Examining the evolving perceptions of the modern American woman, the 2010 Met Gala theme, ‘American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity,’ explored the effect on modern fashion.
##2009: The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion Celebrating iconic fashion models of the twentieth century, the 2009 Met Gala theme, ‘The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion,’ honored figures like Twiggy, Kate Moss, and Naomi Campbell.
##2008: Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy Exploring superhero-inspired fashion, the 2008 Met Gala theme, ‘Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy,’ sparked creativity and became one of the most divisive themes.
##2007: Poiret: King of Fashion Celebrating Paul Poiret’s life and work, the 2007 Met Gala theme, ‘Poiret: King of Fashion,’ acknowledged the designer’s influence on fashion with innovations like the kimono-sleeved coat.
##2006: AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion Assessing British influences on eighteenth-century fashion, the 2006 Met Gala theme, ‘AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion,’ explored both historical and contemporary British design.
##2005: The House of Chanel Dedicating the event to the House of Chanel, the 2005 Met Gala celebrated contemporary and archival Chanel looks, showcasing the brand’s timeless elegance.
##2004: Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century Examining the luxury of the Louis XV and Louis XVI eras, the 2004 Met Gala theme, ‘Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century,’ merged ideals of beauty and pleasure.
##2003: Goddess: The Classical Mode Exploring the enduring influence of Greco-Roman dress, the 2003 Met Gala theme, ‘Goddess: The Classical Mode,’ paid homage to classical aesthetics.
##2002: No Theme Following the 9/11 attacks, the 2002 Met Gala was canceled, marking the third cancellation in its history.
##2001: Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years Honoring Jacqueline Kennedy, the 2001 Met Gala theme marked 40 years since she became First Lady. The event celebrated her enduring impact on global style and fashion.
Through these themes, the Met Gala has evolved from a fundraising event to a global fashion extravaganza, showcasing the creativity and innovation of designers and celebrities alike. Each theme tells a unique story, reflecting the dynamic intersection of fashion, art, and culture over the last two decades.
