Supermodels Reign Supreme: The Most Iconic Fashion Moments at the Met Gala
The first Monday in May heralds one of the most anticipated events on the global fashion calendar: the Met Gala. This annual fundraising gala for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City is not merely a party; it’s a monumental showcase of sartorial innovation, celebrity power, and daring interpretations of a chosen theme. For fashion enthusiasts, it’s a spectacle of unparalleled grandeur, where the world’s most influential designers dress an elite roster of stars in their most imaginative creations. And at the heart of this fashion extravaganza, consistently stealing the spotlight with their commanding presence and ability to embody any artistic vision, are the supermodels.
Each year, as the red carpet unfurls outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art, anticipation builds for the arrival of fashion’s elite. While actors, musicians, and artists all contribute to the glamour, supermodels hold a unique position. Their careers are built on transforming into living art, bringing garments to life with their poise, confidence, and understanding of movement and silhouette. They are the ultimate muses, making them the perfect candidates to showcase the often avant-garde and complex interpretations demanded by the Met Gala’s annual themes. From the ethereal to the edgy, the playful to the profound, models consistently deliver looks that transcend mere clothing, becoming iconic moments etched into fashion history.
Before the 2019 Met Gala embraced the wonderfully whimsical theme of “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” the event had already seen countless breathtaking ensembles. Reflecting on past galas reveals a treasure trove of style, with supermodels leading the charge. Names like Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Emily Ratajkowski, Naomi Campbell, Bella Hadid, Cara Delevingne, and Cindy Crawford have all graced the Met Ball red carpet, turning heads and setting trends with their impeccable style and daring fashion choices. Their ability to wear a garment, rather than letting the garment wear them, is what truly elevates their Met Gala appearances from mere outfits to unforgettable statements.
Kendall Jenner, a staple on the Met Gala red carpet, has consistently delivered memorable looks that highlight her statuesque physique and fearless approach to fashion. Her 2017 appearance, aligned with the “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art of the In-Between” theme, was particularly audacious. Jenner arrived in a custom La Perla creation that was practically naked, a testament to both the theme’s boundary-pushing spirit and her own confidence. The gown was a masterclass in strategic design: a sheer black crystal-encrusted gown featuring a dramatic cut-out across the torso that left little to the imagination, paired with an equally daring thigh-high slit. Its backless design added to its allure, while a bold red lip provided the only splash of contrasting color. Paired with delicate mesh heels, this incredibly sexy ensemble was a bold nod to Kawakubo’s deconstructive aesthetic, proving that art could indeed be found in the spaces in-between conventional modesty.
That very same year, Gigi Hadid made an equally striking impression, albeit with a different interpretation of the “in-between” theme. Her custom Tommy Hilfiger design was a fascinating duality, showcasing a unique blend of elegance and edge. One half of the beige gown exuded classic sophistication, resembling an off-the-shoulder tulle ball gown fit for a modern princess, complete with romantic draping and delicate fabric. In stark contrast, the other half was short, structured, and decidedly edgy, ending in a thigh-high fishnet sock that added an unexpected punk-rock twist. It was, quite literally, a dress caught between a majestic ball gown and a playful mini dress, embodying the theme with remarkable ingenuity. This innovative look stood out as one of the night’s best, especially considering how many celebrities grappled with understanding and executing the challenging 2017 theme.
While 2017 offered two standout model moments from Kendall and Gigi, their contributions to the Met Gala’s fashion lexicon extend far beyond a single year. Gigi Hadid’s Met Gala journey is marked by an evolution of style and thematic precision. In 2018, for the “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” theme, she transformed into a celestial being in a stunning Versace gown. The iridescent, multi-hued dress, complete with elaborate wing-like elements and a high slit, perfectly captured the ethereal and divine essence of the theme. In 2019, for “Camp,” she embraced over-the-top glamour with a white and gold feathered jumpsuit and matching cap by Michael Kors, looking like an opulent showgirl. Her ability to consistently adapt to and elevate each theme makes her a perennial favorite on the red carpet.
Kendall Jenner, too, has explored various facets of her style at the Met Gala. After her 2017 daring look, she continued to make bold statements. For the 2019 “Camp” theme, she and sister Kylie Jenner sported matching feathered Versace gowns in vibrant orange and purple, epitomizing the exaggerated and theatrical spirit of camp. In 2021, for “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” Kendall paid homage to Audrey Hepburn’s iconic “My Fair Lady” dress in a sheer, jewel-encrusted Givenchy gown, blending classic elegance with modern allure. Her consistent ability to evoke both classic beauty and contemporary edge solidifies her status as a Met Gala fashion powerhouse.
Emily Ratajkowski, another prominent supermodel, is renowned for her confident and often minimalist yet impactful Met Gala ensembles. She frequently opts for sleek, body-conscious designs that celebrate the female form, often choosing looks that are both elegant and subtly provocative. While perhaps not as overtly theatrical as some of her peers, her consistent presence ensures a touch of modern, effortless glamour on the red carpet, always aligned with the theme but filtered through her distinct, sophisticated lens.
Beyond these contemporary icons, legendary supermodels have also left an indelible mark on the Met Gala’s history. Naomi Campbell, a true fashion icon, has graced the event for decades, consistently delivering show-stopping looks. Her ability to command attention in everything from sleek, minimalist gowns to elaborate, avant-garde creations is unparalleled. Each appearance from Campbell is a masterclass in confidence and high fashion, demonstrating why she remains a force in the industry.
Bella Hadid, Gigi’s younger sister, brings a distinct, often edgier aesthetic to the Met Gala. Her looks frequently feature darker palettes, architectural silhouettes, and a sense of mystique. Whether in a sculpted leather ensemble or a dramatic sheer gown, Bella always pushes boundaries, cementing her reputation as a risk-taker whose interpretations are always fresh and unexpected. Her 2022 look for “Gilded Glamour,” an intricate leather corset by Burberry, showcased her penchant for sophisticated yet subversive style.
Cara Delevingne, known for her rebellious spirit, brings a playful yet powerful energy to the Met Gala. She often infuses her looks with an element of surprise or humor, perfectly aligning with themes like “Camp.” Her ability to blend high fashion with her quirky personality makes her a memorable attendee, frequently opting for tailored suits, bold headpieces, or unexpected accessories that challenge traditional red carpet norms.
The Met Gala is more than just a parade of beautiful dresses; it’s a testament to the power of fashion as art, and supermodels are its most compelling canvas. Their ability to embody a designer’s vision, interpret a complex theme, and exude an unparalleled level of confidence transforms simple garments into unforgettable moments. These fashion ambassadors not only elevate the event itself but also contribute significantly to the broader fashion conversation, setting trends and inspiring countless stylists and designers worldwide. The synergy between models, world-class designers, and visionary stylists results in a breathtaking spectacle that solidifies the Met Gala’s status as the pinnacle of fashion innovation and celebrity style.
From the initial concept sketches to the final walk on the carpet, the journey of a Met Gala outfit is a meticulous collaboration. Supermodels are integral to this process, working closely with designers and stylists to ensure their look not only fits the theme but also resonates with their personal brand and delivers maximum impact. Their professional understanding of movement, posing, and how clothes photograph ensures that every angle is perfect, every detail highlighted, creating a lasting impression that reverberates across social media and fashion publications for days, weeks, and even years to come.
As the first Monday in May approaches each year, the fashion world collectively holds its breath, eagerly awaiting the next wave of iconic looks. And undoubtedly, supermodels will continue to be at the forefront, showcasing the boundless creativity of the fashion industry and defining the very essence of Met Gala glamour for generations to come. Their unique blend of grace, daring, and unwavering fashion sensibility ensures that their presence will remain an indispensable part of this extraordinary annual event.