Gigi Hadid Dominates the Met Gala: A Legacy of Iconic Fashion and a Dazzling Tribute to Karl Lagerfeld
The Met Gala, often dubbed “fashion’s biggest night out,” consistently serves as a canvas for celebrities to showcase breathtaking artistry and daring interpretations of its annual themes. Among the elite cadre of attendees, one name consistently shines brighter, year after year: Gigi Hadid. A true Met Gala queen, Gigi arrived at the 2023 event ready to slay, paying a poignant and stylish tribute to the unparalleled legacy of the late Karl Lagerfeld, the visionary whose illustrious career was the focus of the year’s exhibition, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty.” Her stunning look, meticulously crafted by Matthew Williams of Givenchy, was a masterful blend of Lagerfeld’s iconic aesthetic and Hadid’s inherent modern glamour, cementing her status as a red carpet icon.
Gigi Hadid’s 2023 Met Gala Masterpiece: A Homage to Karl Lagerfeld
For her seventh appearance at the prestigious Met Gala, supermodel Gigi Hadid delivered an unforgettable ensemble that perfectly captured the essence of the 2023 theme, celebrating Karl Lagerfeld’s profound impact on the fashion world. Stepping onto the hallowed steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Hadid was a vision in a custom Givenchy creation by Matthew Williams, which exuded an edgy rock-chic elegance Lagerfeld himself often embraced. The centerpiece of her look was a chic black corset, a staple of sophisticated tailoring, which was artfully layered with a delicate, sheer tulle overlay. This ethereal fabric cascaded gracefully over one shoulder, adding a touch of softness and drama to the structured silhouette.
The corset was impeccably paired with a low-rise, nearly sheer black tulle skirt, a daring choice that showcased Gigi’s statuesque figure while maintaining an air of refined allure. The low-rise design subtly revealed the curve of her hips, a confident and modern touch that resonated with contemporary fashion trends while nodding to Lagerfeld’s fearless approach to design. To accessorize, Gigi draped multiple strands of lustrous pearls around her neck, a direct and unmistakable homage to Karl Lagerfeld’s signature style. Lagerfeld was rarely seen without his iconic pearls, making this an especially thoughtful and reverent detail.
Her long, blonde hair was styled in a sophisticated yet effortlessly cool beach-wavy half-up, half-down look, providing a relaxed counterpoint to the intensity of her outfit. Completing her ensemble were sheer gloves that perfectly matched the delicate tulle of her dress, extending the elegant fabric to her fingertips and creating a cohesive, almost ethereal aesthetic. The entire look, from the fabric choices to the subtle rock-and-roll undertones, perfectly encapsulated the balance of classicism and modernity that defined Lagerfeld’s creative genius, all while remaining distinctly “Gigi.”
Gigi Hadid: The Reigning Met Gala Queen
At just 28 years old, Gigi Hadid has firmly established herself as one of the Met Gala’s most anticipated attendees. Her impeccable record of tackling each year’s complex themes with both creativity and elegance is virtually unmatched. With every appearance, she demonstrates a profound understanding of fashion history, an innate ability to embody diverse aesthetics, and an unwavering commitment to pushing sartorial boundaries. From avant-garde interpretations to classic glamour with a modern twist, Gigi consistently delivers looks that are not only on-theme but also unforgettable, solidifying her status as a true fashion icon and a cherished fixture on the Met Gala’s illustrious red carpet.
A Decade of Dazzle: Gigi Hadid’s Iconic Met Gala Looks Through the Years
Gigi Hadid’s journey through the Met Gala archives is a testament to her versatility and her growth as a style maven. Each year, she has approached the evening’s theme with a fresh perspective, collaborating with top designers to produce some of the most memorable ensembles in the event’s history. Her ability to transform, adapt, and consistently captivate audiences underscores why she is often hailed as a Met Gala queen.
2015: “China: Through the Looking Glass” in DVF
Gigi’s Met Gala debut in 2015 for the “China: Through the Looking Glass” theme set an incredibly high bar. She graced the red carpet in a breathtaking red gown by Diane von Fürstenberg (DVF). The vibrant scarlet hue, deeply symbolic in Chinese culture, perfectly complemented the theme. The dress featured a striking silhouette, with a plunging neckline and a thigh-high slit, radiating confidence and allure. Its luxurious fabric and flowing train created a dramatic yet elegant entrance, signaling the arrival of a major new player on the fashion scene. She kept accessories minimal, allowing the bold color and sophisticated cut of the dress to speak volumes, making a strong first impression that would resonate for years to come.
2016: “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology” in Tommy Hilfiger
A year later, for “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology,” Gigi showcased her chameleon-like ability to adapt. She switched gears entirely, opting for a futuristic and edgy space-age dress by Tommy Hilfiger. This innovative gown featured a structured, sequin silver bodice that shimmered with metallic precision, embodying the technological aspect of the theme. The bodice seamlessly transitioned into a sheer, flowing skirt, creating a compelling contrast between hard and soft, machine and hand. Her hair was pulled back into a sleek, sophisticated bun, and her makeup was kept clean and sharp, emphasizing the modern, almost ethereal quality of the look. The choice of Tommy Hilfiger also highlighted her strong brand partnership and ability to collaborate effectively to bring complex themes to life.
2017: “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between” in Tommy Hilfiger
In 2017, Gigi reunited with Tommy Hilfiger, but this time, her look for “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between” was a grander, more theatrical risk. Paying homage to Kawakubo’s subversive artistry, Gigi’s champagne-hued gown was a masterclass in unconventional elegance. It featured an asymmetrical tulle train that billowed dramatically, contrasting with an off-the-shoulder sleeve that added an unexpected structural element. The gown played with volume and deconstruction, key tenets of Comme des Garçons’ aesthetic. She styled her hair in a chic bun adorned with a long, sweeping bang that framed her face, adding an artistic touch to her overall presentation. This look was widely praised as one of the best of the year, demonstrating her fearless approach to high fashion and her dedication to honoring the theme’s complex nuances.
2018: “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” in Versace
For the highly anticipated 2018 Met Gala, themed “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” Gigi Hadid delivered a truly divine performance. She shimmered on the museum steps in a breathtaking custom Versace gown that was nothing short of a masterpiece. The dress was reminiscent of a stained glass window found in a grand cathedral, with intricate, jewel-toned embroidery and glittering sequins forming religious motifs and celestial patterns. The rich blues, reds, and golds against a sheer nude base created an ethereal illusion, making her appear like a walking work of sacred art. The form-fitting silhouette gracefully flowed into a dramatic train, enhancing its angelic quality. Her long hair was styled in soft waves, and her makeup was radiant, completing a look that perfectly captured the solemn grandeur and opulent beauty of the exhibition’s theme.
2019: “Camp: Notes on Fashion” in Michael Kors Collection
Gigi absolutely crushed the “Camp: Notes on Fashion” theme in 2019, showcasing her ability to embrace theatricality and exaggerated style with sophisticated flair. She arrived in a dazzling Michael Kors Collection ensemble that was both whimsical and utterly unforgettable. Her silvery jumpsuit shimmered under the lights, forming the base of a truly extravagant look. It was complemented by a matching cape that cascaded dramatically, creating an aura of Old Hollywood glamour mixed with a futuristic sensibility. Her accessories were equally bold: matching boots and an elaborate, feathered headpiece completed the over-the-top, playful aesthetic that “camp” demands. Her bleached eyebrows and exaggerated eyelashes added to the surreal, almost alien-like quality of the ensemble, making it one of the most talked-about looks of the night.
2021: “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” in Prada
After a pandemic-induced hiatus, the Met Gala returned in 2021 with the theme “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” Gigi Hadid made a striking comeback in a stunning strapless Prada gown. The elegant, column-like dress exuded a timeless sophistication, its clean lines and rich fabric speaking to the enduring spirit of American fashion. She paired the gown with sleek, elbow-length black gloves, adding a touch of classic Hollywood glamour that evoked icons like Audrey Hepburn. However, the most transformative element of her look was her dramatic hair change: she dyed her hair a fiery red for the occasion. This bold new hue, combined with the elegant gown, created a captivating visual that many likened to a modern interpretation of Jessica Rabbit mixed with the refined elegance of a golden age film star, proving her willingness to embrace transformation for the art of fashion.
2022: “In America: An Anthology of Fashion – Part Two” (Gilded Glamour) in Versace
Finally, for the 2022 Met Gala, which continued the “In America” theme with a focus on “An Anthology of Fashion – Part Two,” embracing the “Gilded Glamour” dress code, Gigi rocked a truly bold Versace piece that redefined elegance. The mother-of-one arrived in a massive, voluminous silk burgundy puffer coat, a surprising and avant-garde choice that instantly made a statement. Beneath the dramatic outerwear, she revealed a boned corset layered over a skin-tight latex jumpsuit, a daring combination of textures and forms that perfectly encapsulated the opulent yet often exaggerated style of the Gilded Age with a contemporary twist. She completed this powerful look with a pair of striking knee-high leather boots, rich matching jewels, a spiky, architectural bun, and a vampy, deep red lip. As always, Gigi Hadid delivered a look that was not only perfectly on-theme but also pushed the boundaries of red-carpet fashion, solidifying her reputation for consistently outstanding Met Gala appearances.