2017 Met Gala Red Carpet Rewind: Celebrating the Boldest Red Gowns and Avant-Garde Fashion Moments

The Met Gala, often dubbed “fashion’s biggest night out,” is an annual spectacle where celebrity, art, and high fashion converge. Each year, the event sets the stage for breathtaking sartorial statements, unexpected trends, and unforgettable moments. The 2017 Met Gala was no exception, as stars descended upon the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, eager to interpret a challenging yet inspiring theme. While the red carpet showcased a myriad of styles, from elaborate trains to delicate feathers, one trend shone particularly brightly: the timeless elegance and undeniable power of red dresses. From fiery crimson to deep burgundy, celebrities embraced this classic hue, transforming it into a beacon of modern glamour and daring design. This year, the crimson wave was simply irresistible, and we’re still captivated by the sheer variety and audacity of these scarlet ensembles.

The Costume Institute Gala’s theme for 2017 honored the groundbreaking work of Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo, founder of Comme des Garçons, with the exhibition titled “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between.” Kawakubo is renowned for her avant-garde designs that challenge traditional notions of beauty, form, and gender, often pushing boundaries with deconstructed silhouettes, exaggerated volumes, and conceptual artistry. This theme presented a unique challenge for attendees: to embrace an aesthetic that prioritizes intellectual rigor and artistic expression over conventional glamour. Some celebrities dove headfirst into Kawakubo’s world, presenting truly conceptual looks, while others opted for interpretations that blended artistic homage with more mainstream red-carpet appeal. The diverse approaches highlighted the complexity of the theme itself, leading to a truly memorable and diverse fashion landscape.

The Enduring Allure of Red: A Deep Dive into the 2017 Met Gala’s Crimson Tide

Red, a color synonymous with passion, power, and drama, proved to be an incredibly popular choice on the 2017 Met Gala red carpet. Its inherent boldness made it a perfect canvas for designers to showcase intricate details and striking silhouettes. From flowing gowns to structured statements, the variety of red dresses on display was truly a testament to the versatility of this vibrant hue. Let’s explore some of the most captivating red looks that graced the event, each telling its own unique story of style and sophistication.

Rose Byrne’s Daring Ralph Lauren Ensemble

Actress Rose Byrne captivated onlookers in a custom red Ralph Lauren gown that masterfully balanced elegance with an alluring edge. The dress featured a striking plunging neckline and artful cutouts, revealing just the right amount of skin to create a sophisticated yet daring effect. Crafted from a luxurious, flowing fabric, the gown draped beautifully, enhancing Byrne’s statuesque figure. The vibrant red hue underscored the dress’s confident design, making her a standout in a sea of fashion-forward attendees. Her minimalist styling with subtle jewelry allowed the gown to remain the undisputed focal point, embodying a modern take on Hollywood glamour.

Ashley Graham’s Ruffled H&M Statement

Model Ashley Graham made a powerful statement in a custom red H&M gown, proving that high street fashion can stand alongside haute couture on the most prestigious red carpet. Her dress was a marvel of craftsmanship, featuring a dramatic, full red ruffled corset that cinched at the waist before flowing into a voluminous skirt. The abundance of ruffles created an architectural, almost sculptural quality, nodding to Kawakubo’s penchant for exaggerated forms and unconventional silhouettes. The rich, monochromatic red enveloped her, exuding confidence and high fashion. Graham’s choice was a bold and memorable interpretation of both the red dress trend and the challenging theme, demonstrating the power of thoughtful design regardless of its origin.

Rita Ora’s Slinky Marchesa Design

Singer Rita Ora brought an undeniable sensuality to the red carpet in a stunning red Marchesa gown. Her look was characterized by a sexy silk cutout, one-shoulder design that perfectly highlighted her décolletage and sculpted arms. The gown’s sleek silhouette and luxurious silk fabric created a fluid, almost liquid effect as she moved. The strategic cutouts added a contemporary and edgy twist to the traditional red gown, infusing it with modern appeal. Ora’s choice was a brilliant example of how to leverage the classic allure of red while incorporating intricate, fashion-forward details, making her presence truly unforgettable.

Taylor Hill’s Princess-Inspired Carolina Herrera Gown

Model Taylor Hill presented a more romantic interpretation of the red dress trend in an off-the-shoulder princess gown by Carolina Herrera. The dress exuded an ethereal charm, with a voluminous skirt and delicate off-the-shoulder neckline that framed her décolletage beautifully. The rich, scarlet hue gave the classic princess silhouette a contemporary and bold twist, making it appropriate for the Met Gala’s high-fashion stakes. Unlike some of the more avant-garde looks, Hill’s gown celebrated traditional beauty with a vibrant modern update, showcasing how red can be both powerful and enchantingly feminine. Her elegant styling completed a look that was both regal and fresh.

Julianne Moore’s Sleek Calvin Klein by Appointment Gown

Veteran actress Julianne Moore showcased understated elegance in a sophisticated red gown by Calvin Klein by Appointment. Her dress featured a clean, minimalist silhouette that embraced simplicity, allowing the striking color and the flawless tailoring to speak volumes. The deep crimson hue, combined with the gown’s refined lines, created an aura of timeless glamour and quiet confidence. Moore’s look was a masterclass in less-is-more, proving that impactful fashion doesn’t always require elaborate embellishments. The refined simplicity of her gown was a refreshing counterpoint to some of the night’s more extravagant ensembles, emphasizing the inherent power of a perfectly executed red dress.

Brie Larson’s Floral Rodarte Masterpiece

Academy Award winner Brie Larson opted for a romantic and intricate red gown by Rodarte. Her dress was a beautiful blend of delicate textures and bold color, featuring intricate floral embellishments and delicate lace detailing that added a layer of ethereal beauty. The rich red fabric provided a dramatic backdrop for the exquisite craftsmanship, creating a look that was both soft and striking. Larson’s gown was a testament to Rodarte’s signature aesthetic, blending artistic fragility with a strong visual presence. It demonstrated how red can be interpreted through a lens of intricate design and feminine artistry, creating a deeply captivating red carpet moment.

Beyond the Crimson Carpet: Other Iconic Looks and Theme Interpretations

While red dresses dominated a significant portion of the 2017 Met Gala red carpet, the event was also a stage for a wide array of other memorable looks, many of which paid direct homage to the challenging “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between” theme. These ensembles pushed boundaries, sparked conversations, and solidified the Met Gala’s reputation as the ultimate fashion laboratory.

Emma Roberts’ Old-Hollywood Glamour with a Twist

Emma Roberts, at 26, exuded an undeniable old-Hollywood glamour, yet with a modern and playful twist that made her look truly unique. She graced the carpet in a skin-tight satin Diane von Furstenberg gown, featuring a classic corset bodice that sculpted her silhouette. The gown’s rich, dark red hue was luxurious, but what truly elevated her ensemble was the unexpected splash of color: a vibrant hot pink fur boa. This bold accessory not only added a playful, rebellious spirit to her elegant look but also subtly hinted at the avant-garde spirit of Kawakubo’s work, which often blends disparate elements. Roberts demonstrated how a classic aesthetic could be infused with daring, contemporary details, creating a truly memorable and sophisticated appearance.

Katy Perry’s Avant-Garde Maison Margiela by John Galliano

As one of the evening’s hosts, Katy Perry was expected to deliver a show-stopping look, and she certainly did not disappoint. She wore a full Maison Margiela ‘Artisanal’ look custom-designed for her by the legendary John Galliano. Her ensemble was a maximalist masterpiece, featuring layers upon layers of crimson tulle, elaborate ruffles, and a dramatic veil that almost entirely obscured her face. The look was undeniably bizarre and abstract, perfectly encapsulating the “Art of the In-Between” theme by blurring the lines between fashion, performance art, and disguise. It was a true representation of Kawakubo’s ethos of deconstruction and challenging conventional beauty standards. While some found it overwhelming, it was a bold, artistic statement that proved Perry’s willingness to embrace true avant-garde fashion, making it one of the most talked-about looks of the night.

Rihanna’s Unforgettable Comme des Garçons Homage

No discussion of the 2017 Met Gala would be complete without acknowledging Rihanna’s iconic ensemble, which many hailed as the most accurate and spectacular interpretation of the theme. Dressed in an actual Comme des Garçons runway look from the brand’s Fall 2016 collection, Rihanna was a living sculpture. Her dress was a magnificent explosion of three-dimensional floral shapes crafted from layers of fabric petals, enveloping her in a truly avant-garde silhouette. The vibrant, almost painterly use of color and exaggerated form made her a walking piece of art, perfectly embodying Kawakubo’s conceptual approach to fashion. Rihanna’s daring choice showcased her unparalleled ability to master challenging themes, solidifying her status as a true fashion icon and setting the bar for future Met Gala attendees.

Concluding Thoughts: A Night of Bold Statements and Enduring Trends

The 2017 Met Gala was a vibrant tapestry of fashion, showcasing both timeless glamour and daring avant-garde artistry. The “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between” theme prompted celebrities and designers to push creative boundaries, resulting in a red carpet filled with innovative and thought-provoking ensembles. While many embraced the theme’s experimental spirit, the enduring appeal of the red dress trend proved that classic elegance, when executed with panache, can always stand out. From elegant ballgowns to daring cutouts, the red gowns demonstrated the versatility and power of this iconic color, making it a truly unforgettable night for fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

With so many stunning red looks, it’s truly challenging to pick a favorite. Who do you think rocked the red dress trend best at the 2017 Met Gala? VOTE and let us know your pick!