The Met Gala is like the Oscars of the fashion world. (Do we dare say it’s even more glamorous?) Every A-list star and model will grace the red carpet on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City in exquisite designer duds we could only dream of wearing. This year’s theme and exhibition will be Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination, hosted by Rihanna, Amal Clooney and Donatella Versace, which will explore the influence of religion on fashion. To warm up for the first Monday of May, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the most memorable looks from balls of years past. From Kate Moss’ iconic metallic mini and turban ensemble in 2009 to Rihanna’s unforgettable canary yellow cape dress from 2015, feast your eyes on the seriously stunning lineup from previous Met Galas.
Elle Macpherson, 2005
The Aussie supermodel certainly turned heads in the luminescent chartreuse Calvin Klein bustier dress. She completed the look with her signature tousled waves and lucite slides.
Cameron Diaz, 2007
This tiered magenta Christian Dior number was a memorable one on the actress, thanks to the unexpected Fred Leighton turquoise jewelry—a fantastic styling move RZ is responsible for.
Kate Moss, 2009
The supermodel-slash-style-icon epitomized the gala's "The Model as Muse" theme as she arrived arm in arm with Marc Jacobs, who designed the legendary look.
Jennifer Lopez, 2011
J.Lo was bold and beautiful in a fuchsia Gucci gown accentuated by a statement floral shoulder piece.
Gwyneth Paltrow, 2011
GP dazzled in a gold long-sleeve backless column style by Stella McCartney, finished with a daring slit the Goop founder pulled off with total modern elegance.
Scarlett Johansson, 2012
The blonde beauty stunned in an opulent off-the-shoulder tulle creation from none other than Dolce & Gabbana.
Karolina Kurkova, 2012
Karolina stepped out in head-to-toe sequins in custom Rachel Zoe.
Emma Watson, 2013
The actress and activist proved black isn't boring in a cutout body-wrapping gown from Prabal Gurung.
Rooney Mara, 2013
Fashion darling Rooney Mara rocked the etherial Givenchy Haute Couture creation with an edgy dark lip.
Sienna Miller, 2013
The It Brit slayed the night's punk theme in a sleek white gown topped off with a studded Burberry leather jacket and spiked headpiece.
Sarah Jessica Parker, 2013
SJP takes the Met Gala seriously and we can always expect over-the-top ensembles from the sartorial risk-taker. Take this Giles gown, Philip Treacy mohawk headpiece and velvet over-the-knee boots for instance.
Taylor Swift, 2014
Taylor was truly an American beauty in a romantic pale pink embellished bow number by Oscar de la Renta.
Victoria Beckham, 2014
The stark white structured sheath dress is signature VB.
Rihanna, 2015
Rihanna made quite an entrance in a regal canary yellow cape with a show-stopping train. Props to the musician for wearing Chinese couture by Guo Pei for the "China: Through the Looking Glass" theme.
Beyoncé, 2015
No one can wear the naked dress like Queen B. All eyes were on her in the glitzy custom Givenchy stunner, complete with a sassy ponytail.
Amal Clooney, 2015
A work of art, Amal's red-hot tiered dress is custom Maison Margiela by John Galliano. Notice the intricate paillette-adorned bodice.
Diane Kruger, 2015
Diane can do no wrong even if she's breaking the rules. We love how the actress opted for a glamorous pant ensemble from Chanel Haute Couture.
Kim Kardashian-West, 2015
More is more, according to KKW. The sparkling feather gown by Peter Dundas for Roberto Cavalli is utterly glamorous.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 2015
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Atelier Versace will always be a match made in heaven. The exquisite asymmetric dress with fluid, shapely details fit her like a glove.
Lupita Nyong'o, 2016
A vision in green, Lupita was dripping in seafoam sequins by Calvin Klein.
Kendall Jenner, 2016
The It girl model was striking in a graphic cutout dress by Atelier Versace.
Blake Lively, 2017
Blake glided in a gilded Atelier Versace gown with a surprise blue plummage train that stole the show.
Zendaya, 2017
The star delivered drama and summery vibes in a vibrant tropical-print Dolce & Gabbana gown.
