Met Gala Fashion: Our Favorites

New York City, NY - The first Monday in May marks one of the biggest events on the fashion calendar, the Met Gala, hosted by VOGUE, benefiting the Costume Institute. This year looks a little different as the event has been postponed with a new date TBD. Nevertheless, we're taking this opportunity to celebrate with a look back on our favorite Met Gala looks of yesteryear and the celebs who brought the #ExtraSauce to their looks.

KATHY'S FAVORITES:

1974: Cher in Bob Mackie

No Theme

Cher walked so that Beyonce, Madonna, Kim Kardashian and a long list of other bold face names could run, fly and generally defy gravity in what's become known as the "naked dress." Cher's show stopping gown featured crystals, feathers and the illusion of veiled bare skin and was the first of its kind to strut the red carpet at an event of this cache. Many continue to wear red carpet gowns that take inspiration from this truly trend setting gown created by the master of glitz and glam, the one and only Bob Mackie.

1996: Donatella and Gianni Versace in Versace

Theme: Christian Dior

When I think of Versace, I always remember these elevated bondage inspired looks. I remain obsessed with the leather harness, gold metal accents, and draping of the skirt and how Gianni used the same gold as buttons on his shirt. This would be Gianni's last Met Gala appearance with the following year theme playing homage to Versace and his tremendous contributions to fashion.

1996: Diana, Princess of Wales in Dior

Theme: Christian Dior

Also in 1996, Diana, just months after her divorce from Prince Charles, attended her first and only Met Gala wearing this navy Dior slip dress from John Galliano's first collection for the brand. While this dress may look tame by today's standards, a lingerie inspired dress signaled a new, bold, and confident era for Diana, free from the control of the palace's influence. Her tragic death took her away much too young, but I always wonder how her style would have evolved and what fashion choices she would be making today.

1999: Liv Tyler and Stella McCartney in Filth Mart Vintage

Theme: Rock Style

These best friends brought an expected take on the "Rock Style" theme in these matching, one-shouldered tops, celebrating their status as rock royalty. Not only did they send a rebellious middle finger to the establishment, but also paired their DIY looking tops with pants (pants!!). The result? Two scions of rock stars reminding those giving them the side eye that not conforming is the essence of rock and roll style.

2004: Amber Valletta in Maggie Norris & John Galliano

Theme: Dangerous Liaisons, Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century

There is something about the unwavering commitment to a theme that's exciting to behold. Case and point: this interpretation of Dangerous Liaisons, where supermodel Amber Valletta served up her take on Marie Antoinette. The Norris corset, Galliano skirt, and powdered wig would fit seamlessly into the halls of Versailles and that's exactly the point. #nailedit

GRACE'S FAVORITES:

2004: Scarlett Johanson in Calvin Klien

Theme: Dangerous Liaisons, Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century

While perhaps not one of the most iconic gowns in the history of the Met Gala, this is certainly an iconic look for ScarJo, proving the powerful effects that the fashion moments, risks, successes and flops at this event can have on a starlets career. This look is simple, yet luxe with a hint of femme fatale, dripping with understated glamour in a buttery yellow hue.

2012: Karolina Kurkova in Rachel Zoe

Theme: Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations

Impossible conversation? I'd have a conversation about this look all day long! Many a nude, glittery gown has graced the Met Ball, regardless of that years' theme, but in my book, this one takes the cake. I call this committing to the bedazzled bit. Karolina's statuesque portrayal also marked the debut of Rachel Zoe as a designer at this high profile event.

2016: Kate Hudson in Atelier Versace

Theme: Manus x Machina: Fashion in the Age of Technology

I love everything about this dress. The fact that it's on Kate Hudson, makes it even better. Specifically, I love the interpretation of the theme in a way that didn't sacrifice glamour. The classic mermaid silhouette is toughened up with studs and heavy duty construction, adding an armor like quality to an otherwise ethereal dress.

2016: Claire Danes in Zac Posen

Theme: Manus x Machina: Fashion in the Age of Technology

This. Is. How. You. #MetGala. This gown was stunning BEFORE it lit up. Add the element of fiberoptic surprise and it's a surefire winner. Case closed.

2017: Priyanka Chopra in Ralph Lauren

Theme: Rei Kawakubo/Commes des Garcones: The Art of the In-Between

"Alexa: Play Crazy Train!" I love this look for it's over-exaggeration of an otherwise fairly standard fashion staple, the trench coat. Priyanka Chopra mastered the art of the in between with this look at her Met Gala debut.

2017: Stella Maxwell in H&M

Theme: Rei Kawakubo/Commes des Garcones: The Art of the In-Between

Stella Maxwell has had her fair share of fashionable success at the Met Ball, but this one is my favorite. It's a simple column silhouette that transforms with motion. I love the idea that the model is creating her own gravitational center, keeping passersby at a distance so she can have her fashion moment.

This Dress + Rock and Roll hairdo = Don't Mess with Me

BILLIE'S FAVORITES:

2018: Blake Lively in Versace

Theme: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination

The expression of decadence this dress gives off is inexplicable. The rich red velvet makes the fabric feel sexy, and the gold beadwork adds a quintessential Versace touch. Absolutely outstanding!

2019: Saoirse Ronan in Gucci

Theme: Camp: Notes on Fashion

The dramatic gold structured shoulder pads frame her face beautifully. It's hard not to look at this dress without thinking power and femme fatale.