Behold: The 20 Best Met Gala Looks of All Time

Nicole Briese
May 01, 2017

It’s finally here — the biggest fashion event of the year! We can hardly contain our excitement for tonight’s Met Gala red carpet, which has historically sparked some of the best — and wildest — moments in sartorial history. With a theme of Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons (the same genius behind Katy Perry’s recent insane Vogue cover spread looks), this year promises to be no exception. In the meantime, however, here’s a look back at 20 of *the * best Met Gala gowns of all time. Read on to see who made the cut.

20. Bee Shaffer, 2015: As the daughter of Anna Wintour, who just so happens to be the event’s longtime chair, overseeing its benefit committee and choosing its guest list, it’s really no surprise that Shaffer would wind up on our list. She continually takes our breath away year after year, but it was the floral print, kimono-esque Alexander McQueen gown (complete with feathered bird train) she wore for the Gala’s 2015 China: Through the Looking Glass theme that had us swooning hardest. (Photo via Larry Busacca/Getty)

19. Caroline Trentini, 2015: Brazilian supermodel Caroline Trentini ditched predictable reds, golds, and greens for the China-themed red carpet in favor of black, but her look was far from basic: We’re pretty much mesmerized by the intricate geometric pattern etched into this Atelier Versace masterpiece. (Photo via Larry Busacca/Getty)

18. Blake Lively, 2013: Of all of Blake Lively’s memorable Met Gala looks (and there’s been quite a few, including last year’s baby pink Burberry knockout), our favorite had to be the sleek strapless Gucci piece she rocked back in 2013, Punk: Chaos to Couture theme be darned. (Photo via Jamie McCarthy/Getty)

17. Lucy Liu, 2007: With a train that was practically made to be photographed, Lucy Liu’s mind-blowing Zac Posen head-turner left onlookers hard-pressed to find a bad angle. And Liu knew just how to work it to her advantage, pointedly choosing her poses for maximum “wow.” (Photo via Evan Agostini/Getty)

16. Jennifer Lopez, 2010: Usually clad in plunging, curve-hugging pieces that call mucho attention to her gorgeouscurves (see her latest naked look here), the soft, uber-feminine Zuhair Murad gown J. Lo donned to 2010’s American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity gala was a lovely change of pace. (Photo via Stephen Lovekin/Getty)

15. Poppy Delevingne, 2015: Two years after its debut, we’re still reeling over the incredible deep red flower-neck creation Marchesa drummed up for Cara Delevingne’s big sis: positively unreal. (Photo via Andrew H. Walker/Getty)

14. Sarah Jessica Parker, 2014: With its sweeping lattice-stiched train and its stark black and white contrasting, the only word for SJP’s Oscar de la Renta get-up was grandiose. Everything about this look was brimming with elegance, right down to her ‘60s style white rabbit gloves. (Photo via Neilson Barnard/Getty)

13. Lydia Hearst, 2006: The publishing heiress looked lovely and unique for 2006’s AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion theme in her black and white Dolce and Gabbana frock, with an eye-catching pop of color in the form of a bright red flower belt accent. (Photo via Evan Agostini/Getty)

12. Zoe Saldana, 2016: Further proving that a breathtaking train trumps, well, everything, Guardians of the Galaxy star Zoe Saldana peacocked her way up the iconic carpeted Metropolitan Museum of Art stairs in a colorfully feathered Dolce and Gabbana stunner.

11. Mary Kate Olsen, 2007: In a sea of bold color, Mary Kate stood out from the crowd in her moody black feathered Lily et Cie by Rita Watnik design: not that we’d expect anything less from MK, the queen of goth chic! (Photo via Evan Agostini/Getty)

10. Karolína Kurková, 2016: Claire Danes’ now-infamous Zac Posen ball gown wasn’t the only light-up creation on last year’s red carpet: Model Karolína Kurková turned to Marchesa once more to help her outfit her show-stopping dress with IBM computer-based wiring which actually changed color based on fan’s social media reactions to it. Designed by Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, the dress reportedly took hundreds of hours to make. We think it was definitely time well spent — the end result was sheer perfection.

9. Suki Waterhouse, 2014: Fashionista Suki Waterhouse’s first trip down the Met Gala carpet was the equivalent of a sartorial home run. Swathed in a tiered Burberry number that boasted pastel-rainbow tulle, Waterhouse held her own against fellow fashion heavyweights such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Karolina Kurkova. (Photo via Larry Busacca/Getty)

8. Ashley Olsen, 2011: If 2007 was Mary Kate Olsen’s chance to shine, 2011 was twin sister Ashley’s. When better to experiment with a bold look than at an event that has long been hailed as the Oscars of fashion? Ashley Olsen did just that at the 2011 Costume Institute Gala in a simple black Christian Dior floor-length gown with billowing cinched off-the-shoulder sleeves. With a thigh slit cut-to-there to boot, Olsen was nothing if not a head-turner. (Photo via Stephen Lovekin/Getty)

7. Kate Hudson, 2015: Hudson didn’t need a frilly ballgown to make jaws drop back in 2015, opting for a sleek gold Michael Kors column gown with a fishtail train instead. She added a topknot and some sparkle in the form of some Lorraine Schwartz jewels to for a look that was far more extra than almost famous — wowza! (Photo via Larry Busacca/Getty)

6. Claire Danes, 2016: Claire Danes undoubtedly OWNED last year’s red carpet. Not only did her powder blue Zac Posen get-up make her the belle of the ball with immediate comparisons to Cinderella, it was outfitted with a delightfully unexpected surprise: It glowed in the dark! Reportedly running off of battery packs that were charged prior to the event, it was the perfect tie-in to the night’s big Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology premise. (Photo via Mike Coppola/Getty)

5. Karolína Kurková, 2014: Making our list for a second time is model Karolína Kurková, who truly wowed in a Marchesa number that looked to be more like a work of art than an actual dress. A nod to the signature structural, full-skirt designs of the night’s honoree, fashion designer Charles James, Kurkova nailed it. (Photo via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty)

4. Tabitha Simmons, 2014: Former model and fashion designer Tabitha Simmons literally made our hearts skip a beat in the dreamy Dolce and Gabbana creation she wore for 2014’s Charles James: Beyond Fashion-themed evening. Featuring florals adorned atop layers of blush-hued tulle and a single shoulder neckline, Simmons was a vision. (Photo via Larry Busacca/Getty)

3. Karen Elson, 2015: Riri may have taken home top fashion honors for 2015’s China Through the Looking Glass thanks to her insanely long train, but model Karen Elson certainly gave her a run for her money. The flame-haired beauty ruled the carpet on high like a queen in a Dolce and Gabbana piece that was half tulle, half embellished gold, gold bangles, and of course, her royal crown. (Photo via Larry Busacca/Getty)

2. Liu Wen, 2014: Fashion model Liu Wen shut the carpet down back in 2014 in one of the most stunning gowns we’ve ever laid eyes on. From its seafoam green hue to its jaw-dropping hoop skirt and structural top(a fitting homage to the honored designer of the evening, Charles James), designer Zac Posen really outdid himself with this one. We’re speechless. (Photo via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty)

1. Rihanna, 2015: And the top Met Gala look of all time? Rihanna, of course. The fearless icon showed up in a gown so epic, it required not one, not two, but three assistants to help carry its massive, massive train, and it’s no wonder — it reportedly weighed 55 pounds! Designed and handmade by Chinese clothier Guo Pei, who labored over the masterpiece for 20 long months. Hats off to Rihanna and Pei both for making one for the fashion history books. (Photo via Mike Coppola)

What’s your favorite Met Gala look of all time? Tell us over @BritandCo.

(Photo via Larry Busacca/Getty)

Hold Up, Did Rebecca Yarros' First 'Onxy Storm' Excerpt Just Tease Violet Sorrengail's True Identity?

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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WHICH Movie Had Kate Winslet "Sh—ing" Herself?!

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

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Here's A New Look At Florence Pugh's Return As Yelena Belova

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.

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