As the Met Gala approaches its 80th anniversary, the world's most famous fashion fundraiser, first held in 1948, returns with a fittingly reflective theme: Fashion as Art. Over nearly eight decades, the gala has evolved from a society dinner into one of the world's biggest cultural events where fashion pushes boundaries to their limits. While many attendees aim for elegance or homage, some looks go further, sparking outrage, debate, and even global controversy. From political slogans to boundary-pushing silhouettes, these are nine of the most scandalous Met Gala looks in history.
1. Princess Diana 1996
When Princess Diana attended the Met Gala in 1996, she did so on her own terms, widely interpreted as a declaration of independence following her split from Prince Charles. Wearing a navy silk slip dress by John Galliano for Dior, the newly divorced princess stepped firmly outside the confines of royal dress codes. The lingerie-inspired silhouette, reportedly altered to be more revealing, was paired with her now-iconic sapphire and pearl choker, the same one Diana paired with her infamous 1994 'revenge dress'. At the time, its understated sensuality shocked traditionalists, but in retrospect, it marked a turning point in how Diana used fashion to shape her own narrative.
2. Rihanna 2015
Rihanna has become one of the Met Gala's most iconic celebrities, but her 2015 appearance remains one of the most talked-about. Wearing an imperial yellow couture gown by Chinese designer Guo Pei, the singer honoured the 'China: Through the Looking Glass' theme with a sweeping, fur-trimmed train that required several assistants. While fashion insiders praised the hand-embroidered craftsmanship, which took over two years, the internet had other ideas, quickly turning the look into viral memes likening it to an omelette or pizza. The backlash highlighted the tension between high fashion and mass perception, ultimately reinforcing Rihanna's ability to command both.
3. Rihanna 2018
Returning for the 'Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination' exhibition three years later, Rihanna embraced the theme very on the nose. Her Maison Margiela look, designed by John Galliano, featured a jewel-encrusted mini dress, matching coat, and a papal mitre. The ensemble was widely praised for its commitment to the brief, but it also drew criticism from some who viewed the religious references as inappropriate and, by some, as blasphemous.
4. Katy Perry 2019
For the 2019 'Camp: Notes on Fashion' theme, singer Katy Perry leaned fully into theatrical excess. Designed by Moschino's Jeremy Scott, her chandelier dress featured working lights and required careful navigation of the carpet. Later, she swapped the elaborate look for a cheeseburger costume at the after-party, an outfit that divided opinion between those who embraced the humour and those who felt it veered into gimmick.
5. Jared Leto 2019
That same year, Jared Leto arrived in a red Gucci ensemble designed by Alessandro Michele, complete with a lifelike replica of his own head. The accessory quickly became one of the night's most surreal talking points, with guests reportedly posing with it throughout the evening. While undeniably absurd, it also raised questions about the boundaries of fashion versus performance art.
6. Cardi B 2019
Cardi B made a dramatic entrance in a custom Thom Browne gown that epitomised excess for the 2019 Met Gala themed 'Camp: Notes on Fashion'. The deep red dress featured a quilted bodice complete with 44 carats of rubies and an enormous circular train extending several metres, reportedly requiring multiple attendants to manage. While widely admired for the sheer scale of the look, the gown sparked debate about practicality and the perception of excess for ostentation's sake, even by Met Gala standards.
7. Kim Kardashian 2021
In 2021, Kim Kardashian made headlines by covering her entire body, including her face, in a black Balenciaga ensemble designed by the label's creative director Demna. The look, reportedly influenced by her then-husband Kanye West, was intended to shift focus from the wearer to the silhouette. Critics, however, questioned whether removing identity altogether undermined the purpose of celebrity fashion. The polarising response ensured its place in Met Gala history.
8. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 2021
U.S. politician and activist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also known as AOC, made one of the evening's most overtly political statements in a white gown by Aurora James, emblazoned with the words 'Tax the Rich' in red lettering. Supporters praised the boldness of bringing a progressive message into an elite setting, while critics accused her of hypocrisy for attending the event at all. The look demonstrated the Met Gala's growing role as a platform not just for fashion, but for ideology.
9. Kim Kardashian 2022
While you may have thought Rihanna to be the only celebrity to make the list twice, publicity-guru Kim Kardashian sparked debate for the second time when she wore Marilyn Monroe's original 1962 'Happy Birthday Mr President' dress to the 2022 Met Gala. This instant headline-making choice drew backlash from conservation experts and historians, some of whom claimed the garment was damaged after being worn. Though intended as a tribute to the late Marilyn Monroe, critics argued that such a fragile and culturally significant piece should never have left archival preservation. While reports of damage remain contested, the moment reignited an ongoing debate around fashion history, conservation, and the cost of publicity.
