The Most Divisive Met Gala Outfits in History
Often referred to as the biggest night in fashion, the Met Gala’s guests are in a prime position to make a statement with their looks. Purposefully or not, celebrities have a history of ruffling feathers at the annual fundraising event (looking at you, Kim Kardashian).
Controversy often stems from the gala’s theme, which not only informs the evening’s dress code but corresponds with an exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute.
Whether using the red carpet to take a political stance or simply ignoring the theme altogether, there are no shortage of controversial moments in Met Gala history.
Here are some of the buzziest, most talked about looks over the years.
Kim Kardashian’s Marilyn Monroe Dress in 2022
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Always one to stir things up on the Met Gala carpet, Kim Kardashian broke the internet yet again in 2022 by arriving in a gown originally that belonged to Marilyn Monroe. The iconic movie star famously wore the glittering ivory dress when she sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy in 1962.
Kardashian borrowed the gown from Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, which purchased the dress from Julien’s Auction in November 2016 for a whopping $4.81 million.
The reality star revealed that she had to lose 16 pounds to fit into the dress, as she wasn’t permitted to alter it.
“I tried it on and it didn’t fit me. I said, ‘Give me three weeks.’ I had to lose 16 pounds down today,” Kardashian told Vogue correspondent La La Anthony on the red carpet.
“It was such a challenge. It was like a [movie] role. I was determined to fit [into] it. I haven’t had carbs or sugar in about three weeks. We’re having pizza and donut party back at the hotel [after the Met Gala],” she added.
Critics called out Kardashian not only for her extreme weight loss measures but for her choice to wear such a historic dress.
Cara Delevingne’s “Peg the Patriarchy” Breast Plate in 2021
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At the 2021 Met Gala, the model made a statement in Dior Haute Couture white trousers and a matching breastplate reading, “Peg the patriarchy.” The bold phrase caused an uproar among fans; while some praised Delevingne for her bravado, others criticized her for being crass.
The ensemble also caught the attention of Canada-based sex educator Luna Matatas, who said she coined and trademarked the term “peg the patriarchy” in 2015.
“This happens to small artists all the time,” Matatas said via Instagram at the time, per Refinery29. “So much so that I have an assistant whose job includes finding and tracing people printing and selling Peg the Patriarchy. Remember that as a fat, queer, POC I am working twice as hard just to do what I’m already amazing at. From censorship to patriarchy to racism, all biz barriers specific to my social location.”
Rihanna’s Papal Headpiece in 2018
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For the 2018 theme of “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” Rihanna wore a papal mitre (a ceremonial head-dress of bishops) and an opulent strapless mini dress with a matching collared robe by Maison Margiela Artisanal.
While the singer’s look adhered to the theme, some critics suggested it was disrespectful to the Catholic religion.
“My religion is not your costume,” one user shared on social media, per The Independent.
Kim Kardashian’s Face-Covering Balenciaga Look in 2021
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Kardashian subverted expectations at the 2021 Met Gala by arriving in a face-covering body stocking by Balenciaga.
The custom ensemble featured a long-sleeve turtleneck bodysuit worn under an oversized T-shirt dress with a long pleated train. She completed the look with jersey boots, jersey gloves, and a mask that covered her face and head.
While some turned their noses up at the unexpected look, it highlighted Kardashian’s undeniable influence.
“This look on Kim is like a new subculture and fashion statement,” a source told PEOPLE at the time. “No logo, no face, but everyone knows it’s her.”
Princess Diana in a Dior Slip Dress in 1996
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Princess Diana was revered for going against the grain, and her style was no exception.
At the 1996 Met Gala, she appeared in a navy silk slip dress with black lace detailing from John Galliano’s debut couture collection as the Creative Director of Dior.
She accessorized with a matching silk robe-like topper and her signature pearl-and-sapphire choker necklace.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s “Tax the Rich” Dress in 2021
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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Met Gala debut was nothing short of bold.
At the 2021 event, the Democratic congresswoman wore a white Brother Vellies gown with the political slogan “Tax the Rich” splashed across the back in red lettering. She accessorized with a pair of red shoes and a bag also bearing the phrase.
“It’s really about having a real conversation,” Ocasio-Cortez told reporters about the inspiration behind the statement. “It’s about fairness and equity in our system, and I think that this conversation is particularly relevant.”
Billie Eilish Debuting a New Look in 2021
Billie Eilish’s first Met Gala was certainly a memorable one. At 19, the singer-songwriter had become known for her baggy, oversized style, so it was a massive surprise to fans when she showed up in a peach-colored tulle ball gown by Oscar de la Renta.
She embraced Old Hollywood glamour with a blonde bob and soft smokey makeup look.
“It just was time,” Eilish told Keke Palmer on the red carpet about her fashion change-up. “It was time for this, and I feel like I’ve grown so much in the last few years.”