While the extravagant gowns and thematic ensembles often take center stage at the annual Met Gala, the beauty looks showcased on the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art are equally captivating and contribute significantly to the overall impact of each appearance. Over the years, certain beauty moments have transcended trends, becoming unforgettable highlights in Met Gala history due to their innovation, boldness, and sheer memorability.
One such iconic look belongs to Naomi Campbell at the 1995 gala. Her embrace of quintessential 90s glamour featured chunky blonde highlights framing her face, a perfectly glossy, overlined lip, and a strategically brightened under-eye, epitomizing the era’s sophisticated edge. Similarly, Cher’s 1985 appearance showcased her timeless beauty, characterized by sharply carved cheekbones and a hazy wash of lavender eyeshadow that harmonized flawlessly with her dazzling Bob Mackie creation.
Entering the new millennium, Kate Moss at the 2009 “Model as Muse” gala provided a masterclass in rock-and-roll glamour. Her striking silver turban was complemented by a matching silvery smoky eye, creating a bold and unforgettable combination. In 2018, Rihanna, for the “Heavenly Bodies” theme, delivered a subversive yet undeniably cool look by pairing smoky, sultry eyes with a bold ombré lip, proving that thematic beauty can be both respectful and rebellious.
The 2019 “Camp: Notes on Fashion” theme spawned a wave of theatrical beauty. Lady Gaga embraced the extreme with tiny, playful hair bows, exaggerated gold lashes, a vibrant pink lip, and whimsical white eyeliner in her inner corners. In contrast, Lily Collins presented a strikingly different yet equally impactful look, juxtaposing a strong lilac smoky eye with heavy black liner and voluminous lashes against a deliberately bare lip, finished with delicate flowers woven into her hair.
More recently, the 2024 Met Gala featured Zendaya delivering a masterclass in vampy grunge. Her deep wine-hued smoky eye, perfectly complemented by a matching lip, exuded sophistication and was enhanced by impeccably sculpted brows. At the 2021 gala, Billie Eilish channeled old Hollywood glamour with a voluminous, blown-out bob, sharply defined winged eyeliner, and a sophisticated nude lip.
Looking back, Lupita Nyong’o’s 2016 appearance was a powerful statement, showcasing a gravity-defying updo inspired by the iconic Nina Simone. This was paired with bold makeup, emphasizing the power of hair as an artistic expression. Lastly, Gigi Hadid’s 2021 appearance marked her debut as a redhead, made even more striking with a sleek high ponytail adorned with a dazzling sparkly Prada clip, perfectly offset by a wash of cool blue eyeshadow.
