The first and latest looks from the undisputed 'Queens of the Met Gala'

With the 2026 Met Gala only one week away, fashion aficionados far and wide are gearing up to assess the event's inevitable hits and misses.

Lauded as the "Superbowl of the fashion world," A-listers' interpretations of the annual theme prove contentious among fans each year – but there remain a consistent few who simply never miss.

In anticipation of this year's Costume Art motif, let's take a look back at some of the events biggest style icons – the so-called 'Queens of the Met' – from their debut looks to their latest. Pull the 'slider' across each photo for the then and now.

Zendaya

Since first gracing the halls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2015, Zendaya and stylist-to-the-stars Law Roach have proved an unstoppable force in fashion. Their collaborations beyond the Met have consistently proven the talk of the town, however when it comes to the titular event, they're a cut above the rest.

"China: Through the Looking Glass" presented an opportunity for sun motifs, with Zendaya wearing a custom red-and-black embellished gown by Italian designer Fausto Puglisi.

In 2025, the Euphoria star honoured the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" theme in a custom three-piece Louis Vuitton zoot suit designed by Pharrell Williams.

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Lady Gaga

Though making her first appearance as early as 2010, Lady Gaga did not deign to ascend the event's red steps until five years later in 2015.

And as it turned out – her grand debut was well and truly worth the wait.

The regal, theatrical look modelled off the theme "China: Through the Looking Glass" was a custom ensemble designed by Alexander Wang for Balenciaga.

Lady Gaga's most recent Met Gala appearance came seven years ago in 2019, where she served as a co-chair for the "Camp: Notes on Fashion" theme.

She staged a memorable 15-minute performance upon arrival, featuring four distinct Brandon Maxwell outfit changes on the red carpet, transitioning from a large pink gown to black lingerie

Fans are anticipating her grand return to the Met on May 4, with reports indicating she may attend to promote her role in The Devil Wears Prada 2.

Rhianna

Rhianna made her Met Gala debut in 2007 at the age of just 19, and has consistently gone above and beyond to hit the brief ever since.

For her inaugural appearance, she wore a free-flowing Georges Chakra ensemble reminiscent of the "Poiret: King of Fashion" theme.

Paul Poiret famously revolutionised fashion in the early 20th-Century by liberating women from the corset, and Rhi Rhi's subtle nod to that period was visible in all its gloved, bejewelled splendour.

The star once again took it up a notch in 2025, giving a masterclass in tailored dressing in a baby bump-hugging look for theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."

Nicole Kidman

Our very own Aussie icon Nicole Kidman made her Met Gala debut in 2003 for the "Goddess: The Classical Mode" theme.

A co-chair of that year's iteration, she wore a custom, one-shouldered nude and gold Gucci gown by Tom Ford, featuring shimmering crystal embellishments and mesh detailing.

For last year's "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," Kidman wore a silky Balenciaga Couture organza gown; featuring a structured, 1950s-inspired bowed waist and layered petticoat detailing.

Blake Lively

Long considered the high queen of the titular event, Blake Lively has delivered some of the most iconic looks to ever grace the Met steps in her time.

Kicking off her journey to fashion icon status in 2008, the star sported a strapless Ralph Lauren number that exploded into a feathered skirt.

The star's most recent Met Gala appearance was in 2022 for "In America: An Anthology of Fashion," prior to her bitter legal feud with It Ends with Us co-star Justin Baldoni.

The star famously pulled out all the stops for a transformative bronze-to-aqua Statue of Liberty-inspired showcase by Atelier Versace.

Due to her ongoing legal case, she is not expected to appear at this year's iteration.

Kim Kardashian

From wearing Marilyn Monroe's iconic "happy birthday Mr. President" gown, to pioneering the wet-look trend, one thing reality star Kim Kardashian will do is influence culture.

At her very first Met Gala in 2013, ("PUNK: Chaos to Couture") she opted for a custom, long-sleeve floral-printed Givenchy gown by Riccardo Tisci, placing particular emphasis on her baby bump.

View gallery

The Met Gala's most memorable looks of all time

In 2025, Kim K presented a much-discussed take on the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" theme, wearing a custom, two-piece black crocodile-embossed leather look designed by Chrome Hearts.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Owing to the "Haute Couture," theme of 1995, Sarah Jessica Parker opted for a fitted velvet black number – which she famously bought from a secondhand store.

Having opted to skip the 2025 event due to prior commitments, her latest appearance was at 2024's "Garden of Time" soiree in an extravagantly trimmed and trapped ensemble by Richard Quinn.

Janelle Monet

Janelle Monae graced the steps for the first time in 2011 for the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" soirée.

At 26 years old, her abstract look was a prelude to what was to come for the star in later years.

She opted for a vibe that would soon become her signature; featuring black-and-white tailored menswear, a ruffled shirt, satin trousers and a top hat.

Her looks have only gotten more experimental as the years have gone on, culminating in a truly show-stopping look in 2025 that proved the talk of the town.

The surrealist Thom Browne ensemble was designed with Paul Tazewell, and was intended as a "time-travelling Dandy" look with particular emphasis on the exquisite detailing of the 19th-century.

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