You’ve already received a crash course on Charles James (the featured designer of this year’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala), and read our predictions for what the stars will be wearing on the red carpet. Now there is just one thing left to do to keep your excitement high for tonight’s star-studded fashion prom: Take a look back at some of the most memorable gowns from Met Gala’s past … from every gorgeous angle, of course. Seriously, you should just watch these gifs all. day. long.
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Whitney Little, Associate Producer: I’ve had a girl crush on Blake Lively for quite some time now — way before she stepped out in this Versace stunner at the 2009 Met Gala. But this was one of those moments that’s stuck out in my mind when people ask why I think she’s so stunning. She was absolutely glowing in this gown, which fit her body perfectly and showed off all of her assets in a sophisticated way. Plus, I love the bold teal color and asymmetrical feel to both the front and the back of the dress. And after looking at these photos, is it any wonder she ended up marrying a former Sexiest Man Alive?
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Brittany Talarico, Associate Style Editor: I didn’t only pick this Cameron Diaz gown moment for the amazing back shot. I also chose it because I think it’s the best Cameron has ever looked on the red carpet. The actress’s crystal embroidered Stella McCartney design not only fit her figure flawlessly, but it also popped perfectly as she walked up the famous Met stairs. She looked like she was floating. Plus, the Fred Leighton diamond-drop earrings and a metallic Stella McCartney clutch made the high-glam look a total homerun.
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Bronwyn Barnes, Senior Style Editor: It’s not enough to wear a jaw-dropping gown to the Met Gala, you have to know how to work it. In 2012, Beyoncé gave a master class on the art becoming the center of attention in this sheer, stretch tulle gown from Givenchy Haute Couture. The gala was already underway when Queen Bey — who had given birth to daughter Blue Ivy less than four months earlier — stepped onto the red carpet just before 9 p.m. With all of the other guests already inside, the lens of every single photographer was trained on her miraculous backside as she ascended the stairs of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, giving us an unobstructed view of a train of ombré ostrich feathers. Later, Vogue‘s Andre Leon Tally revealed that Beyoncé made a last–minute decision to attend after trying on the dress – which took 350 hours to make – just hours before the event. Who but Beyoncé could just throw something on and still be the best dressed woman at the ball?
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Alex Apatoff, Style News Editor: Any skepticism I had about Rachel Zoe’s capabilities as a designer flew out the window when I saw Karolina Kurkova hit the 2012 red carpet in this floor-to-turban sequined stunner. And while the perfectly-fitted gown packed plenty of punch from the front, the moment Kurkova turned to walk up those famous Met stairs, I knew this dress was going to be one for the ages. The daringly low-dipping cutout, the structured waist, the impact of the over-the-shoulder smolder — it was the rare dress that was killer from the front, side and back.
Which Met Gala gown is your favorite from the back? Share your thoughts below!
