We take a look at our favourite Met Gala debuts through the years

The Met Gala as we know it today is one of the biggest events for fashion, celebrities and pop culture alike. The Met Gala has remained a yearly playground for the kind of visionary, no-holds-barred splendour that is typically reserved for photo shoots ever since its first “Fashion Plate”-themed event in 1971. It is therefore understandable why the Metropolitan Museum of Art has also generated iconic moments destined to influence trends and more than a few headlines. The Met Gala red carpet has only gotten better and better over the past ten years. The star-studded affair has inspired guests to enjoy themselves openly on the red carpet, and as the gala has grown, this attitude has only been stronger. The contrast between the 2010 Met Gala and the 2019 camp theme, for example, is stark: What was once a sea of stunning evening gowns has changed into a showcase of unadulterated excess and risk-taking.

The late Karl Lagerfeld was honoured at this year’s Met Gala, which highlighted his unique contributions to fashion while serving as creative director of prominent fashion houses including Chanel, Fendi, Balmain, and more. Michaela Coel, Penélope Cruz, Roger Federer, Dua Lipa, and Anna Wintour served as co-hosts.

Without our celebrity favourites cementing their place in the sartorial mainstream by walking the enormous Met steps in head-to-toe designer fashion, fashion’s greatest night would be incomplete. We are sure to see a slew of celebs making their mark as a fresh crop of stars join the chosen few to access the elite evening. We list down some striking Met Gala debuts over the years:

met gala


Alia Bhatt

Alia Bhatt made her first red carpet appearance at the Met Gala on Monday night. Prabal Gurung created a bridal white gown for Alia, which she posed in front of the cameras while wearing on the famous steps of The Met Museum. Karl Lagerfeld’s legendary and must-see bridal collection at the opulent Chanel fashion company served as inspiration for Alia’s long train, corseted finish, and pure white colour. The final bridal look from the Autumn 1992 Couture collection, was a famous corseted couture ball gown design by Karl Lagerfeld worn by Claudia Schiffer.

met gala


Then Prabal Gurung added 100,000 pearls as a suitable homage to Karl Lagerfeld’s artistry. The stack of rings was the result of close collaboration between Malabar Gold and Diamonds and jewellery designer Alice Cicolini. The knuckle duster has a tassel of pearls and is centred on a large rose cut that is surrounded by tapered, baguette, and round diamonds. The rings on the other hand had stunning uncut diamond antiques. It is a well-known fact that Karl enjoyed anticipating what would come next.  

met gala


The hair was let loose with a straight and wavy dishevelled style to showcase Alia’s face. Celebrity hairstylist Mike Desir developed these delicate hand-strung jasmine buds with pearls and a few spikes to provide just the appropriate mix of danger and sweetness in a bow, just like Indian brides who always wear flowers in their hair. Alia chose pearl-encrusted, hand-embroidered shoes by ASA x Sko to complete her ensemble.

met gala


Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone made her debut at the Met Gala in 2017, around the time she had  dipped her toes in Hollywood with Vin Diesel’s xXx: Return of Xander Cage. For the occasion, Deepika chose an ethereal pearl-white gown that leaned toward the poetic side of the Costume Institute’s 2017 theme – Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between. The dress’ exquisite flower embroidery was its most striking feature. The vibrant and intricate stitching gave the whole appearance a whimsical and elegant touch.

met gala


A striking impression was produced by the combination of vivid red, green, and yellow flowers that were accented by delicate beading and sequins. Deepika finished the look by styling her hair in a sleek, straight style, which put the elaborate features of the dress in the spotlight. Her innate beauty was enhanced by the modest use of makeup, which included a nude lip and delicate eye makeup. She completed the look with spectacular diamond rings and earrings, which gave it a glitzy touch. The outfit Deepika Padukone wore to the 2017 Met Gala was a tasteful synthesis of boldness, grace, and whimsy, solidifying her status as a leading figure in the fashion industry.

met gala

met gala


Priyanka Chopra

In 2017, Priyanka Chopra made her Met Gala debut. The talk of the town was the Bollywood icon, dressed in a custom trench coat outfit by Ralph Lauren. As much of a sensation as her appearance with Nick Jonas definitely made, admirers’ eyes were drawn to the trench coat dress’ huge train. Dramatic metallic earrings were added to the already excellent attire, elevating it. Chopra chose an edgy, chaotic top-knotted bun as a tribute to the concept of balance in order to lessen the dramatic effect of the garment. The Bollywood superstar’s outfit was the picture of sophistication and grace, with minimal but effective makeup and black high-heeled boots.

met gala

met gala

met gala


Jennie Kim

Jennie Kim of Blackpink is without a doubt one of the most talked-about first-time Met Gala attendees. The musician is a welcome addition to the red carpet, which pays tribute to the late fashion designer as one of Karl Lagerfeld’s final hand-selected muses for the house of Chanel. A mini dress—her preferred length—was recreated by the Chanel team based on look 164 from Lagerfeld’s autumn 1990 ready-to-wear collection. A matching flower is fastened to her hair, and a modest white camellia with a ribbon tie decorated the satin bustier outfit.

met gala

met gala
Doja Cat

Doja Cat debuted at the Met Gala in 2023, serving Choupette realness. The rapper  walked the Met steps in an Oscar de la Renta white hooded backless gown with a feather train. She completed the look by creating a full prosthetic feline face, staying absolutely true to her brand. Doja Cat made the decision to stay very true to the concept by honouring Karl Lagerfeld’s cat, Choupette. Karl referred to his favourite runway beauties as “Choupettes” since he loved his cat so much.

met gala

As a result, Doja Cat’s decision to celebrate the late designer’s legacy literally fits the theme perfectly.