Charles Esther
Kim Kardashian has become a mainstay at the Met Gala, turning heads with every red carpet appearance.
From floral controversy to jaw-dropping couture, her Met Gala evolution tells a story of bold choices, reinvention, and cultural impact.
The Rise of a Fashion Icon
Kim first attended the Met Gala in 2013 while pregnant with her first child.
Her debut look—a long-sleeved, high-neck floral gown by Riccardo Tisci—received intense backlash online, with many comparing it to a couch.
Though the public ridiculed the look at the time, it has since become one of the most memorable in Met Gala history.
Finding Her Fashion Footing
In 2014, Kim played it safe in a custom blue Lanvin gown by Alber Elbaz.
While pretty, the satin dress didn’t make much of a statement compared to her peers.
Interestingly, the original design was meant to be leather with metallic elements, but was changed last-minute.
Kim admitted to removing leather cuffs and a chunky belt before hitting the red carpet, not wanting to look “too rock ’n’ roll.”
Her 2015 look was more daring—a crystal-embellished Roberto Cavalli gown with feather detailing that nodded to Cher.
Although Rihanna’s dramatic Guo Pei gown stole the night, Kim’s outfit showed she was beginning to understand the Met Gala’s drama.
Experimenting With Simplicity and Elegance
Kim shocked fans with her understated white Vivienne Westwood dress in 2017.
Attending solo for the first time, she wore minimal makeup and no jewelry—a stark contrast to the avant-garde theme.
This choice came shortly after her traumatic robbery in Paris, signaling a stripped-down, more vulnerable side of the star.
In 2018, she turned up the glamour in a custom gold chain-mail Versace dress.
While the gown fit perfectly with the “Heavenly Bodies” theme, it didn’t quite outshine other dramatic looks that year.
Tech, Pearls, and Unforgettable Silhouettes
The 2016 “Manus x Machina” theme inspired her to wear a silver Balmain dress with bleached eyebrows, but the look got overshadowed—especially by Kanye West’s denim outfit.
Then came her unforgettable 2019 Thierry Mugler “wet look” gown.
Kim revealed that she took corset training to squeeze into the latex-like dress and couldn’t even sit down or use the restroom during the event.
The dedication—and the controversy—cemented it as one of her most iconic fashion moments.
At the 2021 Met Gala, Kim arrived completely covered in a black Balenciaga bodysuit with a face mask.
Though her face wasn’t visible, her silhouette alone was enough for people to recognize her.
The look became a viral meme and was praised for its bold commentary on fame and identity.
Pearls and Powerful Statements
In 2023, Kim appeared in a Schiaparelli dress made entirely of pearl strands, layered over nude shapewear.
It referenced both Karl Lagerfeld’s love of pearls and Kim’s 2007 Playboy shoot—showcasing her mastery of mixing fashion with personal narrative.
She also subtly promoted her shapewear brand, Skims, turning the red carpet into a billion-dollar business platform.
2024: A Garden of Time Reawakens
At the 2024 Met Gala themed “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” Kim wore a custom John Galliano dress.
It featured a floral bodice and see-through appliqué skirt that perfectly fit the “Garden of Time” dress code.
However, the gray shrug she added to the look received mixed reviews, as it seemed out of place with the otherwise cohesive ensemble.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the 2025 Met Gala approaches, fans are eager to see what Kim Kardashian will wear next.
With the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” the night promises another opportunity for the star to evolve and surprise.
Whether bold or understated, one thing is certain—Kim Kardashian knows how to make Met Gala history.
