The Met Gala, aka the first Monday of May, is a coveted day for fashion. Some even call it the ‘Oscars of fashion’.
While part of the fascination for the gala stems from observing celebrities from various fields such as movies, music and high society, come under one roof, the main allure lies in witnessing how guests interpret and adhere to the designated theme for each year.
While most male celebrities play safe with the traditional black tie or white tie dress code, there are some fashion rebels who either disregard the dress code or embrace it so passionately that their Met Gala ensembles defy expectations, and at times, even go above and beyond to make a statement. Hint: Zayn Malik’s first Met Gala.
The 2024 Met Gala, scheduled for 6 May, centred on the theme, ‘The Garden of Time’ and takes inspiration from the 1962 J. G. Ballard short story of the same name, which takes place in a garden overgrown by flowers capable of manipulating time.
In the run-up to the event, we will be taking a look back at some iconic Met Gala men’s outfits from the past, ranging from Jared Leto’s maximalist looks to A$AP Rocky’s signature style moments. Let’s tune into some of the best memorable menswear fashion statements from Met Gala history.
The hottest Met Gala men’s outfits over the years that we loved
Alexander McQueen, 2006
How the iconic designers dressed up for ✨Met Gala✨ thru out the years — a little thread. 🧵
✨Lee Alexander McQueen✨ with Sarah Jessica Parker at ‘AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion’ Met Gala in 2006. 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/w0TV0OZMgH
— La Mode Unknown (@LaModeUnknown) April 12, 2024
The theme: AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion
Late designer Alexander McQueen made his debut at the 2006 Met Gala alongside Sex and The City star Sarah Jessica Parker. With the theme in mind, the pair skillfully incorporated the British plaid pattern into their outfits by experimenting with asymmetrical structures.
Kanye West, 2016
The theme: Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology
Kanye West, aka Ye, is well-known for his fashion sense. At the 2016 Met Gala, he co-ordinated his red carpet look with his then-wife Kim Kardashian in a futuristic metallic jacket and jeans by Balmain. To create that dystopian avatar, the rapper wore coloured contact lenses to blend in with the age of technology theme.
Zayn Malik, 2016
6 years ago in 2016, Zayn Malik attended his first and last Met Gala. pic.twitter.com/cFBYldCqgY
— ZAYN CANADA (@zjmcanada) May 2, 2022
The theme: Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology
Zayn Malik made his first-ever appearance at the Met Gala alongside ex-girlfriend Gigi Hadid, circa 2016. While the singer seemingly played it safe with a three-piece classic Versace tuxedo, he adhered to the theme by adding metallic sleeves to the suit. An instant hit!
Chadwick Boseman, 2018
The theme: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination
Late Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman stole the spotlight at the Met Gala 2018 by sporting an ivory Versace outfit featuring golden and red embellishments, golden shoes and a long cape. Giving a religious touch inspired by the theme, the actor opted for Bulgari rings that matched the rest of his golden accents of the overall look.
Billy Porter, 2019
The theme: Camp: Notes on Fashion
Blurring the gender lines, the actor and singer went for a full-blown maximalist outfit featuring heavy golden and black hues. He stole the red carpet by making a grand entrance in a custom Christian Siriano tuxedo gown, channelling his inner Egyptian pharaoh. Now, that’s Camp!
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Harry Styles and Alessandro Michele, 2019
The theme: Camp: Notes on Fashion
Harry Styles attended the Met Gala 2019 with Gucci’s former creative director Alessandro Michele. The Grammy-winning singer wore a sheer black blouse, showing off his tattoos and paired chunky heeled boots and a pearl earring to complete the look, all from Gucci. While it might seem like a regular-looking outfit, the singer made sure to experiment with three different types of trends, bringing the all-camp effect.
Similarly, Michele amplified the theme with an exciting head-to-toe pink look, featuring ruffles and a stunning silver floral headpiece.
Jared Leto, 2019
Met Gala in a few days
The only question we all have is what @JaredLeto has planned for it 👀 pic.twitter.com/uvU7DntMFQ
— The Ayer Cut (@CutAyer) April 30, 2024
The theme: Camp: Notes on Fashion
Jared Leto knows how to attend the Met Gala, and his past red-carpet looks are massive proof. The actor and singer possess the ability to woo audiences and make a bold fashion statement simultaneously. A prime example of this is his look at the 2019 Met Gala, where he adorned himself in an opulent red Gucci gown embellished with a jewelled bodice.
Additionally, he carried a severed head, leaving us all perplexed. This unforgettable moment, without a doubt, will remain etched in everyone’s memories for a long long time!
Timothee Chalamet, 2021
Still thinking about Timothée Chalamet’s Met Gala outfit by Haider Ackermann. pic.twitter.com/CcHpWvJ6Ph
— Amber Hoffman (@stoic_76) October 9, 2021
The theme: In America: A Lexicon of Fashion
For his very first Met Gala in 2021, Timothee Chalamet sported a nicely fitted double-breasted satin blazer by Haider Ackermann and jewellery by Cartier. The Oscar-nominated actor paid homage to American fashion, which was also the theme of that year, by sporting a pair of white Chuck Taylor All-Star high-tops.
What’s more American than a pair of classic white sneakers? Well, Chalamet is well-versed in his fashion game!
Frank Ocean, 2021
Frank Ocean at the Met Gala (2021) pic.twitter.com/xLYi7oU1Hi
— Frank Ocean Updates (@blahnded) May 1, 2023
The theme: In America: A Lexicon of Fashion
Frank Ocean donned a sleek Prada sports jacket and trousers in black, catching everyone’s attention with his imaginative embellishments at the 2021 Met Gala. Among these eye-catching accessories was a neon green animatronic puppet baby, perfectly complementing his buzz cut. The singer carried the baby puppet on his hip and playfully waved at the audience crowd. Additionally, he also wore a necklace and a cap to match the theme.
Lil Nas X, 2021
Men gotta take more risks on the carpet. Two piece suits in 2021 are boring fellas. Lil Nas X could NEVA. #MetGala pic.twitter.com/LLhsCcaFQe
— Duane Miller (@Cinemaniac94) September 14, 2021
The theme: In America: A Lexicon of Fashion
Lil Nas X arrived at the Met Gala 2021 red carpet in a three-piece Versace look, starting with an embroidered cape, followed by a suit of golden armour and ending up with a gold mesh body suit. Although the look might not exactly fit the theme of American fashion it is one of the best looks to grace the Met Gala in recent years.
Virgil Abloh, 2021
Virgil Abloh outfit at the Met Gala, 2021 pic.twitter.com/PtvK9HbjII
— HARDEST FIT PICS (@HardestFitPics) March 16, 2024
The theme: In America: A Lexicon of Fashion
Late designer Virgil Abloh sported a white suit with the word ‘Modernism’ written across in blue on the blazer jacket. The suit was paired with an asymmetrical white skirt along with a pair of sneakers, statement sunglasses and a cap with rabbit ears.
The Off-White designer’s look for that year’s theme exuded a laidback vibe.
Anderson Paak, 2022
Anderson Paak for the 2022 #MetGala
pic.twitter.com/Gtd6kNlg8G— Rap Alert (@rapalert6) May 2, 2022
The theme: In America: An Anthology of Fashion
Anderson Paak brought florals to Met Gala 2022 with a full Gucci look designed by Alessandro Michele. He sported a light blue shirt paired with a floral patchwork jacket and leather pants. Completing the look, he paired classic round sunglasses and danced his way through the red carpet. Quite a moment!
A$AP Rocky, 2023
The theme: Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty
A$AP Rocky and his fashion have blessed menswear with iconic looks of all time. So for the 2023 Met Gala, the rapper went for a look by Gucci and wore a suit, shirt and tie, instead of wearing trousers, he wore jeans and a skirt over them and teamed them up with multiple Gucci belts. The first half of the look screamed the Lagerfeld effect, an ode to the theme and the second half showed off his dedication to serve statement style.
Pedro Pascal, 2023
The theme: Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty
The Last Of Us star Pedro Pascal grabbed attention at the Met Gala 2023 red carpet in an all-red look by Valentino, comprising of a red shirt, black shorts and a black tie. An oversized red coat along with a pair of black lace-up boots finished his classy look. He finished his ensemble by slicking back his hair, pairing it with black combat boots and calf-high socks. Now, that’s how you pull off red!
Bad Bunny, 2023
The theme: Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty
Bad Bunny made a bold fashion statement at the 2023 Met Gala by opting for a backless ensemble. He confidently showcased an oversized white suit designed by Jacquemus, complemented by pearl stud earrings, a silver chain necklace, and stylish white boots. However, the standout element of his attire was undoubtedly the captivating cape adorned with white roses. This exquisite detail not only elevated his overall look but also paid a fitting tribute to the legendary Karl Lagerfeld.
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(Hero and feature image credit: Instagram/Chadwick Boseman, Billy Porter and Jacquemus)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Who was the best-dressed male celebrity at Met Gala over the years?
Billy Porter, Jared Leto, Marc Jacobs, Lil Nas X and A$AP Rocky are some of the best-dressed male celebrities at the Met Gala over the years.
– Which was the best menswear look from Met Gala 2023?
Bad Bunny, Pedro Pascal and Jared Leto were some of the best-dressed men at the Met Gala 2023.
