A Journey Through the Beauty Evolution of the Met Gala
Over the years, the Met Gala has evolved into a platform for not only showcasing exquisite fashion but also for pushing the boundaries of beauty. Celebrities have embraced the opportunity to experiment with their looks, resulting in iconic transformations that have left an indelible mark on the red carpet.
From Bianca Jagger’s vintage-inspired curls in 1981 to Gisele Bündchen’s sun-kissed glow in 1999, the Met Gala has seen a diverse range of beauty trends. Cher’s bedazzled unitard and lavender smoky eye in 1985 epitomized the glamour of the era, while Christy Turlington’s modern-day Marie Antoinette look in 1992 exuded timeless elegance.
The early 2000s witnessed a shift towards more ethereal and goddess-like aesthetics. Eve’s chiffon gown and piecey tendrils in 2003 and Lucy Liu’s golden crown and regal makeup in 2007 captured the essence of ancient mythology.
The last decade has been characterized by increasingly bold and experimental beauty statements. Florence Welch’s fringe-tastic crown braid in 2012, Beyoncé’s studded face veil in 2014, and Rihanna’s gilded headdress and horizontal brows in 2015 pushed the boundaries of conventional beauty.
Bella Hadid’s ethereal glow and golden-pink lip in 2018, Tessa Thompson’s sculptural cowboy hat and crimson smoky eye in 2021, and Yara Shahidi’s Josephine Baker-inspired kiss curls in 2021 further demonstrated the limitless creativity of Met Gala beauty.
As the Met Gala continues to be a celebration of artistic expression, the beauty looks that emerge from its red carpet are sure to continue to inspire and captivate audiences for years to come.