A look at the Met Gala’s most controversial looks

The annual Met Gala event is one of the biggest nights of fashion, where celebrities from musicians to actors dress up in the night’s set theme.

But there have been a few times when either the gala’s theme or outfits have been a source of controversy. 2023′s theme ‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty’ has already met criticism, thanks to Lagerfeld’s controversial comments throughout his life.

And while the Met Gala is known for exploring and pushing the boundaries of fashion, some feel that at times, these boundaries are pushed too far. Here’s a look at some of the Met Gala’s most controversial looks.

2015′s ‘China: Through the Looking Glass’ theme

For the 2015 Met Gala, the theme ‘China: Through the Looking Glass’ was chosen to honor China’s influence on Western fashion trends, and was part of a collaboration between the Met’s Anna Wintour Costume Center and the Department of Asian Art.

But many reacted to the theme with criticism, calling the choice of theme cultural appropriation. In particular, the looks chosen by Sarah Jessica Parker and Lady Gaga met the most criticism, with some finding them bordering on cartoonish portrayals of Asian aesthetics.

Some also denounced the fact that singer Rihanna was one of the few attendees to wear a dress by an Asian designer, wearing an opulent yellow floor-length gown by Guo Pei.

Kim Kardashian’s look for 2022′s ‘In America: An Anthology of Fashion’ theme

Kim Kardashian instantly became the talk of the 2022 Met Gala, but not necessarily for the reasons she may have hoped.

The reality star opted to wear one of the most expensive dresses in existence, Marilyn Monroe’s Bob Mackie-designed dress that she wore in 1962 when she sang ‘happy birthday’ to President J.F. Kennedy.

Many felt that she disrespected the memory of Monroe by wearing the dress, and that she shouldn’t have worn what has essentially become a relic.

Mackie himself decried the decision, saying, “it was done for [Marilyn]. It was designed for her. Nobody else should be seen in that dress.”

2018′s ‘Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination’ theme

The 2018 theme of ‘Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination’ was met with controversy for what some felt was another form of cultural appropriation, this time appropriating Catholic imagery for fashion.

While the Vatican gave the Met their support, even lending papal robes, rings, and tiaras from their collection, others weren’t as supportive.

“The met gala theme is lowkey disrespectful to the catholic religion let’s be real,” one person tweeted on the theme.

“The wearing of crosses/pope garb at the #metgala by people who aren’t Christian/catholic is obviously sacrilegious. Guessing people wearing hijab & caricatures of Muslim clothing wouldn’t go over quite as well,” said another.

Rihanna wore a Margiela-designed bedazzled papal-themed outfit, complete with mitre, while others went heavy with the Catholic imagery, with plenty of crosses and halos making their way through the Met.