The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala (AKA Met Gala) is one of the biggest and most extravagant fashion events of the year. Celebrities and designers get the chance to bring their A-game to the red carpet. Check out some of our favorite looks from the event over the years!

 

Zendaya, 2017

 

 

You truly couldn’t miss Zendaya on the red carpet at the 2017 Met Gala when she arrived in a Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda ball gown covered in a tropical parrot print. We’d never have put parrots and the singer together, but we love every bit of it!

 

Blake Lively, 2017

 

 

Will we ever not be obsessed with Blake Lively? It’s quite doubtful. And when she showed up absolutely killing it in a custom-made Atelier Versace gown to the 2017 gala, you can bet those odds got even slimmer.

 

Rihanna, 2017

 

 

As always, Rihanna made an unmatched entrance as she walked into the 2017 gala donning a Comme de Garcons dress like it was made for her. The fashion icon was one of the few celebrities who wore a dress created by the designer of the evening Rei Kawakubo.

 

Janelle Monae, 2017

 

 

Janelle Monae stunned at the 2017 Met Gala when she walked in wearing a gorgeous Ralph and Russo gown with a boundary-pushing neck adornment fully covered in feathers. The 31-year-old looked heavenly!

 

Laura Osnes, 2017

 

 

Actress Laura Osnes strolled into the 2017 Met Gala wearing an absolutely gorgeous two-piece Christian Siriano gown. From the black, strappy crop top to the full rose-adorned skirt, this look was definitely a favorite!

 

Dakota Johnson, 2017

 

 

Dakota Johnson went ‘fifty shades darker’ in a Gucci dress that exuded romance, ruffles, and plenty of drama!

 

Beyoncé Knowles, 2015

 

 

Queen Bey left little to the imagination in this awe-inspiring, see-through Givenchy at the 2015 Met Gala. We can’t get enough of her or this gown!

 

Claire Danes, 2016

 

 

Not only did Claire Danes light up the red carpet in her magnificent Zac Posen dress at the 2016 gala, but her dress actually lit up in the dark, too! The gown perfectly matched the “Fashion in the Age of Technology” theme of that year’s event.

 

Rihanna, 2015

 

 

Style icon, Rihanna, strolled into the 2015 Gala wearing an absolutely breathtaking yellow gown designed by Guo Pei. Pei stated, “Only women who have the confidence of a queen could wear it.” Slay, RiRi. Slay.

 

Victoria Beckham, 2008

 

 

The former Spice Girl struck a sultry pose with hubby David Beckham on the 2008 gala red carpet. She sported a stunning white Giorgio Armani that showed off plenty of leg!

 

Emmy Rossum, 2014

 

 

Emmy Rossum showed off her fun and flirty side in a floral Carolina Herrera gown at the 2014 gala. Not only is the dress gorgeous, but check out those stunning accessories!

 

Zoe Saldana, 2016

 

 

Photographers flocked to Zoe Saldana at the 2016 Met Gala when she strolled in wearing an absolutely stunning feathered Docle & Gabbana dress with a dramatic train. This stunner is definitely one that should go down in history!

 

Blake Lively, 2014

 

 

*Sigh* As always, Blake Lively reached ultimate perfection in this glittery, blush Gucci gown at the 2014 Met Gala. With a pin-up-inspired hairstyle and simple, burgundy accessories, she made jaws drop as she walked the red carpet!

 

Beyoncé Knowles, 2012

 

 

She can truly do no wrong, so of course Beyoncé made our list of favorites more than once. This exquisite Givenchy gown was her outfit-of-choice for the 2012 gala red carpet, and it’s no surprise that she made quite the entrance that night!

 

Jessica Biel, 2009

 

 

It’s a no-brainer that Jessica Biel made our list of favorites after rocking this asymmetrical Versace gown at the 2009 gala. She looks absolutely stunning in the red-orange dress with simple, diamond accessories!

 

Salma Hayek, 2011

 

 

In a beige-hued chiffon Alexander McQueen dress, Salma Hayek looked like a total dream at the 2011 gala. The flower detail on her left side was truly the cherry on top!

 

Nina Dobrev, 2012

 

 

Nina Dobrev couldn’t have picked a better gown to make an entrance in at the 2012 Met Gala. The bold Donna Karan Atelier dress showed off her stunning shoulders and included a dramatic train to top it off.

 

Emma Watson, 2010

 

 

In a white Burberry gown with a thigh-high slit, Emma Watson looked every bit of the goddess she is at the 2010 gala.

 

Emma Stone, 2014

 

 

Emma Stone looked effortlessly flawless at the 2014 Met Gala when she showed up in a two-piece crop top and skirt combo by Thakoon.

 

Eva Longoria, 2008

 

 

Eva Longoria enchanted the crowd in a stunning, plum-colored Marchesa gown at the 2008 gala. What a show-stopper!

 

Christina Ricci, 2012

 

 

The bow on the back of Christina Ricci’s Thakoon creation was the talk of the night at the 2012 gala. The sleek, yet modern design fit her perfectly!

 

Taraji P. Henson, 2015

 

 

Taraji P. Henson positively glowed in a sleek, body-conscious Balenciaga dress by designer Alexander Wang at the 2015 Met Gala.