The Met Gala is often referred to as the biggest night in fashion – a spectacular showcase of bold ideas, where haute couture meets culture, history and personal style. But amongst the avant-garde experiments, unexpected silhouettes and outfits that seem tailor-made for discussion, there is another, more subtle tradition: celebrities often pay homage to iconic looks from the past. Some step onto the red carpet in genuine vintage pieces, whilst others create new takes on legendary outfits that once made their wearers style icons. Below are six or seven memorable moments from the Met Gala when stars—whether overtly or controversially—adopted ‘someone else’s’ look, once again raising the age-old question: who looked better… and who was first?
Kendall Jenner — Audrey Hepburn (2021)
At the 2021 Met Gala, Kendall Jenner immediately caught the eye in a sheer Givenchy dress embroidered with sparkling crystals. The look was inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s outfit from the 1964 film My Fair Lady. The high collar, delicate detailing, elegant embroidery and overall refinement were clear nods to Hepburn’s famous role as Eliza Doolittle. It was a rare instance where modern glamour blended seamlessly with the classics of old Hollywood: not a direct copy, but rather a respectful and recognisable tribute to a legend.
Kim Kardashian as Cher (2015)
Long before her sensational appearance in a look inspired by Marilyn Monroe, Kim Kardashian had already drawn on fashion history. At the 2015 Met Gala, she appeared in a sheer, embroidered Roberto Cavalli dress that clearly echoed Cher’s legendary Bob Mackie gown, in which the singer dazzled at the 1974 Met Gala. Kardashian has admitted on more than one occasion that Cher is one of her main fashion muses, and this appearance was one of the clearest demonstrations of that admiration.
Zendaya — Joan of Arc / Madonna (2018)
Zendaya made a real splash at the 2018 Met Gala, choosing a bespoke Versace outfit in the style of a knight’s armour for the ‘Heavenly Bodies’ theme. Many immediately drew parallels between this outfit and Madonna’s look from her 1990 Blond Ambition era, which also featured Joan of Arc motifs. The resemblance was evident in the silhouette, structure and overall presentation. Formally, it wasn’t an exact replica, but the visual reference was so strong that it was hard to call it a coincidence.
Billie Eilish — Marilyn Monroe (2021)
Even before Kim Kardashian sparked huge controversy with her appearance, Billie Eilish presented a softer and more romantic take on a tribute to Marilyn Monroe. At the 2021 Met Gala, she appeared in a voluminous peach-coloured Oscar de la Renta dress, as if transported from the era of old Hollywood. The look was reminiscent of Monroe’s glamorous red-carpet appearances in the 1950s: platinum waves, a plunging neckline, a feminine silhouette and the overall air of a delicate screen siren.
Kylie Jenner — Virgil Abloh / Off-White bride (2022)
Kylie Jenner surprised the audience by appearing at the 2022 Met Gala in an Off-White wedding dress with a veil and a baseball cap worn backwards. This look was a tribute to Virgil Abloh, the brand’s late founder. The outfit was not a direct replica of any specific look worn by Abloh himself, but it clearly referenced Off-White’s signature aesthetic, where a wedding theme was combined with streetwear and unexpected details. It is also known that this look was originally created for someone else, even before the designer’s passing.
Jared Leto — Karl Lagerfeld’s cat (2023)
One of the most literal tributes at the Met Gala was presented by Jared Leto when, in 2023, he attended the event dressed as Choupette — Karl Lagerfeld’s famous cat. That year, the ball was dedicated to the designer’s legacy, and Leto decided to approach the theme in the most theatrical way possible. Later that same evening, he reappeared in a black suit and sunglasses, echoing Lagerfeld’s signature style. This look has inspired other celebrities on more than one occasion, including Gigi Hadid and Cara Delevingne, who have also drawn on the legendary couturier’s recognisable fashion aesthetic.
