The Met Gala is one of the most prestigious fashion events of the year. Australian designers have carved out a distinctive presence at the Met Gala over the years.
For many designers, the event represents the ultimate red carpet milestone. It’s a rare convergence of artistry, visibility and cultural impact. To dress a celebrity for the event is to see months of craftsmanship, concept development and couture-level detail distilled into a single, global moment.
The steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art offer an unmatched stage. Their designs can reach an audience that spans the fashion industry, celebrity culture and millions of viewers worldwide. It’s not just a look on a famous body.
While many of our biggest stars are locked into fashion contracts with major houses, like Dior, Chanel and Armani, many Australian designers’ pieces have appeared on the red carpet over the years.
Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin
2023 Met Gala: “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty”
Australian power couple of the arts, Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin are frequent attendees of the Met Gala. In 2023, Catherine worked with Australian label, Romance Was Born to create this look. Technically, the dress is a Chanel archival two-piece set, but it was reimagined by the Australian label for this more dramatic look. They added the intricate beading, feathers and skirt for eye-catching ensemble that was a perfect choice for the 2023 Met Gala which was a celebration of all things Karl Lagerfeld.
Jeremy Pope
2022 Met Gala: “In America: An Anthology of Fashion”
American actor, singer and two-time Tony Award nominee Jeremy Pope has long-supported Australian designer Dion Lee. Sadly, the label has since gone into administration.
For the 2022 Met Gala, Jeremy wore a dramatic leather coat from Dion Lee. It was edgy and dramatic and pushed the boundaries for men’s fashion.
Jeremy Pope
2021 Met Gala: “In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion”
Another Dion Lee look from the American singer and actor. For the 2021 Met Gala he chose an all-white look with a corseted jumpsuit. He wore a cotton flower on his lapel and a large sack meant to symbolise cotton-picking sacks. The look was a confrontation of slavery in American history.
Keltie Knight
2018 Met Gala: “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination”
Canadian media personality Keltie Knight when to Australian designer Paul Vasileff for her Heavenly Bodies Met Gala look. His label Paolo Sebastian is adored for his dreamy gowns and have been styled on stars across the world, including in Taylor Swift‘s “Ophelia” music video and right here at The Weekly in our stunning photoshoot with Yerin Ha.
For Keltie’s 2018 Met Gala look, she wore a dark caped gown with a signature Paul Vasileff heart. It was included in his “Once Upon a Dream” collection, which is inspired by classic fairytales.
Janelle Monáe
2017 Met Gala: “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between”
American singer-songwriter, rapper and actress Janelle Monáe wore an ensemble designed by Australian designers Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo of Ralph & Russo.
The two joined her on the Met Gala red carpet to celebrate their collaboration.
Arizona Muse
2014 Met Gala: “Charles James: Beyond Fashion”
Another design from Ralph & Russo, but this dress worn by model Arizona Muse (great name for a model) is glamourous and understated. It was an excellent homage to Charles James who created sculptural gowns and eveningwear. Arizona looked like a modern princess.
