By Gena Oppenheim
8:15am PDT, Apr 30, 2019
The theme of the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala isn't the only thing that changes from year to year! As the event chairperson, Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour also handpicks a new group of elite celebrities to invite to the New York City soiree. With no guarantee of making the coveted guest list twice, those lucky enough to score a ticket to fashion's biggest night dress to impress. Beyonce, for example, chose a timeless blush Armani Privé gown for her debut at the "Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy"-themed Met Gala in 2008. Ahead of the annual benefit on May 6, 2019, Wonderwall.com went digging through the archives to uncover more big stars at their very first Met Galas. Get clicking!
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Scarlett Johansson was the belle of the ball at her first Met Gala. The theme at the 2004 bash was "Dangerous Liaisons." The "Avengers" actress dazzled in a yellow silk Calvin Klein Collection gown that beautifully covered her curves.
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For Gisele Bundchen's first Met Gala in 1999 — where the theme was "Rock Style" — the supermodel turned heads in a beaded coral Versace slip dress. She's since attended the fashion fundraiser on 12 other occasions with the addition of her arm-candy husband, Tom Brady.
Taylor Swift first stepped out onto the Met Gala scene looking like the rising star that she was back in 2008. The "ME!" singer shined bright in a sequined gold ombre Badgley Mischka gown at that year's "Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy"-themed event.
Gwyneth Paltrow made her Met Gala debut at the 1995 "Haute Couture"-themed benefit in a classic white Calvin Klein dress. The actress-turned-Goop mogul later renounced the annual event, calling it "un-fun" and "too crowded." But she eventually changed her tune and returned for the 2017 Met Gala.
Lupita Nyong'o made her debut at the 2014 Met Gala, which celebrated the theme "Charles James: Beyond Fashion." The "Us" actress looked magnificent in a custom brown and green-feathered flapper-influenced look by Prada.
Victoria Beckham was a fashion force to be reckoned with long before she launched a designer clothing brand. The former Spice Girl made her first Met Gala appearance in 2003 wearing a slinky, ethereal Dolce & Gabbana slip dress that was perfectly in line with the night's theme: "Goddess: the Classical Mode."
Kim Kardashian West — and daughter North West — made their Met Gala debuts in 2013 when the reality TV star was eight months pregnant with her oldest child. Accompanied by Kanye West, Kim donned a fully floral Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci gown for the "PUNK: Chaos to Couture"-themed party that year. Critics bashed Kim's long-sleeved look for resembling a grandmother's old couch, but it still had everyone talking.
Rihanna has continued to up her fashion game for each of the nine Met Galas she's attended so far, but her very first appearance still stands out. The pop star donned a dreamy white Georges Chakra gown with an embellished halter neckline for the 2007 ball, which had a "Poiret: King of Fashion" theme.
Katy Perry was put on the Met Gala guest list for the first time in 2009 when the theme was "The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion." The pop star inspired in a futuristic electric blue Tommy Hilfiger number featuring a metal halter neckline and coordinating arm cuff.
Just a few years before Sarah Jessica Parker's fame exploded as fashionista Carrie Bradshaw on "Sex and the City," she showcased a simple side of her style at her very first Met Gala in 1995. SJP chose an uncomplicated black velvet silhouette for her debut at the "Haute Couture"-themed benefit that year.
Reese Witherspoon was a Met Gala late bloomer — she attended the soiree for the first time in 2014. The Oscar winner wowed in a bold pink Stella McCartney gown with a cat-eye-shaped strapless neckline for the "Charles James: Beyond Fashion"-themed benefit.
Kate Hudson played into the "Goddess: the Classical Mode" theme for her first Met Gala in 2003. She donned a white toga-style Stella McCartney number suited for the gods.
Miley Cyrus nailed her first appearance at a Met Gala. The "Malibu" singer paired short, spiky hair with a glittering black mesh Marc Jacobs gown over a nude slip to celebrate the "PUNK: Chaos To Couture" theme in 2013.
Jennifer Lopez took her first trip down the Met Gala red carpet with then-boyfriend Diddy back in 1999 when the theme was "Rock Style." J.Lo looked glam in a satin blush halter gown and matching fur coat while her rapper beau had tons of swag in a white three-piece suit. These days, Jenny has fiancé Alex Rodriguez on her arm.
A lot has changed since Blake Lively was first invited to the Met Gala (she's attended a total of eight times to date)! The "Gossip Girl" actress made her first appearance in 2008 at the "Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy"-themed benefit in an elegant black Ralph Lauren gown featuring a flared feather bottom. Blake's then-boyfriend, co-star Penn Badgley, was on hand for her debut, but she and hubby Ryan Reynolds have since become a Met Gala power couple.
The focus of the 2005 Met Gala was "The House of Chanel," so it only made sense that Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen wore dresses by the design house for their debut at the bash. The twins chose an off-white boho maxidress and a gold embroidered high-low midi-length dress, both with floral accents.
Surprisingly, Drew Barrymore has only been to the Met Gala once! She chose an unforgettable black lace Oscar de la Renta gown for the 2006 "Anglomania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion"-themed event. We can only hope she'll be asked back again.
Lady Gaga was asked to perform at the 2010 Met Gala but didn't actually stroll up the red-carpet-lined steps until she was officially invited as a guest in 2015. Loving a good costume, Mother Monster didn't disappoint in a custom Balenciaga by Alexander Wang creation for the "China: Through the Looking Glass"-themed event. She wore a feathered kimono-style cape atop a black rhinestone jumpsuit with an extravagant coordinating headpiece.
Go big or go home! Everything about Anne Hathaway's first Met Gala look in 2006 was larger than life. The "Devil Wears Prada" actress sported a voluminous bouffant hairdo and a puffed-up purple Marc Jacobs minidress gathered at the waist for the "Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion"-themed party that year.
Madonna came down to earth for her Met Gala debut, which happened in 1997 at the "Gianni Versace"-themed bash. The "Like a Prayer" icon chose an intergalactic-print gown and wrap by the designer of the evening.
For Gwen Stefani's first Met Gala — 2010's "American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity"-themed night — the pop star-turned-designer showcased one of her own L.A.M.B. creations on the red carpet. She wore a champagne gown with sheer tulle wrapped around the bodice, allowing a black undergarment to peer through.
Jessica Simpson's first Met Gala look is what unicorn tears must be made from! The theme in 2001 was "Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years," so while pretty, her strapless watercolor-inspired gown in pastel shades of blue, pink and purple didn't make a lot of sense.
Diane Kruger made capes cool way before they were all the rage. For her first Met Gala — the 2004 event had a "Dangerous Liaisons" theme — she wowed in a champagne silk number by Balenciaga that was adorned with a flowy cape wrap tied around her neck.
