Classic Met Gala Photos and Looks From 1970s, '80s and More
The 2026 Met Gala is just hours away and as your favorite stars are gearing up for the night, we’ve been diving into some of the most classic, stunning looks from Met Gala’s past. While the event itself has changed and evolved a lot since it first began in 1948, the one thing that hasn’t is theincredible fashion.
When the Met Gala was first established by fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert, the purpose of the event was to raise funds for the newly founded Costume Institute, the fashion department of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.It began as a midnight supper at the Waldorf Astoria and tickets were just $50. Nowadays the cost has skyrocketed to $100,000 each, though the prices are often covered by designers and fashion houses for celebrities who wear their designs.
Now run by Anna Wintour, the guest list is always approved by the fashion mogul. The former editor-in-chief of Vogue became the Met Gala co-chair in 1995 and the sole chair four years later, running the event ever since. Her input and work on it has changed its scope and outcome dramatically
From Diana Ross showing off in a stunning gown to beloved actresses flaunting couture, get a glimpse inside the early days of the Met Gala.
Diana Ross
By 1973, the Met Gala began incorporating themes into the event. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the event was run by Diana Vreeland, who worked at Harper’s Bazaar and as editor-in-chief of Vogue. During The Vreeland era, the Met Gala was transformed into a glamorous event, filled with celebrities and high fashion.
In 1981, the theme was “The Eighteenth-Century Woman.” In the above photo, Diana Ross is seen in a stunning, ruffled gown with strappy high heels, as she smiles next to artist Patrice Calmettes.
Raquel Welch
Iconic actress Raquel Welch is seen in the above photo at the 1982 Met Gala, where the theme was La Belle Epoque, which can be translated to Beautiful Age or Era. Welch, who is known for her films Fantastic Voyage (1966), Fathom (1967) and The Three Musketeers (1973), among others, certainly nailed the theme in her stunning gown.
Linda Gray
Dallas star Linda Gray stunned at the 1983 Met Gala, as seen above. The theme for the 1983 event was Yves Saint Laurent: 25 Years of Design. The actress is all smiles standing next to fashion designer Bob Mackie.
Cher
In 1985, Cher showed up at the Met Gala, also with Bob Mackie, wearing a stunning gold and black ensemble. The theme that year was Costumes of Royal India and Cher is seen wearing a custom sheer gown with a black and gold sequined bodice designed by Mackie.
Goldie Hawn
Goldie Hawn is seen above attending the 1995 Met Gala, which had the theme of Haute Couture. While she was beautiful at the event, Hawn had a funny tale about where she actually got her dress.
“The last time I was at the Met Ball, I wore a pink slip dress that I bought on the beach in Ibiza,” Hawn shared. “And everyone asked me what I was wearing. I said, ‘I got it on the beach and I don’t know who designed it.’ Then I started thinking I better lie, because this is not working. So I said, ‘Calvin Klein.'”
Be sure to tune into the 2026 Met Gala tonight, May 4, to see the undeniably stunning looks for the Costume Art theme.
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This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 5:24 PM.