In a matter of days, the Metropolitan Museum of Art will transform for the 2026 Met Gala, celebrating the new exhibition, “Costume Art.” Monday will see a new collection of high-profile figures pose for photos on the iconic steps for the annual event, this year featuring Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as co-chairs.
Knowles-Carter hasn’t attended the Met Gala in 10 years. But the 35-time Grammy Award-winning artist has as deep history with the event. Ahead, WWD chronicles the “Break My Soul” singer’s Met Gala journey through the years.
You May Also Like
Related Articles
2016
The last time Knowles-Carter attended the Met Gala was a full decade ago. At the 2016 edition of the event, the “Levi’s Jeans” singer wore a latex gown courtesy of Givenchy. A designer she wore for several past Met Galas, this design, celebrating the theme Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology, was crafted with a latex fabric and featured puffy shoulders with long sleeves. The dress was cast in a peachy shade, with florals and pearls embellished on the lower skirt and bodice of the dress.
2015
For the 2015 edition of the Met Gala, Knowles-Carter went sheer. Styling a Givenchy dress by designer Riccardo Tisci, the dress was worn to commemorate the China: Through the Looking Glass theme. The gown featured a completely sheer fabric, which was encrusted at the hemline, bodice, waist and hips with warm jewels in pink, yellow and gold.
2014
Knowles-Carter went for dark glamour in another Riccardo Tisci design from Givenchy. The semi-sheer black dress was crafted with a plunging neckline and a thigh-high slit at the front of the skirt. Jewels added a touch of shimmering embellishment to the overall look, which was paired with a birdcage veil.
2013
Coordination was a focal point for the singer’s 2013 Met Gala attire. Celebrating the Punk: Chaos to Couture theme, Knowles-Carter wore another Givenchy look by Italian designer Riccardo Tisci. The black dress featured an ornate design with a thigh-high slit and a fiery hem for added contrast. The dress included material juxtaposition with a reptilian fabric bodice. Black gloves were added along with a pair of knee-high boots that accentuated the vibrant yellow and red motif at the hem of the dress.
2012
Sheer has been a major motif Knowles-Carter has turned to over the years at the Met Gala. In 2012, she wore a Givenchy Haute Couture design by Riccardo Tisci — a black dress with sheer fabric and allover jeweled embellishments and a feathery train that transitioned from black to purple as it trailed the singer on the red carpet.
2011
Knowles-Carter opted for a floor-length gown by designer Emilio Pucci for the 2011 Met Gala. The form-fitting sleeveless dress featured a high neckline and a cutout just above the bust. Gold embroidery featured throughout the body of the gown and neckline. A fishtail-style hem created a more voluminous skirt in tulle.
2008
At her first Met Gala in 2008, Knowles-Carter wore a strapless light pink gown by Armani Privé. The dress featured a fitted bodice with a flowing train and feminine touches like ruffles.