The Met Gala is fashion’s favorite spectator sport. On this night, the guests are “players” and their “stats” are the number of times they’ve attended and what they wore—its provenance a matter of much fascination. As we reflect on 2024’s first Monday in May, our extensive Met Gala model “database” has been updated with the latest details.

The Evolution of Style at the Met Gala

From Christy Turlington’s iconic black Versace column dress adorned with pearls—reminiscent of a later-day Holly Golightly in 1992—to Linda Evangelista’s natural presence in Prada at the 2012 “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations” gala, each Met Gala night is an unfolding pageant of fashion history. This comprehensive look spans decades, capturing the essence of fashion evolution with a spotlight on models who grace these illustrious occasions.

Iconic Moments in Met Gala History

• 1992: Christy Turlington made her first known Met Gala appearance, captivating the audience in a black Versace dress with pearls.
• 2012: Linda Evangelista walked the red carpet for Prada at “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations,” a night of timeless elegance.
• 2017: Naomi Campbell, wearing an Azzedine Alaïa dress from his runway collection, graced the Met Gala with her magnetic presence.

The Modelpalooza: From the 1990s to Now

This year’s gathering saw a blend of established and emerging talents. Notable names included:

• Adut Akech – Known for her striking presence, she continues to set trends.
• Ashley Graham – Celebrated for promoting body positivity in the fashion industry.
• He Cong and Irina Shayk – Bringing global flair to the red carpet.

The Legacy Continues: From Classics to Newcomers

This year’s Met Gala wasn’t just about nostalgia; it celebrated new voices in fashion. Emerging models like Quannah Chasinghorse and Paloma Elsesser were front and center, showcasing the industry’s embrace of diversity.

• Quannah Chasinghorse – Made history as one of the first indigenous plus-size models on the Met Gala red carpet.
• Paloma Elsesser – A prominent advocate for body inclusivity, she continues to inspire many.

The Evergreen Icons

The event was also a reunion of fashion’s most beloved figures:

• Kate Moss – Remained an enduring style icon with her timeless appeal.
• Gisele Bündchen and Jessica Stam – Showcased their evergreen elegance with each appearance.

Celebrating the Legends of Fashion

The Met Gala is as much about honoring its legends as it is a celebration of current trends. Models like Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell continue to leave an indelible mark on fashion history with every appearance.

• Cindy Crawford – A quintessential model of the 90s, she continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
• Natalia Vodianova and Liya Kebede – Brought glamour and sophistication with their presence on the red carpet.