These Met Gala Accessories Really Stole the Show

Ahead of the 2022 Met Gala, we are looking back at some of the best accessories to grace the stairs of New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art.

By Ashley Joy Parker Apr 30, 2022 3:00 AMTags
Watch: Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds to HOST 2022 Met Gala

It's all in the details.

The 2022 Met Gala kicks off May 2 in New York City, marking what some called the "Super Bowl of Fashion."

This year's theme is "In America: An Anthology of Fashion," which according to Vogue, is the Met's "thoughtful homage to our country's history." The celebration's dress code is "Gilded Glamour," which takes inspiration from New York's Gilded Age, the period between 1870 and 1890.

On the red carpet, fans can expect to see an array A-Listers—including event co-chairs Blake LivelyRyan ReynoldsRegina King and Lin-Manuel Miranda—wearing breathtaking couture creations from the world's top design houses.

But a showstopping Met Gala look hardly ends at a fabulous frock or traditional tuxedo. Over the years, stars have ascended the steps of New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art with some over-the top extras, ranging from ornate headpieces to wild props.

Katy Perry took flight in 2018 by accessorizing her gold chain mail Versace dress with massive wings that reached well above her head and down to the floor.

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Stars' First Met Gala Appearances

In 2019, for the theme "Camp: Notes on Fashion," Kasey Musgraves served up a full on Barbie look from Jeremy Scott for Moschino, complete with hot pink blow-dryer handbag. That same year, a Gucci-clad Jared Leto made jaws drop when he arrived carrying a lifelike model of his own decapitated head

Back in September, after the 2021 Met Gala was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Grimes appropriately showed up in silver metal face mask along with her sheer Iris Van Herpen gown. She also carried a replica Medieval sword repurposed from an AR-15 tht was inspired by Dune—the 1984 cult classic based on Frank Herbert's novel.

Keep scrolling to see more of the best Met Gala accessories of all time.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga shut down the 2019 pink carpet with her outfit changes and larger-than-life accessories, including look-at-me umbrellas, a massive telephone, her glam squad and a wagon full of booze and bags.

Jared Leto

For when you don't have a plus one! Jokes aside, the Gucci-clad actor made 2019 Met Gala attendees gasp with his creepy accessory: a severed replica of his own head.

Grimes

In 2021, the Canadian musician went for a look inspired by Frank Herbert's sci-fi novel Dune, which included a sheer Iris Van Herpen gown and chrome face mask, which was actually an original prop from David Lynch's 1984 film adaptation of the book. Oh, and she also carried a sword repurposed from an AR-15.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Year after year, SJP has made elaborate headpieces her thing at the Met Gala. This Philip Treacy one she wore in 2015, along with an Oscar de la Renta creation, was a standout. When it works, it works! 

Janelle Monáe

The Dirty Computer singer went for a bright and bold Picasso-inspired ensemble by Christian Siriano at the 2019 fashion affair. Her towering stack of hats by Sarah Sokol Millinery, robotic eye and matching clutch were the perfect finishing touches to her eye-catching vibe. 

Hunter Schafer

In 2021, the Euphoria star sipped into an alien alter-ego, wearing a silver two-piece Prada ensemble complete with a spidery figure attached to her nose and foggy contact lenses.

Billy Porter

The Pose star arrived at the 2019 Met Gala with six shirtless men carrying him like an Egyptian royal. Along with his arm candy and gold bodysuit by The Blonds, Billy showed off his massive gold wings and diamond-studded headpiece. 

Lana Del Rey

A lewk that's to die for. The songstress turned heads in 2018 with a golden heart and dagger chest piece and feathered halo headband to go along with her Gucci gown. 

Kacey Musgraves

Come on Barbie, let's go party! The "Golden Hour" singer played dress up at the 2019 fashion extravaganza with the help of Jeremy Scott for Moschino. Her hot pink blow-dryer handbag, lavish fuzzy boa and metallic pumps tied the glamorous get-up together.

Elle Fanning

Not your average mani! Clad in Miu Miu, The Great actress flaunted her flamingo pink nails in 2019, which were embellished with mini charms. 

Iman

Designer Harris Reed, who partnered with Dolce & Gabbana, told Vogue it took 400 hours of "hand-tacking, hand-gluing, hand-embellishing, gold-leafing, finessing" to bring the supermodel's look, including the Vivienne Lake-collaborated hat, to life.

Jennifer Lopez

Giddy up. J. Lo went for a western look in 2021, wearing a brown Ralph Lauren number, teamed with a brown distressed cowboy hat and plated necklace.

Princess Diana

Princess Diana wowed at the 1995 Met Gala with her risqué blue slip dress and larger-than-life pearl-embellished necklace.

Tracee Ellis Ross

A work of art! In 2019, the Black-ish star complemented her slinky black Moschino dress with a gilded frame. The actress explained the picture frame pays tribute to artist Lorraine O'Grady

Emily Blunt

Out of this world! The Mary Poppins actress had everyone starry-eyed in 2021 with her bedazzled Miu Miu gown and celestial headpiece embellished with stars, crystals and pearls.

Solange

In 2017, Solange stepped out in a futuristic black latex-like frock by Iris Van Herpen and paired it with a black head-wrap and a halo headpiece. And carrying Florida Water in a fishnet pouch? Instantly iconic. 

Lupita Nyong'o

Gold combs with clenched fist handles adorned the Black Panther actress' hairstyle to accessorize her Versace look in 2019. 

Rihanna

The fashion icon graced the 2018 red carpet with a John Galliano Pope-inspired 'fit. And because no detail goes unnoticed, the singer accessorized with a jewel and pearl embellished robe (with a cape neck, no less) and an equally dazzling papal mitre.

Zayn Malik

In 2016, the English singer's classic suit was taken to the next level with robot-inspired arm plates by Versace. 

Frank Ocean

Oh baby! The "Lost" singer, wearing a black Prada jacket, arrived to the event in 2021 carrying a green doll. In an interview with E! News, he called the doll his "son" and said it was named "Cody."

Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen

More is more! The twins turned heads at the 2017 ceremony with their vintage Comme des Garçons designs by Rei Kawakubo. Their all-over lace dresses were given extra edge with the addition of their statement jewelry pieces, colorful jackets and flashy headpieces.

Frances McDormand

When the Met Gala calls, Frances delivers. Case in point? She wowed with her massive Philip Treacy headpiece at the 2018 event, teamed with her Valentino gown.

FKA Twigs

All in the details! The singer-songwriter dazzled in 2016 in her silver-chain headpiece and nose jewelry to complement her nude slip dress and matching harness by Atelier Versace.

Jaden Smith

Things got hairy on the red carpet of the 2017 Met Gala when the artist arrived in Louis Vuitton with a fistful of hair in hand. 

Winnie Harlow

For the 2022 affair, the supermodel's look was worthy of display at a museum with her sculptural headpiece and coordinating architectural dress. 

Hailee Steinfeld

The Dickinson star made a tongue-in-cheek statement by bringing a camera to the 2019 event, while also wearing an extravagant gown by Viktor & Rolf Haute that exclaimed, "No photos please."

Zoë Kravitz

Feathered sandals, a lace-adorned mask and voluminous wings made the actress' Valentino little black dress anything but basic in 2016. 

Will.I.Am

The singer and record producer nailed the 2016 theme—"Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology." His futuristic, yet fashionable helmet brought his Gucci floral blazer and suit to the next level.

Nikkie de Jager

As a tribute to LGBTQ+ pioneer Marsha P. Johnson, Nikkie de Jager added a flower crown to her tulle turquoise Edwin Oudshoorn Couture gown in 2021.

Lizzo

Give us a second to pick our jaws up from the floor! The "Rumors" singer was the definition of glamour in 2019 with her Marc Jacobs flamingo pink feather cape, sheer polka dot gloves, bedazzled headband and bright hair.

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Don't miss E!'s Live From E!: 2024 Met Gala red carpet Monday, May 6, starting at 6 p.m. for every must-see moment from fashion's biggest night. And tune in to E! News Tuesday, May 7, at 11 p.m. for a full recap of every jaw-dropping look and all the behind-the-scenes moments.