Billionaires' Best and Worst Met Gala Fashion Moments: From Rihanna's Iconic Papal Look to Jeff Bezos' Theme Miss

The Met Gala, an annual charity event hosted at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, is known for its opulent fashion displays and star-studded guest list. Many of the attendees are billionaires or extremely wealthy individuals, each bringing their own sense of glamour to the red carpet. Here’s a look at some of the best and worst fashion moments from these high-profile guests over the years. In 2019, Kim Kardashian stunned in a sleek, body-hugging black minidress, designed by Demna Gvasalia for Balenciaga. The dress featured a cutout shoulder design and a dramatic train, earning widespread praise for its bold yet elegant execution. On the same night, Jeff Bezos appeared to completely ignore the "Camp: Notes on Fashion" theme, opting for a traditional navy suit. While his choice was safe and clean, it lacked the creativity and flamboyance expected at the Met Gala, drawing criticism for being too mundane. Rihanna, always a standout at fashion events, made history in 2018 with her papal-inspired Commes des Garçons ensemble. The look consisted of a gold-embroidered, pearl-encrusted dress paired with a papier-mâché mitre, a full cloak, and voluminous sleeves. The outfit was so striking that it became one of the most talked-about Met Gala looks ever, embodying the eccentricity and extravagance the event is known for. In contrast, Elon Musk, attending the gala the same year, chose a black-and-white tuxedo that failed to make any significant impact. His simple, unadorned suit seemed to blend in rather than stand out, a far cry from the attention-grabbing outfits worn by others. Airbnb cofounder Joe Gebbia aced the 2023 Met Gala theme, "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty," with a tailored suit and a unique accessory: a golden necklace featuring a medallion portrait of Lagerfeld. This thoughtful and thematic approach garnered positive reviews, showing how even subtle touches can resonate strongly at the event. However, Gustav Magnar Witzøe, a Norwegian shareholder, took a fashion risk that unfortunately backfired. His silver outfit, complete with a futuristic helmet, while creative, was seen as too outlandish and detracted from the elegance of the evening, receiving mixed to negative feedback. Jay-Z, who attended the 2014 Met Gala alongside his wife, Beyoncé, looked sharp in a classic black tuxedo. The theme that year, "Charles James: Beyond Fashion," called for an elegant and timeless look, which Jay-Z executed flawlessly. Conversely, Tiger Woods, attending the gala in 2013 with skier Lindsey Vonn, opted for a simple black suit and white shirt. While the outfit was well-fitted and appropriate, it felt understated and did little to set him apart from the crowd. These fashion choices highlight the diverse approaches taken by wealthy gala attendees, ranging from carefully crafted and theme-compliant outfits to those that fall short of the event's expectations. Success often hinges on the ability to blend personal style with the chosen theme, creating a look that is both memorable and fittingly glamorous. Industry insiders generally agree that the Met Gala provides a unique platform for fashion innovation and self-expression. Those who successfully interpret the theme, like Kim Kardashian in 2019 and Joe Gebbia in 2023, tend to receive the most acclaim. On the other hand, ignoring or misinterpreting the theme can lead to lukewarm receptions at best. Companies like Airbnb and Rihanna’s Fenty often gain additional exposure and brand association from such events, which can translate into increased visibility and positive public relations. The Met Gala, thus, serves not only as a fashion spectacle but also as a strategic marketing opportunity for the ultra-rich and the brands they represent.