The Best Plus-Size Met Gala Red Carpet Looks in History

This year brought a slightly more inclusive Met Gala red carpet, although when it comes to body diversity at the ball, representation has been notably lacking through the years.

In a 2017 interview with The Cut following her first official appearance at the Met Gala, plus-size model Ashley Graham shared how difficult it was to find a designer to dress her for the red carpet. “I couldn’t get a designer to dress me,” she said. “You can’t just show up in jeans and a T-shirt.” At the time, several fashion houses refrained from collaborating with plus-size celebrities invited to the gala.

Graham has since walked the red carpet at the Met three consecutive times, wearing H&M Couture, Prabal Gurung, and Gucci x Dapper Dan, respectively. And slowly, the tide is changing.

For the 2022 Met Gala, there were several moments in plus-size fashion to celebrate, from Paloma Elsesser’s sculpted Coach look to Lizzo’s elaborate cape coat from Thom Browne. The Gilded Age references a time when curves were celebrated — gowns were finished with hoop skirts and bustles to make them more voluminous, and corsets were designed to emphasize a full bust — so it’s great to see more curve representation at the event.

Ahead, we’re looking back at the best plus-size fashion outfits from Met Galas past and hoping for more to come as designers continue to embrace body diversity on the runway and red carpet.