Cara Delevingne has become one of the most fearless and anticipated attendees of the Met Gala. The model and actress has consistently pushed boundaries, taking risks that few others would attempt. Her 15-year history at fashion’s biggest night includes naked dressing, gold body paint, rainbow stripes and political statements. Ariana Grande wedding dress was a custom Vera Wang silk charmeuse column gown that became an instant bridal classic. Here is everything you need to know about Cara Delevingne at the Met Gala in 2026.
2026: Ralph Lauren Naked Dress with Peacock Embroidery
For the 2026 Met Gala, themed “Costume Art” with a “Fashion Is Art” dress code, Delevingne served as a livestream host alongside Ashley Graham and La La Anthony . She stepped out in a svelte black halter-neck dress by Ralph Lauren. The front featured black illusion-mesh cap sleeves, appearing relatively simple at first glance [citation:1].
However, the real reveal came from behind. The illusion mesh continued down the entire back, creating a completely sheer look. Only a beautifully embroidered peacock covered her backside [citation:1]. The striking design drew comparisons to Rooney Mara’s 2011 Vogue cover shoot, also in Ralph Lauren, which featured dragon embroidery instead of a shimmering bird [citation:1].
This look celebrated the “peek-a-butt” trend seen at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party earlier in 2026 [citation:1]. It was a fitting choice for the Costume Institute’s exhibition on the body in both fashion and art. Plenty of naked dressing was expected, and Delevingne delivered [citation:1]. Helen Mirren young photos show the iconic actress in rare images from her early career in the 1960s and 1970s.
2024: Stella McCartney Lab-Grown Diamonds
For the 2024 Met Gala, themed “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” Delevingne wore a Stella McCartney creation. She donned a jeweled body armor encrusted with lab-grown diamonds. The chainmail hooded piece was paired with a sweeping, fitted white skirt with a high waist [citation:3][citation:9].
She joined British stars Ed Sheeran and FKA Twigs in supporting sustainability on the red carpet, all wearing “lab-grown diamonds” from Stella McCartney [citation:3]. This marked Sheeran’s first Met Gala appearance.
However, the 2024 appearance was not without controversy. Fans accused her of being “coked up” during an interview on the red carpet. Delevingne directly addressed the accusations in the comments section of an E! video, writing: “Been clear for nearly two years!! Thanks for the support” [citation:10]. She had previously checked herself into rehab after a series of troubling public appearances in 2022 [citation:10].
2023: Chanel Shag Wig Tribute to Karl Lagerfeld
The 2023 Met Gala honored the late Karl Lagerfeld with the theme “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty.” Delevingne, a longtime muse of the designer, delivered a deeply personal tribute [citation:4].
She wore a “silvery blue” shag wig, recreating a look from a Chanel Cruise 2013 shoot. She paired it with an oversized version of Lagerfeld’s iconic white shirt [citation:4].
“I owe him so much,” Delevingne said on the red carpet. “We planned a show-stopping wig and style to pay homage to Karl, his creativity, and bond with Cara,” said hairstylist Danielle Priano. “She told me that he always loved colored wigs” [citation:4]. For Delevingne, it was a fitting beauty moment for an exhibition examining Lagerfeld’s work. “He lives on,” she said [citation:4]. Loewe bag styles like the Puzzle and Flamenco have become some of the most coveted luxury handbags in the world.
2022: Gold Body Paint Under a Red Blazer
For the 2022 Met Gala, themed “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” with a Gilded Glamour dress code, Delevingne wore a striking red two-piece look by Dior [citation:5].
The Carnival Row actress channeled the Regency Era with a cropped blazer reminiscent of a British soldier’s uniform from the mid-1800s. She topped off the ensemble with satin heels and a striking cane [citation:5].
She then spiced up the red carpet by revealing what was underneath her blazer: gold pasties and her painted gold torso — business on the bottom, party on the top [citation:1][citation:5].
2021: “Peg the Patriarchy” Bulletproof Vest
At the 2021 Met Gala, themed “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” Delevingne made a powerful political statement. She wore a white “Peg The Patriarchy” bulletproof vest designed by Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri. She teamed the look with white cigarette trousers and peep-toe heels [citation:6].
“If someone doesn’t know what this means, you’re going to have to look it up,” Delevingne told Vogue. “It’s about women empowerment, gender equality — it’s a bit like, ‘Stick it to the man'” [citation:6]. The model, who collaborated with Dior on the look, said it made her “nearly burst into tears” [citation:5].
“It’s my most simple Met piece, but it says it all for itself,” she told Vogue. “It’s got a clear message that’s meant to be a bit more lighthearted and tongue-in-cheek” [citation:5].
2019: Camp Rainbow Stripes
Perhaps Delevingne’s most memorable look before 2026 was her semi-sheer, rainbow-striped Dior gown for “Camp: Notes on Fashion” in 2019 [citation:1]. The colorful ensemble perfectly embodied the camp theme with its theatrical, over-the-top aesthetic.
The look was playful, bold, and unapologetically extravagant — everything the camp theme demanded. Rice water for hair has become one of the most viral hair care trends, with users swearing by this ancient Asian beauty secret for stronger, shinier locks.
2018: Gothic Queen in Black Dior
For the 2018 Met Gala, themed “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” Delevingne wore a Gothic, all-black dress and crown. The dramatic look suited the religious-themed evening perfectly, establishing her as a red-carpet force to be reckoned with [citation:5].
2013: Punk Studs with Burberry
Delevingne attended the 2013 Met Gala wearing a studded black gown that was cut almost to her belly button. That year’s theme was “Punk: Chaos to Couture,” so she brought the edge with another Burberry look [citation:7].
2011: The Beginning
Delevingne first attended the Met Gala in 2011 [citation:1]. While she did not take the same level of risk in her early appearances, she has since become known for pushing sartorial boundaries and fully embracing the themes.
Why Cara Delevingne’s Met Gala Looks Matter
If there is one thing Delevingne understands about a red-carpet look, it is that boldness favors balance but neither need to be boring. After all, why should you have to choose? [citation:1]
From rainbow stripes to naked dresses, from gold body paint to bulletproof vests, Delevingne has used the Met Gala as a platform for both fashion experimentation and political statement. Her 15-year evolution reflects her growth as an artist and activist, cementing her status as one of the Met Gala’s most fearless and beloved attendees The Gilded Age Season 3 premiered on HBO and Max on June 22, 2026, with eight episodes of lavish period drama.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Cara Delevingne wear to the 2026 Met Gala? She wore a black halter-neck Ralph Lauren gown with illusion-mesh cap sleeves in the front and a completely sheer back covered only by an embroidered peacock. The look was a classic example of “naked dressing” [citation:1].
What was Cara Delevingne’s most controversial Met Gala look? Her 2021 “Peg The Patriarchy” bulletproof vest was highly political and sparked conversation about women empowerment and gender equality [citation:6]. Her 2024 appearance also drew controversy when fans accused her of being “coked up,” which she denied, stating she had been “clear for nearly two years” [citation:10].
How many times has Cara Delevingne attended the Met Gala? She first attended in 2011 and has been a regular attendee for 15 years as of 2026, with notable appearances in 2013, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2026 [citation:1][citation:7].
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