You Won’t Believe What the 2006 Met Gala Looked Like

by

To really see how much can change in 20 years – or how arbitrary time actually is – let’s look at the celebrities arriving at the 2006 Met Gala before the event on May 4th.

Looking at past celebrity couples – like Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, or Tom Brady and Bridget Moynahan – brings back a lot of memories. It’s especially interesting considering Gisele Bündchen, who later became Tom Brady’s ex-wife, was also present at the event, appearing on her own.

The steps outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art also attracted a crowd of famous faces from the mid-2000s, including Jessica Alba, Liv Tyler, Lindsay Lohan, Scarlett Johansson, Eva Mendes, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Zoe Saldaña, Selma Blair, Kate Moss, and Victoria Beckham.

Everyone was incredibly well-dressed, but Sarah Jessica Parker truly embodied the night’s theme. Celebrating “AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion,” she created a memorable fashion moment by coordinating in red tartan plaid with Alexander McQueen.

Looking back on the evening, Parker described it as bittersweet. She told Vogue in 2022 that while it was special to be with the designer—who sadly passed away in 2010—she was incredibly anxious the whole time. Her main concern was his well-being, and she explained that he was aware of her deep affection and admiration for him. Everyone loved him because he was such a kind and moving person.

Sarah Jessica Parker saved small, seemingly insignificant items from every time she worked with him. She explained that she still has little things – like pins – that fell off his clothes during fittings.

The first Monday in May is usually a special occasion, but this year it feels particularly magical. Celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Beyoncé, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour – who is a regular host – are all co-chairing the event.

But there was something about that time when the mystique was real.

Karlie Kloss recently told Vogue that before she first attended the Met Gala in 2009, things were very different. Social media wasn’t as prevalent, and information wasn’t instantly available like it is today. This made the event feel incredibly mysterious – she didn’t know what went on inside, but she felt that anyone who walked the red carpet was entering a completely different world.

The party now features an Instagram booth, and in 2017, Kylie Jenner famously broke the rule against taking selfies, sharing a glimpse of the Met Gala bathroom with her friends.

Before the stars of film, music, art, and sports begin arriving at iconic hotels like The Mark, The Pierre, and The Carlyle on May 4—with this year’s theme being “Costume Art” and a “Fashion Is Art” dress code—we’re looking back to 20 years ago to revisit the memorable “AngloMania” theme of the Met Gala.

The star of Sex and the City perfectly captured the 2006 Met Gala’s theme, “AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion,” wearing a stunning design by McQueen.

Okay, so imagine Charlie’s Angels, but seriously elevated. Like, picture Drew Barrymore absolutely radiating in Oscar de la Renta – can you even imagine? And then Charlize Theron, who was dating him at the time, rocking John Galliano. It wasn’t just a movie, it was a fashion event, and I was completely obsessed with their looks! Honestly, it’s still iconic to me.

You won’t want to blink when you see the stunning, uneven dress worn by the Armageddon actress, designed by Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein.

I’ll never forget when Linda arrived at the event. She looked absolutely stunning in a magenta Saint Laurent dress – one of Stefano Pilati’s designs, and she was with one of her incredible supermodel friends. It was a moment!

Scarlett wanted to be sure nothing was lost in translation as far as who made her sparkling look.

I remember when she first burst onto the scene – it felt like she skipped right over the whole disco era! And honestly, that playful Yves Saint Laurent party dress she wore seemed to give her all the momentum she needed. It was unforgettable.

Lauren Davis was still known for her style at the time, and Zoe, attending the Met Gala for the first time, hadn’t yet become a galactic protector.

The actors who starred in Rent ended their marriage in 2014 after 11 years together, but they continue to co-parent their son, Walker, born in 2009.

This is Mandy taking a walk to remember on the Met red carpet.

Johnny Rotten, the lead singer of the Sex Pistols (born John Lydon), was supported by his longtime friend and manager, John “Rambo” Stevens, who sadly died in 2023. Stevens had been a constant presence in Lydon’s life for over 30 years, handling everything from management to personal care.

The Belgian designer let loose in a Union Jack-inspired dress alongside her media mogul husband.

The actress channeled Jane Austen times in a romantic Dolce & Gabbana dress with an empire waist.

If the goal was to portray Selma as a glamorous, high-fashion icon, it was a complete success.

I remember seeing them at that party – it was back in the mid-2000s, not long after they got married. He was this incredible goth metal musician, and she was a stunning burlesque performer. They seemed so glamorous and at ease amongst all the other stylish guests, though looking back, it was just a couple of years before they split up. It just goes to show, you never really know what’s happening behind closed doors, do you?

There was no shame in channeling Queen Elizabeth I on “AngloMania” night.

When has the Barber Shop star not blown our minds?

He wasn’t exactly a mess, but Green Day’s singer seemingly didn’t bother with a fancy outfit for the Met Gala.

The renowned Vogue editor and his supermodel girlfriend, dressed in Givenchy by Alexander McQueen, were the picture of style and sophistication – anything but unfashionable or low-quality.

That’s Kate Moss, looking stylish in a black Burberry jacket and leather pants. Her shoes, red-soled Louboutins, add a bright splash of color to the outfit.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have long been Met Gala favorites, often making a splash, like when they introduced their high-end fashion brand, The Row, at the event in 2006. Both were dressed by Badgley Mischka for the occasion.

Two years into their ultimately 10-year marriage, the couple were all smiles.

Just the photographer’s luck, catching a radiant Lindsay Lohan coming down the steps in Marchesa.

By the end of the year, the Blue Bloods actress and the Super Bowl-winning athlete had ended their relationship, making their final Met Gala appearance together as a couple. They welcomed their son, Jack, in August 2007.

The Brazilian supermodel arrived, wearing a Christian Dior Couture outfit, seven months after being set up with Brady.

Oh my gosh, even before she officially moved to America with David Beckham, Victoria was just… stunning! I remember seeing pictures of her in this Roland Mouret dress – a gorgeous sweetheart neckline, and can you believe she snagged it at a sample sale?! She looked like a total dream, seriously a vision. It was like, a year before ‘Becky-mania’ really hit the States, and she was already turning heads. I was obsessed!

The Met Gala’s longtime co-chair arrived with her daughter, wearing one of her classic outfits – a dress paired with a coat.

In 2006, it wasn’t a strange day to see the three-time Oscar nominee hobnobbing at the Met.

Remember when the Unstoppable actress dated Smith from Sex and the City? Cool.

Who styled the Oscar winner’s elegant belted shirt dress remains confidential.

The English model and a businessman married in 2007, a beautiful event filled with romance, but unfortunately, they separated and divorced four years later, in 2011. She looked stunning in Versace on her wedding day.

Read More

2026-05-03 10:17