What The Met Gala Looked Like In 2009: ‘Model as Muse’ Theme

Dubbed the “Oscars of Fashion,” the Met Gala is the biggest night on the fashion calendar each year.

In honor of this year’s gala (scheduled for May 6), we’re taking a look back at the best fashion from 10 years ago. The 2009 theme was: “The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion.”

Always one to bring her A-game on the red carpet, Rihanna dazzled in a Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo jacket with exaggerated puff sleeves and skinny pants. For footwear, the “Love on the Brain” singer reached for black peep-toe pumps.

Rihanna, dolce and gabbana tuxedo, black pumps, 'The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion' Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute, New York, America - 04 May 2009Last night saw the glamorous and the glorious put on their glad rags and head down to one of the biggest events in the US fashion industry calendar – the Met Costume Institute Gala.With a theme of ‘Model As Muse’, the night was sponsored by Marc Jacobs who was the star guest of the evening and was accompanied by his main muse of the evening, Kate Moss.Although the number of tickets sold was down on last year, those that rebuffed the credit crunch were treated to a rich array of the most famously beautiful models in the world.Marc Jacobs dressed Kate Moss (a gold lame backless, one shouldered mini dress with a matching turban) and Victoria Beckham (a pink mini dress with black polka dots and a long train) while Louis Vuitton kitted out Madonna with a turquoise ruched mini dress with puffed skirt, thigh-high black boots, jewelled black fingerless gloves and a hair piece tied around a top knot to complete the odd 80s-inspired look. — Rihanna wears Dolce & Gabbana at the 2009 Met Gala.

CREDIT: Gregory Pace/Shutterstock

Another winning look came courtesy of Kate Moss, who co-hosted the event alongside Marc Jacobs, Anna Wintour and Justin Timberlake. Moss was outfitted in a slinky gold Jacobs-designed minidress and matching platform pumps.

Kate Moss and Marc Jacobs'The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion' Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute, New York, America - 04 May 2009 Last night saw the glamorous and the glorious put on their glad rags and head down to one of the biggest events in the US fashion industry calendar – the Met Costume Institute Gala. With a theme of ‘Model As Muse’, the night was sponsored by Marc Jacobs who was the star guest of the evening and was accompanied by his main muse of the evening, Kate Moss. Although the number of tickets sold was down on last year, those that rebuffed the credit crunch were treated to a rich array of the most famously beautiful models in the world. Marc Jacobs dressed Kate Moss (a gold lame backless, one shouldered mini dress with a matching turban) and Victoria Beckham (a pink mini dress with black polka dots and a long train) while Louis Vuitton kitted out Madonna with a turquoise ruched mini dress with puffed skirt, thigh-high black boots, jewelled black fingerless gloves and a hair piece tied around a top knot to complete the odd 80s-inspired look. — Kate Moss and Marc Jacobs arrive together at the 2009 Met Gala.

CREDIT: Gregory Pace/Shutterstock

For his part, Timberlake wore a classic black tuxedo. He was accompanied by now-wife Jessica Biel. The “7th Heaven” alum wore a red dress by Versace that had a high-low skirt and a strapless neckline. Her shoes were satin Christian Louboutin sandals.

Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake'The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion' Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute, New York, America - 04 May 2009 Last night saw the glamorous and the glorious put on their glad rags and head down to one of the biggest events in the US fashion industry calendar – the Met Costume Institute Gala. With a theme of ‘Model As Muse’, the night was sponsored by Marc Jacobs who was the star guest of the evening and was accompanied by his main muse of the evening, Kate Moss. Although the number of tickets sold was down on last year, those that rebuffed the credit crunch were treated to a rich array of the most famously beautiful models in the world. Marc Jacobs dressed Kate Moss (a gold lame backless, one shouldered mini dress with a matching turban) and Victoria Beckham (a pink mini dress with black polka dots and a long train) while Louis Vuitton kitted out Madonna with a turquoise ruched mini dress with puffed skirt, thigh-high black boots, jewelled black fingerless gloves and a hair piece tied around a top knot to complete the odd 80s-inspired look. — Jessica Biel in Versace with Justin Timberlake at the 2009 Met Gala.

CREDIT: Gregory Pace/Shutterstock

Elsewhere, Blake Lively commanded attention in a plunging blue Versace gown with asymmetric sleeves. She matched her dress to her shoes, choosing flattering strappy sandals.

Blake Lively'The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion' Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute, New York, America - 04 May 2009 Last night saw the glamorous and the glorious put on their glad rags and head down to one of the biggest events in the US fashion industry calendar – the Met Costume Institute Gala. With a theme of ‘Model As Muse’, the night was sponsored by Marc Jacobs who was the star guest of the evening and was accompanied by his main muse of the evening, Kate Moss. Although the number of tickets sold was down on last year, those that rebuffed the credit crunch were treated to a rich array of the most famously beautiful models in the world. Marc Jacobs dressed Kate Moss (a gold lame backless, one shouldered mini dress with a matching turban) and Victoria Beckham (a pink mini dress with black polka dots and a long train) while Louis Vuitton kitted out Madonna with a turquoise ruched mini dress with puffed skirt, thigh-high black boots, jewelled black fingerless gloves and a hair piece tied around a top knot to complete the odd 80s-inspired look. — Blake Lively in Versace at the 2009 Met Gala.

CREDIT: Shutterstock

Meanwhile, Madonna turned heads in a teal Louis Vuitton minidress with sensual thigh-high boots.

Madonna'The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion' Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute, New York, America - 04 May 2009With a theme of ‘Model As Muse’, the biggest event in the US fashion industry calendar was sponsored by Marc Jacobs who was the star guest of the evening and was accompanied by his fiancé and model Lorenzo Martone.Marc Jacobs dressed Kate Moss and Helena Christensen while Louis Vuitton kitted out Madonna and Kerry Washington.Meanwhile Calvin Klein’s Francisco Costa’s work was modelled by Halle Berry and Chanel legend Karl Lagerfeld did what he does best with actresses Audrey Tautou and Diane Kruger.Gisele Bundchen paraded an outfit by John Galliano while Jessica Alba went down the Michelle Obama trail and looked stunning in a Jason Wu gown.In past years, the Met Costume Institute shows have been organized around famous designers such as Chanel and Gianni Versace and have drawn significant crowds to the Met. The Costume Institute's annual Benefit Gala, co-chaired by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, is probably the most prestigious and exclusive event in the fashion world — Madonna wearing Louis Vuitton at the 2009 Met Gala.

CREDIT: Matt Baron/Shutterstock

Other attendees included Victoria Beckham, Kanye West and Anne Hathaway.

The 2019 Met Gala theme is “Camp: Notes on Fashion” — and celebrities are bound to come out clad in some whimsical looks. Gucci serves as a sponsor, so it stands to reason that many guests will wear the brand. Co-chairs are Harry Styles, Serena Williams and Lady Gaga.

Click through the gallery to see more Met Gala style from 10 years ago.

Watch the video below to see celebrities at the FNAAs throughout the years.

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