It’s hard to believe 2006 was two decades ago, but the Met Gala looks we saw many celebrities wear back then still hold up today. Ahead of the 2026 Met Gala, we’re taking a look back and seeing what outfits graced the red carpet 20 years ago.
Back then, some A-listers dressed in reference to the exhibit, titled “AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion.” Curated by Andrew Bolton at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the exhibition featured looks throughout Europe in the 18th century that were influenced by British culture. Anna Wintour, Sienna Miller and former Burberry president Christopher Bailey were co-chairs that year.
When is the 2026 Met Gala and what time does it start?
The 2026 Met Gala will be held this Monday, May 4, at 6 p.m. ET./3 p.m. PT. It’ll be held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Vogue will livestream the event on YouTube.
Before we get a range of new looks from celebrities on Monday, let’s look back at some of the boldest ensembles to grace the 2006 Met Gala red carpet. Here are 16 must-see looks from the Met Gala 20 years ago, from A-listers like Victoria Beckham, Charlize Theron and Drew Barrymore,
Victoria Beckham
Victoria Beckham at the 2006 Met Gala. (Sylvain Gaboury/FilmMagic)
(Sylvain Gaboury via Getty Images)
Looking back at some of her iconic looks, Victoria Beckham told Vogue that her 2006 Met Gala gown felt “incredible,” even if it did give a little Mary Poppins. She added that she bought the A-line dress at a Roland Mouret sample sale and wore two corsets with it.
“At the time, I honestly thought it was the right thing to do to wear [a] red dress, red shoes, red lip,” she said.
Kim Basinger
Kim Basinger at the 2006 Met Gala. (Evan Agostini/Getty Images)
(Evan Agostini via Getty Images)
L.A. Confidential star Kim Basinger opted for a white gown for the 2006 Met Gala. It was a sleek, long-sleeve dress with a large belt at the waist and lace-like openwork on the skirt hem.
Amanda Peet
Amanda Peet at the 2006 Met Gala. (Fairchild Archive/Penske Media via Getty Images)
(Fairchild Archive via Getty Images)
White was a styling choice among many at the 2006 Met Gala, and Amanda Peet stunned in the mermaid gown she wore that evening. The dress featured cap sleeves and a low back, with a faint floral pattern all over. Toward the layered hemline, it also featured touches of pink for a bit of colour.
Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore at the 2006 Met Gala. (Sylvain Gaboury/FilmMagic)
(Sylvain Gaboury via Getty Images)
Drew Barrymore was a vision in black for the red carpet, wearing a strapless lace dress from Oscar de la Renta that offered a see-through illusion. The Scream star paired the flattering look with a silver clutch and went for an understated vibe by skipping earrings and a necklace.
Jessica Stam
Jessica Stam at the 2006 Met Gala. (Peter Kramer/Getty Images)
(Peter Kramer via Getty Images)
Canadian model Jessica Stam went punk for the 2006 Met Gala, opting for a pink feathered dress with black lace trim and a pink ribbon at the waist. The look was an altered version of a dress she wore on the runway for Dolce and Gabbana’s 2006 spring ready-to-wear collection.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
Mary-Kate Olsen (left) and Ashley Olsen at the 2006 Met Gala. (Fairchild Archive/Penske Media via Getty Images)
(Fairchild Archive via Getty Images)
You can’t have the 2000s without the Olsen twins. Both wearing Badgley Mischka, Mary-Kate opted for a black off-the-shoulder dress with long lace sleeves. She paired it with black sandals, a white feathered handbag and a bold lip. Her sister, Ashley, went with a black long-sleeve gown covered in a vine-like pattern, pairing it with a black clutch and thin belt.
Michelle Monaghan
Michelle Monaghan at the 2006 Met Gala. (Evan Agostini/Getty Images)
(Evan Agostini via Getty Images)
Michelle Monaghan shimmered in gold for the 2006 Met Gala, wearing a satin gown that had mid-length sleeves and a plunging neckline. The Made of Honor star’s glamorous outfit was complete with gold accessories, including bangles and a clutch.
Sarah Jessica Parker and Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen (left) and Sarah Jessica Parker at the 2006 Met Gala (Fairchild Archive/Penske Media via Getty Images)
(Fairchild Archive via Getty Images)
Sarah Jessica Parker wore one of Alexander McQueen’s looks for the 2006 Met Gala, and walked the red carpet by the late designer’s side. While she told Vogue she was “so nervous” that night because she greatly admired McQueen, the duo looked amazing in their his-and-hers tartan ensembles.
Ginnifer Goodwin
Ginnifer Goodwin at the 2006 Met Gala. (Peter Kramer/Getty Images)
(Peter Kramer via Getty Images)
He’s Just Not That Into You star Ginnifer Goodwin went with a Marc Jacobs-designed look that accentuated her beauty. The actress wore a beige dress that had a three-tiered skirt and a floral pattern. She accessorized with a black clutch and put her hair up for the evening.
Ciara
Ciara at the 2006 Met Gala. (Peter Kramer/Getty Images)
(Peter Kramer via Getty Images)
Ciara might’ve gone with an understated look 20 years ago, but the singer looked stunning in the sparkling cream-coloured dress she wore for the red carpet. The spaghetti strap gown also featured an intricate design made of shimmering detailing.
Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan at the 2026 Met Gala. (Evan Agostini/Getty Images)
(Evan Agostini via Getty Images)
Lindsay Lohan kept it fun and flirty at the 2006 Met Gala. The Mean Girls star wore a floral, tea-length gown from Marchesa, which had a strapless neckline, a wide black belt and a sheer overskirt.
Linda Evangelista
Linda Evangelista at the 2006 Met Gala. (Sylvain Gaboury/FilmMagic)
(Sylvain Gaboury via Getty Images)
Linda Evangelista brought a splash of colour and a touch of fun to the 2006 Met Gala. The Canadian supermodel wore a pink dress designed by Yves Saint Laurent, featuring ruffles and a large bow on the waist.
Eve
Eve at the 2006 Met Gala. (Evan Agostini/Getty Images)
(Evan Agostini via Getty Images)
Eve proved she was that girl at the 2006 Met Gala. The rapper opted for a black one-strap dress that had cut-outs around her waist and thigh-high slits, accessorizing with sandals and a brown handbag.
Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron at the 2006 Met Gala. (Fairchild Archive/Penske Media via Getty Images)
(Fairchild Archive via Getty Images)
Charlize Theron wore a maroon-coloured dress for the red carpet, a look that was both dramatic and glamorous. The Mad Max star walked the red carpet with John Galliano (who designed her gown) and paired her look with a voluminous updo.
Minnie Driver
Minnie Driver at the 2006 Met Gala. (Evan Agostini/Getty Images)
(Evan Agostini via Getty Images)
Minnie Driver looked expensive in Valentino for the 2006 Met Gala. The Good Will Hunting actress confidently stepped onto the red carpet in a red dress that had a plunging neckline and a wide belt at her waist.
Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba at the 2006 Met Gala. (Peter Kramer/Getty Images)
(Peter Kramer via Getty Images)
Jessica Alba wore a light blue strapless gown from Calvin Klein for the event. The Honey actress paired the simple, yet stylish, dress with a metallic clutch and large drop earrings.
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