The Met Gala is home to the most legendary, daring and momentous moments in fashion history. With arguably the greatest night in fashion just weeks away, new research by Fenwick has analysed 2022 search data, to discover the looks that people are still gushing (or gagging!) over, from each Met Gala over the last ten years, as well as which fashion trends are on the rise.
The fashion retailer has discovered that Kim Kardashian’s Met Gala looks remain the most momentous. Search data highlights that the reality star, socialite and businesswoman has been the most memorable attendee of the Met Gala throughout the past decade.
Following two years of disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Met Gala is back with a bang this year (scheduled for Monday, 2 May). And for those lucky enough to receive an invitation, close attention will be paid to the all-important dress code. For the rest of us, we can only look on and admire fashion’s biggest night from a distance, oohing and aahing over their wardrobe choices and wondering how we can recreate the looks for less.
The star-studded event marks the opening of the Costume Institute’s annual exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and will see celebrities strut their stuff in their own interpretations of this year’s dress code: ‘Gilded Glamour‘.
Further research from the experts at Fenwick highlight that eyes will be on Kardashian’s take on gilded glamour. Searches for ‘Kim Kardashian Met Gala 2022’ have started climbing since the event has been announced, and the icon is already the most searched for celebrity in relation to the event.
This year, Kardashian and her VIP clan have been set free with a dress code that invites them to be bold and daring in their fashion choices and, if in doubt, they need look no further than the beloved Netflix series, Bridgerton, for all the Regency core inspiration they will need!
This fashion trend is ready to return once again, giving us all the opportunity to embrace ‘gilded glamour’ by hitting the high street. Although you might not fancy slipping on an empire-waisted gown, there are endless ways to add OTT opulence and nods to high society into your wardrobe.
Fenwick Department Store also reveals a 186.92% increase in online demand for Regency fashion over the past year, based on an analysis of recent UK online search trends. The study highlights a considerable popularity spike in the lead up to the second season of the Netflix hit, Bridgerton, that aired Friday 25th of March, with searches for Regency dresses up 175% since December.
You will go to the ball
With the popularity of Regency fashion search terms almost tripling since the beginning of 2022 (+194.80%), the new research reveals British fashion enthusiasts are ready to fully embrace the so-called ‘Regency core’ trend with all its frills and ruffles.
If you have already binge-watched the second series of Bridgerton and it has left you with a Regency style craving, it might be time to introduce some of these elegant fashion choices into your wardrobe, throw your very own Met Gala-worthy soiree and watch all the glitz and glam from the comfort of your home.
Experiment with different variations, starting with a key accessory and building up to a full Regency core outfit. Shimmering gold and diamond-encrusted jewellery? Check. Peacock feather headpieces and delicate feather trims? Check. The finest silks, satins and velvets? Check. You will go to the ball!
You can get the look without completely overhauling your wardrobe by just adding accessories and embellishing items you already own. Don’t stress over getting it ‘right’ – enjoy yourself and have fun with it!
The most memorable look of every Met Gala in the last decade
2012 – Gwyneth Paltrow, Prada (5,520 searches)
2013 – Kim Kardashian, Givenchy (6,240 searches)
2014 – Beyoncé, Givenchy (9,600 searches)
2015 – Rihanna, Guo Pei (38,880 searches)
2016 – Madonna, Givenchy (32,280 searches)
2017 – Kim Kardashian, Vivienne Westwood (98,760 searches)
2018 – Chadwick Boseman, Atelier Versace (131,760 searches)
2019 – Kylie Jenner, Versace (199,320 searches)
2021 – Kim Kardashian, Balenciaga – Demna Gvasalia (1,693,200 searches)
Equivalent to annual search volume in 2022*
