Countless pregnant stars have walked the red carpet over the years, but only a few can say they graced the Met Gala‘s iconic steps while expecting — and we’re taking a look at some of the most memorable ensembles worn by famous mamas-to-be since the gala’s inception.
As one of the most prestigious fashion events of the year and an occasion celebrities covet an exclusive invitation to, the Met Gala has become a uniquely iconic opportunity to announce a pregnancy (Sophie Turner and Kerry Washington, we’re looking at you) and an equally epic way to flaunt the gorgeous curves and feminine power that come along with carrying a child.
Cardi B rocked one of the most memorable pregnancy looks in recent history at the 2018 gala, a Vatican-inspired Moschino gown with an ornate headdress to match. And who could forget Kim Kardashian‘s highly talked-about Givenchy look at her first gala in 2013 — the SKIMS founder fondly looks back at the “sick” floral gown that took on its own life as a meme.
Then there was the jaw-dropping statue rendering of Rihanna created by Vogue ahead of the 2022 Met Gala. Although the then-heavily pregnant singer did not attend that year’s event, the digital tribute broke the internet — even Rihanna herself tweeted, “Shut down the met in marble! what’s more gilded than that? Y’all bad for this one.”
With the 2024 event celebrating the theme “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” underway, we’re taking a look at the top pregnancy fashion moments at the Met Gala over the years.
Lea Michele
Lea Michele looked etheral in Rodarte on the 2024 Met Gala red carpet. The star announced she is expecting her second baby with husband Zandy Reich back in March.
The couple are already parents to a son named Ever Leo who was born in 2020.
Serena Williams, 2023
Serena Williams announced she’s expecting Baby No. 2 at the 2023 “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty” Met Gala! Upon arriving at the event, the tennis legend wrote on Instagram, “Was so excited when Anna Wintour invited the 3 of us to the Met Gala.”
Williams dressed in a black and white curve-hugging Gucci gown complete with sheer sleeves, rhinestone embellishments, a plunging neckline, and a tulle skirt that fanned out dramatically at the knee. The soon-to-be mom of two accessorized with strands upon strands of pearl necklaces and a pearl headband.
Karlie Kloss, 2023
Supermodel Karlie Kloss also debuted her second pregnancy at the 2023 gala. She told Entertainment Tonight of the reveal, “This is the most important night of fashion of course, and I’m honestly surprised I could keep it a secret this long!”
Kloss spoke to Vogue correspondent Emma Chamberlain about her look by Loewe, explaining it was inspired by a 1983 dress by Lagerfeld that featured a similar blur design. The former Victoria’s Secret Angel paired the black long-sleeve gown with a pair of black bowed heels to match the bow in her hair, as well as large pearl earrings and several strands of pearls around her neck and waist.
Rihanna, 2023
Rihanna showed up fashionably late to the 2023 Met Gala, but her Karl Lagerfeld-inspired look was worth the wait. The “Love on the Brain” singer wore a dramatic white Maison Valentino gown with a sweeping train, and while her intricate rosette overcoat hid her baby bump from view, Rihanna eventually removed the stunning piece to reveal her pregnancy curves beneath.
Sophie Turner, 2022
Debuting Baby Bump No. 2 at the “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” themed gala in 2022, Sophie Turner brought all the dark glamor vibes in an archive Louis Vuitton gown with diamond earrings from the fashion house’s High Jewelry collection and a pair of designer slides from the label.
The Game of Thrones actress told Vogue, “I am wearing a dress from the 2016 cruise collection, which was shown at the Bob Hope house in Palm Springs. I know the estate had an immediate impression on Nicolas [Ghesquière], and led him to create this incredibly powerful collection.”
Turner showcased her love for fashion, explaining, “The juxtaposition of the house’s Brutalist architecture with the refined interior… I think you see that [reflected] here with the beautiful flowing dress that carries chainmail-embroidered elements across the shoulders and waist, giving it a powerful, strong, and yes, feminine appearance.”
Cardi B, 2018
Cardi B certainly had all the girls shook at her first Met Gala in 2018. The theme was “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination,” and her ornate Moschino ensemble designed by Jeremy Scott absolutely nailed the assignment.
The gem-encrusted gown hugged the rapper’s burgeoning belly and showed off her busty décolleté while revealing some leg through a slit that nearly met the bottom of her bump. The stunning headpiece, matching collar, and voluminous ballgown skirt added to the jaw-dropping look for one of our favorite Met Gala ensembles to date.
Scott, who accompanied the expecting mother on the red carpet, joked with Entertainment Tonight, “I have the new Virgin Mary queen with me tonight, Cardi B, so I wanted something with divine, of divinity for her.” The fashion designer explained, “I thought about the Vatican and all these amazing encrusted iconography of religious icons, like Mary, Virgin Mary, [as inspiration].”
Kerry Washington, 2016
Kerry Washington chose to debut her second pregnancy at the 2016 Met Gala — an iconic move in itself. The actress told PEOPLE of the pregnancy reveal, “The idea that my bump made its debut at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is pretty fun.”
The Scandal alum wore a vampy look by Marc Jacobs for the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” theme. The lacy black gown featured a deep V-cut neckline, a high-thigh slit, and a modest train. Washington completed the gothic-glam look with sheer polka-dot gloves, simple black strappy heels, a dark smokey eye, and burgundy-tinged curls.
Emily Blunt, 2016
Emily Blunt was also carrying her second child during the 2016 Met Gala. The Jungle Cruise actress wore a sparkling midnight blue Michael Kors Collection gown that hugged her pregnancy curves and gently flared out at the knee.
Olivia Wilde, 2016
Proving 2016 was a busy year for celeb mamas, a pregnant Olivia Wilde was also in attendance at the esteemed event. Like Washington and Blunt, the Don’t You Worry, Darling director was expecting her second child, and along with the latter, she wore a Michael Kors Collection look — although hers was a bit edgier than her movie star friend’s glittering gown.
Wilde’s uniquely-cut black dress featured sparkling eyelet embellishments and a metallic collar necklace. The O.C. alum kept the rocker-chic theme going with black nail polish, a slicked-back ponytail, and a grungy smoky eye.
Blake Lively, 2016
Although she hadn’t yet announced her pregnancy at the time of the 2016 gala, Blake Lively later revealed she was two months along with Baby Reynolds No. 2 at that year’s event. While only the tiniest of bumps can be seen from certain angles, the Gossip Girl alum is the Queen of the Met, so we’re happily giving her an honorable mention for her stunning blush-toned Burberry look.
Lively’s gorgeous gossamer number featured a corset bodice, a pleated skirt with dual hip-high slits, and a hand-dyed cape embellished with red and pink acrylic petals. She finished the look with stunning drop earrings, a bright red lip, and an elaborate twisted updo.
Jaime King, 2015
Jaime King proved simple is still stunning with her 2015 “China: Through The Looking Glass” Met Gala ensemble. The Hart of Dixie actress dressed in all-red Hugo Boss pieces from head to toe, including her flowing gown that skimmed over her pregnancy curves.
Lake Bell, 2014
Lake Bell set the tone for King’s 2015 look at the 2014 “Charles James: Beyond Fashion” Met Gala. The pregnant actress beautifully embodied classic elegance as she wore a red Tommy Hilfiger gown that featured satin pleating down the back and a stunning organza train. She accessorized with a chunky gold necklace, a ruby red clutch, and a cherry lip.
Kim Kardashian, 2013
Kim Kardashian was heavily pregnant with her eldest child when she attended her first Met Gala in 2013. Embracing the “PUNK: Chaos to Couture” theme, the SKIMS founder wore a floral Givenchy gown with a high neck and slit in the skirt, which revealed matching strappy heels on her feet.
Kardashian was notably trolled for the ensemble, which many compared to “grandma’s couch” and Robin Williams’ Mrs. Doubtfire character. In a 2019 video for Vogue looking back on her most notable looks, the mom of four admitted that she “cried all the way home” over the social commentary around the dress.
However, Kardashian added, “I just remember the Olsen twins came up to me and loved my outfit and my gloves so none of the critics mattered because the Olsen twins approved.” She confidently said, “Now I love it; now it’s sick.”
Kate Hudson, 2011
Kate Hudson was absolutely glowing in 2011 when she attended the “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” Met Gala with her baby bump on display. The How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days icon wore an ethereal Stella McCartney gown that featured a rhinestone-encrusted bust and a champagne silk skirt.
The Fabletics founder accessorized with a floral hair jewel, a metallic gold clutch, and champagne peep-toe pumps — but her burgeoning bump housing her second child was her best accessory.
Jessica Alba, 2011
Jessica Alba was also pregnant during the 2011 event, and like Hudson, she sheathed her growing baby in a glowing gold ensemble. The Fantastic Four actress wore a glimmering gown by Ralph Lauren that hugged her bust and gently billowed out from the waist, subtly showing off her belly.
Leave a Comment