Met Gala Throwback: Our Favourite Looks and How to Achieve Them

Every May, the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art become the runway for fashion’s most couture moments. These are the beauty moments we return to season after season. They whisper nostalgia, nod to the future, and above all, define the mood of their era. As we throw it back to some of the Met Gala’s most captivating looks and hairstyles, we’re decoding not just the aesthetics but the innovation behind each look and how we at Mermade HQ would recreate them.

Christy Turlington, 1992 – Sculpted Sleek

There’s a timelessness to Christy’s 1992 look that still resonates: a sleek, sculpted updo that felt both structured and impossibly effortless. It was minimalism at its peak, refined, feminine, and quietly powerful. Recreate this iconic up do with the Wax Stick, Styling Brush, and Hair Gel Wand the trio for shaping, smoothing, and setting with long lasting control.

Ashley & Mary-Kate Olsen, 2005 – Undone Texture

The Olsen twins gave us boho beauty at its best. Their soft beach waves looked cool, relaxed, and just the right amount of undone. Achieve their signature softness with the Double Waver, engineered to create uniform bends and heat safe texture with that coveted ‘I woke up like this’ finish.

Rihanna, 2015 – Flicked Out Precision

Rihanna’s short flicked out bob was everything… sharp, playful, and totally chic. It gave her high drama gown the perfect modern edge. The Thermal Brush is your backstage secret to replicating the look, offering smooth, flicked out movement while sealing the cuticle for high gloss polish.

Lily-Rose Depp, 2019 – Glossed and Undone

Lily-Rose brought soft, shiny waves to the red carpet that felt romantic but cool. The kind of hair that looks effortless, but totally put-together. Recreate the look with the Infrared Styler or Straightener, both designed to lock in moisture, reduce frizz, and create a mirror like shine with every pass.

Yara Shahidi, 2021 – Sculpted Curls

Yara’s gorgeous curls were full of bounce, shape, and elegance. They gave a nod to old-Hollywood glamour while still feeling fresh and modern. Recreate the look with our Style Wand, that evenly distributes heat and enhances curl definition without compromise.

Olivia Rodrigo, 2022 – Soft Waves, Soft Power

There was something dreamlike about Olivia Rodrigo’s 2022 Met Gala appearance. Soft waves cascading like a halo, a truly ethereal take on the classic beach waves. Recreate the look with the Pro Waver 32mm, ideal for creating cascading, soft-focus waves that feel both whimsical and sophisticated.

Gigi Hadid, 2024 – Sixties Revival

Gigi’s 2024 look was a tribute to the sixties, think high-volume roots, rounded ends, and an almost mod-like glamour. Use the Thermal Brush to mirror this elevated shape and movement, with ionic heat technology that smooths, lifts, and defines in a single sweep.