2005 was a year unlike any other.
Over the course of 365 days, Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore got married, Destiny’s Child officially parted ways for good and Tom Cruise jumped on Oprah Winfrey’s couch while gushing over his new romance with Katie Holmes.
Plus, the Metropolitan Museum of Art hosted its annual Met Gala with the theme “The House of Chanel.” The year also marked the very first time the Gala fell on the now-iconic first Monday of May.
Even twenty years ago the Met Gala was, as always, a star-studded affair.
Among those in attendance were Jessica Simpson, months away from ending her marriage to Nick Lachey,as well as Vanessa Lachey (née Minnillo), who the 98 Degrees frontman would marry six years later. Jessica, for her part, wore a sweetheart neckline black dress covered in red roses, while Vanessa donned a strapless, bodycon red dress embroidered with flowers.
Not at the event? Nick himself.
Another then-couple in attendance that are now no longer is Tom Brady and Bridget Moynahan, at the time only about a year into their relationship. The Patriots alum wore a classic black tuxedo with bowtie while Bridget opted for a silver gown.
One couple who attended the Gala as a pair and have weathered the test of time were Mariska Hargitay and her husband Peter Hermann, who, in 2005, were celebrating one year of marriage.
In general, the outfits worn to the Met Gala twenty years ago were much tamer compared to the extravagant and unusual looks that have become a staple of the event in recent years.
At the time, perhaps the boldest look was that of model Karolina Kurkova, who arrived at the Gala in a one shoulder white gown with the words “I love you” written in red script across the dress’ front.
Also present at the event was Karl Lagerfeld, who acted as creative director for Chanel from 1983 to his death in 2019. The designer would be posthumously honored at the Met Gala four years after his death, when the slightly controversial theme “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” was announced for the 2023 event.
To see all of the above stars—plus many more—at the Met Gala in 2005, keep reading.
Bridget Moynahan & Tom Brady
The then-couple enjoyed a touchdown of an evening together.
Anna Wintour & Karl Lagerfeld
Vogue‘s editor-in-chief and Chanel’s creative director coordinated in black and white looks.
Karolina Kurkova
The model made quite the statement—literally—with her look.
Ian Somerhalder
The Vampire Diaries star was out for blood in his effortlessly chic suit.
Ashley Olsen & Mary-Kate Olsen
The Full House alums graced the steps for their first Met Gala at age 18.
Vanessa Lachey
The future Love is Blind host had all eyes on her as she walked the carpet in this gorgeous red dress.
Jimmy Fallon
Twenty years ago, the Tonight Show host gave peace a chance.
Mariska Hargitay & Peter Hermann
The Law & Order star and her husband—then newlyweds—couldn’t help but smile as they walked the Met’s steps: this was their story.
Nicole Kidman
The movie star’s gorgeous look was practically magic as she acted as co-host of the evening.
Johnny Knoxville
The Jackass star looked anything but as he posed on the Met Museum’s steps.
Jake Gyllenhaal
Jake’s look promised to look just as good the day after tomorrow.
Emmy Rossum
All we ask of you is please don’t forget the Phantom of the Opera star’s beautiful silver gown.
Selma Blair
The sweetest thing about Selma’s look was the gorgeous trim on her dress.
Liev Schreiber
The Ray Donovan alum rocked a classic suit—and mustache—in 2005.
Jessica Simpson
The now-44-year-old looked irresistible in her flowered gown.
Claire Danes
But soft! The Romeo + Juliet star was no fortune’s fool in her beautiful black and pink dress.
Linda Evangelista
The super model channeled Miranda Priestly in in her cerulean blue gown.
Check out E!’s Met Gala homepage for every must-see look from fashion’s biggest night and all the behind-the-scenes moments you might have missed. And watch E! News Tuesday, May 6, at 11 p.m. for a full 2025 Met Gala recap.
