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 research 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 – perfect timing for New York’s Met Gala!
This fashion trend is ready to return once again, giving us all the opportunity to embrace OTT opulence by simply hitting the high street. Although you might not fancy slipping on an empire-waisted gown, there are endless ways to add subtle (and not so subtle!) nods to high society into your wardrobe.
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’s high time you welcomed some of these elegant fashion choices into your life. Go all out with your very own Met Gala-worthy soiree and compete with the best of the A-list from the comfort of your home.
Story Stages
The competition is on!
Following two years of disruption due to the pandemic, the Met Gala is back like never before! And for those lucky enough to receive an invitation, the all important dress code will be sending them, their stylists and designer friends wild. 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 trying to figure out how we can recreate the looks for less.
The research by Fenwick uncovers Kim Kardashian’s Met Gala looks as 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 and will be sure to give the best-dressed celebs a run for their money.
The most memorable look of every Met Gala in the last decade
2012 – Gwenyth Paltrow, Prada (5520 searches)
2013 – Kim Kardashian, Givenchy (6240 searches)
2014 – Beyonce, Givenchy (9600 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, Belenciaga – Demna Gvasalia (1,693,200 searches)
Equivalent to annual search volume in 2022*
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 prancing and flouncing 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 Kim Kardashian’s take on the much-anticipated dress code. Searches for “Kim Kardashian Met Gala 2022” have started climbing since the event was announced, and the icon is already the most searched for celebrity in relation to the event.
This year, Kimmie K 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!
What to expect
Look out for the bold and beautiful in all it’s glory. From the shimmering and bejeweled to the frilly and feathered, the hourglass silhouette to the dapper tailoring and the finest silks and velvets to the elaborate embroidery and lace. It’s sure to be a feast for the eyes.
