9 Iconic Fashion Moments from the Last Decade

9 Iconic Fashion Moments from the Last Decade

Fashion is always evolving, capturing the essence of the times and breaking boundaries in creative, political, and personal ways. Over the last decade, some fashion moments have transcended mere trends, becoming cultural milestones that shifted conversations and redefined style standards. Here are nine unforgettable fashion moments from the last ten years, each of which left a lasting impression on the industry and beyond.

1. Lady Gaga’s Meat Dress at the 2010 MTV VMAs

In 2010, Lady Gaga made one of the boldest statements in red carpet history by wearing a dress made entirely of raw meat to the MTV Video Music Awards. The dress, designed by Franc Fernandez, was intended to protest the U.S. military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. This provocative moment stirred discussions about artistic expression, animal rights, and LGBTQ+ issues, showcasing Gaga’s power to use fashion as a tool for activism.

Impact: This dress highlighted the potential of clothing as an avant-garde political statement, reinforcing Lady Gaga’s reputation as a fearless boundary-pusher and setting a standard for fashion’s role in activism.

2. Rihanna’s Guo Pei Yellow Gown at the 2015 Met Gala

The 2015 Met Gala saw Rihanna steal the show with an enormous yellow gown by Chinese designer Guo Pei. The gown featured intricate embroidery and a sweeping train that trailed several feet behind her. It aligned perfectly with the “China: Through the Looking Glass” theme, and Rihanna’s willingness to embrace such an extravagant, culturally resonant piece set her apart from the crowd.

Impact: This moment spotlighted Guo Pei’s craftsmanship, introducing her to Western audiences and further cementing Rihanna’s position as a high-fashion icon willing to embrace bold choices.

3. Billie Eilish’s Oversized Streetwear at the 2020 Grammys

Billie Eilish arrived at the 2020 Grammy Awards in an oversized Gucci outfit, challenging the norms of red-carpet fashion that typically emphasize form-fitting, glamorous attire. Her signature style became synonymous with a shift toward authenticity, comfort, and body positivity in fashion, resonating with a generation that rejects conventional beauty standards.

Impact: Eilish’s preference for oversized, androgynous clothing popularized a look that empowers wearers to define style on their terms rather than conform to societal expectations about body image.

4. Zendaya’s Joan of Arc-Inspired Look at the 2018 Met Gala

Zendaya’s Joan of Arc-inspired look by Versace at the 2018 Met Gala is one of the most memorable fashion statements of the decade. Styled as a medieval warrior, Zendaya celebrated strength, resilience, and the idea of womanhood as a battle-ready force.

Impact: This look was lauded for its homage to historical symbolism, blending medieval influence with modern couture. It underscored Zendaya’s emerging role as a daring fashion icon, unafraid to make powerful statements.

5. Meghan Markle’s Wedding Dress by Givenchy in 2018

Meghan Markle’s wedding dress by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy was elegant and understated, representing a modern departure from traditional royal wedding gowns. Its minimalist design was complemented by a 16-foot silk veil embroidered with the national flowers of the Commonwealth.

Impact: The gown became symbolic of Markle’s contemporary approach to royal traditions and was praised for its subtle nods to inclusivity, culture, and unity. It inspired a wave of minimalist bridal wear, influencing wedding trends worldwide.

6. Harry Styles’s Vogue Cover in a Gucci Dress (2020)

Harry Styles broke new ground as the first man to appear solo on the cover of Vogue in 2020, wearing a Gucci dress. This move challenged traditional gender norms in fashion and sparked discussions on masculinity, freedom of expression, and fashion’s role in redefining gender identity.

Impact: Styles’s cover marked a significant moment in the movement toward gender-neutral fashion, inspiring a broader acceptance of fluidity in clothing choices and encouraging conversations around masculinity and self-expression.

7. Kim Kardashian’s 2019 “Wet Look” at the Met Gala

Kim Kardashian’s custom Thierry Mugler dress for the 2019 Met Gala embodied a “dripping wet” aesthetic, made possible by latex material that hugged her figure with precision. This daring look drew inspiration from the femme fatale and was meticulously crafted over eight months, highlighting the dramatic possibilities of couture.

Impact: Kardashian’s “wet look” has since influenced fashion, leading to the popularity of skin-tight and unconventional textures. It also reflected the increasing connection between celebrity and high-fashion designers crafting unique looks for iconic personalities.

8. AOC’s “Tax the Rich” Dress at the 2021 Met Gala

New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made waves with her “Tax the Rich” dress at the 2021 Met Gala. The message, boldly displayed in red on a white gown by designer Aurora James, challenged the exclusivity of the event and drew attention to wealth inequality.

Impact: The dress stirred debates about the intersection of politics and fashion and underscored the Met Gala’s evolution into a platform for activism and social commentary. It sparked discussions around the use of high-profile fashion events for progressive messaging.

9. Beyoncé’s 2017 Grammys Performance in Peter Dundas

When Beyoncé performed at the 2017 Grammy Awards, she wore a dazzling golden gown by Peter Dundas, styled to resemble a goddess-like figure with elements of African iconography. Pregnant with twins, she used the opportunity to honor motherhood, strength, and her cultural heritage.

Impact: This look celebrated Black femininity and motherhood in a powerful way, inspiring greater inclusivity and diversity in fashion. It showcased how style can honor identity, culture, and strength, leaving a lasting impact on red carpet styling for years to come.

Closing Thoughts on the Decade in Fashion

Each of these moments underscores the diverse ways in which fashion can resonate and influence. From Gaga’s protest-driven style to Styles’s boundary-breaking gender-fluid look, these icons have set new standards and brought critical conversations into the limelight. As we look to the future, it’s clear that fashion will continue to be a powerful force, bridging worlds, values, and generations in ways few other art forms can.

Fashion isn’t just about trends; it’s about statements, identity, and the power to inspire change. The last decade has shown us that some outfits aren’t just memorable they’re transformative.