The 2019 Met Gala, themed “Camp: Notes on Fashion” and inspired by Susan Sontag’s 1964 essay, celebrated exaggerated, theatrical, and over-the-top aesthetics. Katy Perry fully embraced the theme in a show-stopping candled chandelier dress designed by Moschino’s Jeremy Scott.
Katy Perry lit up the 2019 Met Gala in a crystal-embellished Moschino chandelier dress paired with equally dazzling, jewel-encrusted mules that perfectly captured the camp theme’s extravagant spirit
🕯️ Explore Other 2019 Met Gala Celebrity Looks:
- 💡 Nina Dobrev’s 3D-Printed Zac Posen Dress paired with shimmering Christian Louboutin Iriza pumps.
- 💎 Kylie Jenner’s Lavender Versace Gown adorned with $4.9 million worth of Lorraine Schwartz diamonds.
- 🎩 Ashley Graham’s Gucci Blazer Dress styled with crystal-embellished tights and pointed-toe heels.
- 🖤 Penélope Cruz’s Chanel Haute Couture Ensemble completed with Christian Louboutin Hyper Privé peep-toe shoes.
- 🌟 Miley Cyrus’ Saint Laurent Mini Dress paired with black suede Paige platform sandals.
- 🌸 Taylor Hill’s Pink Satin Dress accessorized with a blush feather boa and elegant heels.
The flamboyant gown featured thousands of Swarovski crystals and an actual chandelier structure, with functional lights powered by hidden battery packs. It reportedly took 6 weeks to create.
Originally featuring real candles, they were later swapped for electric ones for safety. Perry confirmed that the elaborate design weighed 40 pounds and embodied the essence of camp’s playful absurdity.
She later changed into a Moschino-designed hamburger costume in true over-the-top fashion, delivering another viral moment that perfectly captured the gala’s spirit of bold, humorous excess.
Katy Perry wears a candled chandelier dress at the 2019 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 6, 2019 (Credit: Rob Rich / WENN / Andres Otero)
A team of designers placed thousands of Swarovski crystals on the dress and actual chandelier pieces from Swarovski’s lighting branch for added authenticity.
“There is a built-in corset consisting of 18 steel bones and two hidden battery packs to illuminate the lights,” Moschino designer Jeremy Scott told Vogue. “I mean, who wants to wear a chandelier that doesn’t light up!”
Katy Perry completed her chandelier-inspired look with crystal-embellished, baroque-style Moschino mules, echoing the outfit’s over-the-top opulence
Katy styled the glistening dress with a blonde wig and crystal-embellished shoes that elongated her 5’7″ (170.2 cm) frame.
As of 2025, Katy Perry has attended the Met Gala eight times. Her appearances span from her debut in 2009 through 2022, with each year showcasing her evolving and often theatrical fashion choices.
👠 Explore Katy Perry’s Most Iconic Met Gala Looks:
- 🔥 2017: Maison Margiela Couture by John Galliano — A bold red tulle gown with a veiled headpiece, metallic accents, and custom Tabi boots, promoting her album “Witness.”
- 👼 2018: Atelier Versace — A gold chainmail mini dress with dramatic white feathered wings and thigh-high boots, embracing the “Heavenly Bodies” theme.
- 🌸 2022: Oscar de la Renta — A sheer, barely-there gown with floral appliqués and nude heels, showcasing a softer, more romantic take on Met Gala fashion.
- 🖤 2016: Prada — A velvet gown adorned with gold enameled collage embroidery, accessorized with a Tamagotchi and Fred Leighton jewelry, fitting the “Manus x Machina” theme.
- 🎨 2015: Moschino — A graffiti-inspired black gown with elbow-length gloves and a pixie hairstyle, reflecting the “China: Through the Looking Glass” theme.