Camouflage and Combat Boots: Madonna’s Most Controversial Met Gala Outfit Yet

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While Madonna thankfully did not show her butt this year, the diva did not impress in an army-inspired camouflage dress as she arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. She was joined by Moschino’s designer Jeremy Scott, Bella Hadid, and Rihanna.

Madonna turned heads at the 2017 Met Gala in a full-length camouflage Moschino gown with combat boots, while Jeremy Scott matched in military-inspired black with lace-up patent bootsMadonna turned heads at the 2017 Met Gala in a full-length camouflage Moschino gown with combat boots, while Jeremy Scott matched in military-inspired black with lace-up patent boots

​The 2017 Met Gala celebrated the Costume Institute’s exhibition “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between.” It focused on the avant-garde designs of Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo and her label, Comme des Garçons, exploring themes of interstitiality—blurring boundaries between fashion, art, and concepts such as then/now, self/other, and design/not design.​

Other stars who impressed on the red carpet included Rihanna in a sculptural Comme des Garçons dress with strappy knee-high stilettos, Halle Berry in a sheer black Atelier Versace jumpsuit adorned with metallic embellishments, and Lily Aldridge in a custom Ralph Lauren gown paired with bold red Balenciaga Knife boots.​

Additional standout looks included Zendaya in a vibrant Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda couture gown, Nicki Minaj in a custom H&M dress coupled with Versace ‘Medusa’ sandals, and Gisele Bündchen in a bespoke Stella McCartney gown.​

Madonna accessorized her camouflage Met Gala look with layered silver chains, gold statement necklaces, stacked rings, and edgy hoop earrings for a bold, maximalist finishMadonna accessorized her camouflage Met Gala look with layered silver chains, gold statement necklaces, stacked rings, and edgy hoop earrings for a bold, maximalist finish

The then-58-year-old superstar attended the annual fashion gala in a full-length camouflage gown that featured a long train, complete with a green construction net and gun holsters.

She accessorized with long black leather gloves, a matching army bag, and a diamond grill in her mouth. Do you like this ensemble more than we do?

Madonna takes a dramatic sip from a military-style canteen, fully committing to her camouflage Met Gala look with layered gold and silver jewelry and opera-length glovesMadonna takes a dramatic sip from a military-style canteen, fully committing to her camouflage Met Gala look with layered gold and silver jewelry and opera-length gloves

Madonna flashed a diamond grill on her teeth, styled her platinum blonde hair in soft retro waves, and sported a bold camouflage-inspired manicure at the 2017 Met GalaMadonna flashed a diamond grill on her teeth, styled her platinum blonde hair in soft retro waves, and sported a bold camouflage-inspired manicure at the 2017 Met Gala

Madonna wearing a full-length camouflage Moschino gown at the 2017 Met Gala in New York City on May 1, 2017Madonna wearing a full-length camouflage Moschino gown at the 2017 Met Gala in New York City on May 1, 2017 (Credit: WENN)

Avant-Garde Elegance: Standout Fashion and Footwear at the 2017 Met Gala

The 2017 Met Gala celebrated the Costume Institute’s exhibition “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between,” focusing on avant-garde designs that blurred boundaries between fashion, art, and concepts like then/now, self/other, and design/not design. Here are some of the most memorable looks from the event:

Rihanna’s Sculptural Comme des Garçons Ensemble

  • Event: 2017 Met Gala
  • Outfit: Rihanna captivated attendees in a Comme des Garçons Fall 2016 piece, featuring dramatic, oversized 3D floral embellishments.
  • Footwear: She paired the avant-garde dress with red strappy thigh-high sandals, completing her bold look.
  • Read more: Rihanna Dazzles in Comme des Garçons at Met Gala 2017

Lily Aldridge’s Bold Balenciaga Boots

  • Event: 2017 Met Gala
  • Outfit: Lily Aldridge wore a custom white Ralph Lauren gown with cut-out details and a sweeping train.
  • Footwear: She made a statement with red Balenciaga Knife thigh-high boots, adding a pop of color to her ensemble.
  • See more: The Met Gala 2017: Balenciaga Knife Boots Take Center Stage

Zendaya’s Vibrant Dolce & Gabbana Gown

Helen Lasichanh’s Comme des Garçons Tribute

Hailee Steinfeld’s Gothic Vera Wang Ensemble

These fashion-forward choices exemplify how celebrities interpreted the avant-garde theme, blending bold designs with statement footwear to honor Rei Kawakubo’s visionary work.