7 Shocking Secrets Behind Blake Lively And Ryan Reynolds' Iconic Met Gala Transformations (And Why They Keep Skipping It)

The Met Gala red carpet is the ultimate stage for celebrity fashion, but no couple commands attention quite like Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. As of December 2025, their most recent and arguably most iconic appearance remains the 2022 event, an evening where they not only co-chaired the proceedings but also unveiled a stunning, transformative fashion moment that paid deep homage to New York City. This article dives into the secrets of that unforgettable night, their legacy of Met Gala royalty, and the very latest updates on why they have chosen to skip the world's biggest fashion event for three consecutive years.

Their presence is a guarantee of viral moments and meticulous thematic adherence, making their absence in the years that followed a major talking point for fashion enthusiasts and fans alike. From the hidden meaning in Blake’s color-changing gown to the reasons behind their recent non-attendance, we break down the definitive history of Hollywood’s most beloved power couple at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual fundraiser.

Complete Biography Profile: Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds

The couple, often dubbed "Hollywood royalty," first met on the set of the superhero film Green Lantern, but their relationship quickly evolved into one of the most stable and endearing partnerships in the entertainment industry. Their public appearances, including their highly anticipated Met Gala looks, are characterized by genuine affection and a shared, playful sense of humor.

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• Blake Ellender Lively
  • Born: August 25, 1987, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
  • Key Roles/Entities: Serena van der Woodsen (Gossip Girl), The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, The Age of Adaline, A Simple Favor, Betty Buzz (Beverage Company Founder).
  • Notable Facts: Daughter of actor Ernie Lively; known for styling herself without a professional stylist.
• Ryan Rodney Reynolds
  • Born: October 23, 1976, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
  • Key Roles/Entities: Wade Wilson/Deadpool (Deadpool franchise), The Proposal, Free Guy, The Adam Project, Wrexham A.F.C. (Co-Owner), Aviation American Gin (Owner/Promoter), Mint Mobile.
  • Notable Facts: Dual Canadian and American citizenship; known for his quick wit and social media banter with Lively.
• Relationship Timeline
  • 2010: Met on the set of Green Lantern.
  • 2011: Began dating.
  • September 2012: Married in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
  • Children: Four daughters (James, Inez, Betty, and a fourth child whose name has not been publicly confirmed).

The 2022 'Gilded Glamour' Masterpiece: An Ode to New York City

The 2022 Met Gala, themed "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" with the dress code "Gilded Glamour," became the pinnacle of Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ Met Gala history. They served as co-chairs alongside Regina King and Lin-Manuel Miranda, and their commitment to the theme was unparalleled.

Blake Lively’s Transformative Atelier Versace Gown

Blake Lively’s custom Atelier Versace gown was the undisputed highlight of the evening, a true piece of performance art. The actress arrived on the red carpet in a massive, copper-colored column dress, complete with a dramatic bow and opera gloves.

• The Transformation: Halfway up the Met steps, fashion assistants dramatically untied the bow, revealing a hidden layer of verdigris (a pale green color) fabric underneath. The copper dress unfolded to become a stunning, flowing train in the new shade.
• The Inspiration: Lively explained that instead of looking to fashion, she looked to New York City architecture for inspiration. The copper color of the initial dress was a direct reference to the oxidation of the Statue of Liberty, which gradually turns from copper to the famous verdigris green.
• Hidden City Landmarks: The intricate embroidery on the gown and train featured celestial maps and architectural details inspired by iconic New York landmarks, including the celestial ceiling of Grand Central Terminal and the Art Deco designs of the Empire State Building.
• The Tiara: Her seven-tiered tiara, a custom piece by Lorraine Schwartz, was another nod to the Statue of Liberty, specifically the seven rays on its crown, which represent the seven continents and seven seas.

Ryan Reynolds’ Supporting Role in Ralph Lauren

While Blake’s gown stole the show, Ryan Reynolds’ look was the perfect complement, embodying the "Gilded Glamour" theme with classic sophistication. He chose a custom Ralph Lauren white-tie velvet tuxedo in a rich, dark brown hue.

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Reynolds’ role as the supportive and visibly stunned husband—his reaction to Blake’s transformation went instantly viral—cemented the couple’s status as red carpet gold. His elegant white bow tie and gold pocket watch were subtle nods to the Gilded Age aesthetic, providing a refined contrast to Lively's architectural spectacle.

A Legacy of Iconic Met Gala Looks: 2018 and Beyond

The 2022 event was not their first time masterfully adhering to the Met Gala’s complex themes. Their history on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is filled with memorable, theme-appropriate ensembles that consistently land them on "Best Dressed" lists.

The 2018 'Heavenly Bodies' Look

For the "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" theme in 2018, Blake Lively delivered another breathtaking masterpiece. Her custom Versace gown featured a deep crimson color, an ornate gold bodice, and a jaw-dropping, embroidered train that reportedly took over 600 hours to create.

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The look was accessorized with a spiked halo headpiece and was a clear reference to religious iconography, perfectly capturing the theme's blend of fashion and Catholic imagery. Ryan Reynolds, by her side, wore a dapper tuxedo with a gold vest and pocket watch, ensuring his look was subtly in sync with her dramatic, jewel-toned ensemble.

The 2017 'Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons' Look

In 2017, the theme honored designer Rei Kawakubo. Blake wore a gold, feathered, and plunging Versace gown with a dramatic blue feather train, a look that was both avant-garde and glamorous. This appearance is notable for a sweet, hidden detail: the embroidery on the train included a tribute to her family—the initials of her husband and daughters.

The Latest Update: Why Blake and Ryan Skipped 2023, 2024, and 2025

Despite their established status as Met Gala darlings, the couple has been notably absent from the red carpet since their co-chair duties in 2022. This non-attendance has been the subject of significant media speculation and fan disappointment every year.

The 2023 Non-Attendance: Lively was pregnant with their fourth child at the time of the 2023 Met Gala, themed "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty." She humorously confirmed her absence, stating she would be watching from home in her 2022 dress, proving that sometimes, family priorities outweigh fashion commitments.

The 2024 and 2025 Non-Attendance: The couple also skipped the 2024 Met Gala ("The Garden of Time") and have reportedly chosen not to attend the 2025 event. While the specific reasons for their continued absence are often private, the decision appears to stem from a desire to prioritize family time and manage their demanding careers, which include film production, acting, and managing their various business ventures (Aviation Gin, Mint Mobile, Betty Buzz, Wrexham A.F.C.).

Their absence in recent years underscores a broader trend: even the most dedicated A-list celebrities sometimes choose to step away from the relentless spotlight of major events like the Met Gala. However, their 2022 transformative moment remains a high-water mark in the event's history, solidifying their legacy as one of the most stylish and thematically brilliant couples to ever walk the Metropolitan Museum of Art steps.