Pamela Anderson Unveils Dramatic Transformation at the 2025 Met Gala — Fans Do a Double Take
Pamela Anderson left jaws on the floor at the 2025 Met Gala — and not just because of her outfit. The 57-year-old icon looked almost unrecognizable, debuting a bold new look that sparked an instant wave of reactions across the internet.
Gone were her signature long blonde waves. Instead, Anderson stepped onto the red carpet in New York City on May 5 with a sleek, short blonde bob — a modern, edgy style reminiscent of the micro bangs Miley Cyrus sported at this year’s Oscars after-party.
Known for her glamorous red carpet presence and status as a ’90s bombshell, the former Baywatch star took a stunningly fresh approach this year. Embracing a pared-down, makeup-free aesthetic, she radiated confidence and authenticity in a space where high glamour is often the norm.
Her minimalist look wasn’t just a style choice — it felt like a statement. Effortlessly elegant and refreshingly natural, Pamela proved once again that reinvention is the ultimate power move.
Pamela Anderson’s Striking Met Gala Makeover Divides the Internet
Pamela Anderson made a bold entrance at the 2025 Met Gala, turning heads in a way few expected. The 57-year-old icon looked nearly unrecognizable, not just because of her edgy short blonde bob, but due to a complete reinvention of her signature glam.
Ditching her famed beachy waves and heavy makeup, Pamela arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in a sleek, silver structured gown by Tory Burch — a perfect nod to this year’s “The Garden of Time” theme and its “Tailored for You” dress code. The long-sleeved gown featured a wide neckline and was intricately embellished with red, blue, and silver crystals, offering a shimmering, armor-like elegance. She completed the look with statement jewelry from Pandora.
Makeup legend Pat McGrath helped Anderson achieve what she called an “elevated natural” look. “Pam wanted to wear makeup again for the Met Gala, so we created a look that acknowledged her natural beauty but then took it to the next level,” McGrath told People. “We wanted to explore the next incarnation of natural — how you can wear a full face of makeup in a very fresh and beautiful way.”
Despite the thoughtful styling, the internet had plenty to say — and not all of it was kind.
Some praised Anderson for her fearless reinvention and graceful aging, calling her look “fresh,” “empowering,” and “authentic.” But others weren’t as forgiving. A flood of critical comments surfaced under E! News’ Instagram post:
“I love her, but her stylist needs fired,” one user bluntly stated.
“It’s like she’s trying to look as unattractive as possible — and succeeding,” said another.
“What happened to her beautiful hair? And that dress…” someone else questioned.
“I’d love to see her with some eyebrows,” another chimed in.
Yet amid the polarizing commentary, one comparison kept popping up — Joan of Arc. Her short hair, minimalist makeup, and almost ethereal armor-like gown led many online to draw parallels between Anderson and the legendary heroine. The symbolism wasn’t lost on fans, especially given Anderson’s decision to go makeup-free at Paris Fashion Week in 2023 — a move she described as liberating.
“I don’t know, something just kind of came over me,” she told Vogue France at the time. “I was dressing in these beautiful clothes, and I thought, ‘I don’t want to compete with the clothes.’”
This year, she didn’t compete — she led, commanding attention and controversy in equal measure.
Pamela was joined at the gala by her son, Brandon Thomas Lee, who kept it classic in a black Genuardi tuxedo, offering a polished contrast to his mother’s transformative style moment.
Love it or not, Pamela Anderson’s Met Gala appearance was unforgettable — and perhaps that’s exactly what she intended.
Both Pamela Anderson and Joan of Arc — separated by centuries — share a common thread: women unafraid to defy expectations. Both have faced intense public scrutiny, their appearances endlessly analyzed and debated. And yet, each has challenged the roles society tried to assign them.
At 57, Pamela remains one of pop culture’s most iconic sex symbols, yet she continues to evolve — this time embracing a stripped-down, natural aesthetic that pushes back against an industry obsessed with perfection.
Her 2025 Met Gala look has become a lightning rod for discussion. Was it a powerful statement about aging, identity, and authenticity? Or did it simply miss the mark? Some hail it as bold and beautifully bare, while others find it baffling.
Is Pamela Anderson reshaping the conversation around beauty — or just stirring controversy?
We want to hear from you: Did Pamela absolutely nail it, or is this one look better left in the archives? Sound off in the comments below.