The Met Gala, the benefit event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, is considered the highlight of New York’s social calendar, attracting fashion designers and stars from around the world.
It is known for its expensive tickets, exclusive guest list, and extravagant outfits that are based around a different theme each year.
This year, the theme is Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination, which showcases how Catholicism has influenced fashion throughout history.
Celebrities hit the red carpet on Monday night, sporting papal-inspired gowns, chainmail costumes reminiscent of the Crusades and in singer Katy Perry’s case – oversized angel wings.
Image caption Rihanna wears a papal-inspired gown in honour of this year’s theme
Image caption Actress Olivia Munn dons a chainmail dress
Image caption Actor George Clooney arrives with his wife, Amal Clooney, who is a co-host of this year’s gala
“Fashion and religion have long been intertwined, mutually inspiring and informing one another,” curator Andrew Bolton said in a statement on The Met’s website.
“Although this relationship has been complex and sometimes contested, it has produced some of the most inventive and innovative creations in the history of fashion.”
Image caption Princess Beatrice of York attended in a purple, floor-length gown
Image caption Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, who co-chairs the event, described her dress as “Cardinal Chanel”
Image caption Takeoff, Offset, and Quava of American hip trio Migos arrive in vibrant tuxedos
Image caption Actress Frances McDormand (L), Valentino designer Pierpaolo Piccioli (C) and actress Anne Hathaway (R) appear together on the red carpet
Image caption Actress Kerry Washington delights onlookers in a gold-sequined gown
Image caption NFL quarterback Tom Brady and his wife, Gisele Bundchen, appear on the red carpet
Image caption Actress Diane Kruger arrives on the red carpet
