The night is revered as the Oscars of the East coast, the biggest night in fashion, and the industry’s most exclusive party – regardless of what you call it, it’s definitely the most anticipated event of the season.
It was the first Monday in May, which means last night was the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala, more commonly known as the Met Gala.
The Met Gala is an annual fundraiser held at the Upper East Side museum to support the Costume Institute, which is the only department of the Met to be fully self-funded. Many moons ago, the exhibitions just weren’t cutting it, so naturally when Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue and Artistic Director of Conde Nast, got involved, it became the biggest bash of the year.
Wintour works with Andrew Bolton, the museum’s Costume Institute curator, to envision and put together the exhibition. While each year’s exhibition has a theme, so does the respective gala. With the celebration of Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination – which showcases both pieces of fashion inspired by Catholicism and others that are on-loan from the Vatican itself (each handpicked by Wintour-and-Co. , of course) – the dress code for the Red Carpet was Sunday’s Best.
In the past we’ve seen few people show up in theme, Rihanna and Sarah Jessica Parker reliably committing to it no matter the cost (or what SJP has to wear on her head), but this year seemed to bring out everyone’s desire to get involved. And we’re so here for it. Keep scrolling for our top 10 celebs who came to play at the Met Gala 2018 in their most divine ensembles yet.
Rihanna
As possibly the most anticipated to hit the carpet, Bad Gal did not let us down. She is famous for, well, a lot of things, but this time of year she’s known for bringing out all the stops on the steps of the MET. This year she wore a full papal getup by Maison Margiela.
Blake Lively
The ever-classic blonde bombshell has done it once again. She traded in hubby Ryan Reynolds for Christian Louboutin on her arm, and wore custom Versace to match. The gold and red embroidery, which apparently took over 600 hours to complete, paired with jewels galore and an understated (comparatively speaking) headpiece, catapulted her right to the top. After all, it wouldn’t be a fashion event without a classy moment from everyone’s favorite mom on Twitter.
Madonna
With the exhibition being what it is, everyone was most looking forward to seeing what Madonna was going to wear because, let’s face it, this was made for the OG Holy Mother. And just like a prayer, she fully took us to exactly where we all needed to be: on the floor crying over how perfectly royal she looked dressed in nostalgically beautiful Jean Paul Gaultier.
Sarah Jessica Parker
This time with an altar on her head, the queen of dress-up stunned us once again. She rocked a regal Dolce Gabbana gown, which obviously had a show-stopping train to boot!
Solange Knowles
This music icon made some noise on the carpet with her all-black Iris van Herpen attire. The sculpted gown and thigh-high boots boasted loads of shiny patent leather, while her saintly headpiece rested on a do-rag – the perfect cultural nod for Beyonce’s little sis. Oh, and let’s not forget the Swarovski-embellished bag carrying Florida Water.
Cardi B
Accompanied by Moschino creative director Jeremy Scott, the rapper showed off her pregnancy bump in what can only be described as a work of art. The duo sent us all to our knees in prayer after making their appearance, drippin’ in finesse.
Lena Waithe
The writer/producer/actor evoked a speechless slow-clap and head nodding from those of us watching at home. She brought her A-game in custom Carolina Herrera; a suit accentuated by a pride-inspired cape. The juxtaposition of Catholicism with the symbol of LGBTQ pride was just such a prominent and important moment on the carpet, which we’re not so used to seeing.
Katy Perry
This angel had us the minute she was caught struggling to get out of the vintage white car she arrived in. Why was she struggling? Hm, perhaps it was the Victoria’s Secret-style wings she was wearing on her back. Underneath the wings was an even more angelic gold lamé mini dress, courtesy of Versace.
SZA
Also in Versace, the singer graced us all with soft colors and bold boots. Her overload of tulle was nothing short of spectacular, and her headpiece was seemed straight out of a Michelangelo fresco.
Priyanka Chopra
After slaying last year’s carpet when she unsuspectingly showed up in a Ralph Lauren trench-gown, the masses were stoked to hear she’d be returning to the steps this year. She came to win again in a Ralph Lauren Collection velvet evening gown pushed over the edge by a gold-embroidered hood, all of which hit the mark beautifully.