All the Best Looks from the Met Gala 2018

Gigi Hadid

Headline stories have always accompanied the first Monday in May, when the fashion and social elte, as well as our favourite celebrities grace the red carpet at the entrance of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Met Gala, which is formally called the Costume Institute Gala and marks the opening of the Costume Institute's annual fashion exhibit, led to revealing what Beyoncé's "Lemonade" was really about. It’s also where many A-list couples, like Selena Gomez and The Weekend, officially make their relationships public knowledge.

Cara Delevigne in Christian Dior Haute Couture

Emilia Clarke in Dolce & Gabbana

However, the Met Gala is essentially about the fashion and the celebrity-packed red carpet at the annual event never stops surprising. With every new and surprising theme, we have come to expect over-the-top, avant-garde looks that show what designers are capable of when they don’t have to worry about any creative barriers.

Kim Kardashian-West in Versace

Lily Collins in Givenchy

And thanks to lots of resourcefulness and stars not being afraid to take risks, there were definitely lots of jaw-dropping looks this year. Those who stayed committed to the “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” “theme treated us to some seriously extravagant headpieces, including crowns and halos, lots of gold and crosses, Renaissance artworks and angel wings.

Theme Stunners
A real nod to the Catholicism-themed exhibit, perhaps the event's most controversial idea to date, came from Rihanna, one of the celebrity hosts of this year's event. Always one to level up on the event’s dress code, she certainly didn’t disappoint with her imperial papal-style crown and cape. Other on-theme attendees included Katy Perry in huge angel wings and gold mini dress, Jennifer Lopez in a cross-encrusted stunner and Zendaya in a chainmail gown that honoured warrior Joan of Arc. Ariana Grande donned a reinterpretation of Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel, while Sarah Jessica Parker turned heads in a nativity scene headpiece. Madonna, who performed an amazing surprise show and is renowned for her religious sartorial moments, went for a black Goth-inspired look with a crucifix dotted crown and a black net veil.

Ariana Grande in Vera Wang

Jennifer Lopez in Balmain

Katy Perry in Atelier Versace

Madonna in Jean Paul Gaultier

Rihanna in Maison Margiela by John Galliano

Sarah Jessica Parker in Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda

Zendaya in custom Versace

Other Head-Turning Looks
Other show-stopping creations included one from Priyanka Chopra, who wore a royal oxblood gown, with a gold beaded hood, which reportedly required over 250 hours of embroidery. Blake Lively’s intricate gown, which apparently took 600 hours to make, featured regal embroidery, a bejewelled bodice and a full skirt. Then there was that stunning look from pregnant newcomer to the event, Cardi B. Her entire ensemble, including religious/regal heapiece was covered in beads and ornate jewels. Another fashion darling, Amal Clooney, paired pants with a metallic corset and a flowing floral train. As one of the celebrity hosts of the night, she made her mark in the bold look. Lena Waithe’s LGBTQ flag cape made us do a double take, and Diane Kruger’s satiny blue confection with gold filigree, pouf sleeves and long train, was simply gorgeous. We also loved Lili Reinhart’s shimmery silver off-the-shoulder gown, which showed off her legs and featured a dramatic train.

Amal Clooney in Richard Quinn

Blake Lively in custom Versace

Cardi B in Moschino

Diane Kruger in Atelier Prabal Gurung

Lena Waithe in Carolina Herrera

Lili Reinhart in H&M

Priyanka Chopra in Ralph Lauren

Heavenly Fashion Choices
Other guests hit the mark with some flawless fashion. Metropolitan Museum of Art trustee and co-chair of the event, Anna Wintour, opted for an ethereal white gown. Others who chose the pure hue and gave off wedding dress vibes included Winnie Harlow, in a strapless corset dress, and Kate Bosworth in a gold flecked ball gown, which she accessorised with a beaded mantilla. Plus, young Yara Shahidi looked entirely angelic for her first Met Gala appearance, while Rosie Huntington-Whiteley took our breath away in a gown that mirrored stained glass windows and a literal halo. While Zoe Kravitz and Bella Haddid’s black outfits were far from being saint-like, they certainly highlighted their heavenly bodies.

Anna Wintour in custom Chanel