Met Gala 2018: pageantry and performance on the red carpet – in pictures

The 70th annual Met Ball was themed Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination

Guardian staff

Main image: Rihanna arrives on the red carpet for the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute’s benefit celebrating the opening of the exhibit ‘Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination’ in New York Photograph: Justin Lane/EPA

  • Sarah Jessica Parker undoubtedly made a beeline for Italian designers Dolce & Gabbana when the religious theme of this year’s Met Gala – Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination – was announced. Her sumptuous gold gown was topped off with an elaborate and slightly wobbly nativity-scene headpiece.
    Sarah Jessica Parker undoubtedly made a beeline for Italian designers Dolce & Gabbana when the religious theme of this year’s Met Gala – Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination – was announced. Her sumptuous gold gown was topped off with an elaborate and slightly wobbly nativity-scene headpiece.

  • Fashion’s high priestess Anna Wintour arrives at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art for the annual Costume Institute’s benefit gala. The US Vogue’s editor-in-chief and co-chair of the Met Gala stuck closely to the religious Heavenly Bodies theme, dressing as “Cardinal Chanel”.
    Fashion’s high priestess Anna Wintour arrives at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art for the annual Costume Institute’s benefit gala. The US Vogue’s editor in chief and co-chair of the Met Gala stuck closely to the religious Heavenly Bodies theme, dressing as “Cardinal Chanel”.

  • The ever-ethereal Kate Bosworth called on Oscar de la Renta’s designers Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia for her custom white gown, topped with a mantilla veil. The designers also worked with her on her wedding gown when she wed Michael Polish in 2013
    The ever ethereal Kate Bosworth called on Oscar de la Renta’s designers Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia for her custom white gown, topped with a mantilla veil. The designers also worked with her on her wedding gown when she wed Michael Polish in 2013

  • What better shortcut to the religious theme than a gold halo headpiece? Amber Heard matched her scarlet Carolina Herrera gown with the halo but her strong beauty look isn’t winning many fans.
    What better shortcut to the religious theme than a gold halo headpiece? Amber Heard matched her scarlet Carolina Herrera gown with the halo but her strong beauty look isn’t winning many fans.

  • Heavenly = angel wings, right? Katy Perry arrived wearing a giant pair of feathered wings with her gold chainmail Versace mini dress and thigh-high boots. The singer and American Idol judge paused for a moment on the red carpet to kneel in prayer - perhaps hoping for divine guidance on how to sit down with those wings.
    Heavenly = angel wings, right? Katy Perry arrived wearing a giant pair of feathered wings with her gold chainmail Versace mini dress and thigh-high boots. The singer and American Idol judge paused for a moment on the red carpet to kneel in prayer - perhaps hoping for divine guidance on how to sit down with those wings.

  • Designer and another of the Met Gala 2018 co-chairs Donatella Versace wears one of her own designs, an embroidered navy and gold mini-dress topped with a sweeping navy overskirt
    Designer and another of the Met Gala 2018 co-chairs Donatella Versace wears one of her own designs, an embroidered navy and gold mini-dress topped with a sweeping navy overskirt

  • Lily Collins steered clear of the angelic look and went for something darker with her sheer Givenchy gown and Gothic make up, while clutching rosary beads.
    Lily Collins steered clear of the angelic look and went for something darker with her sheer Givenchy gown and Gothic make up, while clutching rosary beads.

  • Model Jasmine Sanders aka Golden Barbie chose to make her MetGala debut wearing a bespoke liquid gold H&M gown, yet all eyes were on her waist-grazing braid pinned with tiny red roses.
    Model Jasmine Sanders aka Golden Barbie chose to make her MetGala debut wearing a bespoke liquid gold H&M gown, yet all eyes were on her waist-grazing braid pinned with tiny red roses.

  • Hip hop trio Migos went for bold sequinned Versace suits, offset by bling, bling and a bit more bling. The rappers Quavo, Offset, and Takeoff are long time fans of the Italian house - their 2013 debut single was entitled Versace.
    Hip hop trio Migos went for bold sequinned Versace suits, offset by bling, bling and a bit more bling. The rappers Quavo, Offset, and Takeoff are long time fans of the Italian house - their 2013 debut single was entitled Versace.

  • Arguably the golden era for the Catholic church, the Renaissance provided ample inspiration for actor Amanda Seyfried’s golden Prada gown, H.Stern tiara and wavy locks.
    Arguably the golden era for the Catholic church, the Renaissance provided ample inspiration for actor Amanda Seyfried’s golden Prada gown, H.Stern tiara and wavy locks.

  • Fashion power squad Alek Wek, Jasmine Sanders, Ann-Sofie Johansson, Kiersey Clemons, Olivia Munn, Luka Sabbat, and Lili Reinhart join forces on the Met Gala red carpet.
    Fashion power squad Alek Wek, Jasmine Sanders, Valerie Messika, Kiersey Clemons, Olivia Munn, Luka Sabbat, and Lili Reinhart join forces on the Met Gala red carpet.

  • Rita Ora made a dramatic entrance at the Met Gala wearing a sweeping black Prada gown
    Rita Ora made a dramatic entrance at the Met Gala wearing a sweeping black Prada gown

  • Bella Hadid went for fallen angel with her all-black Chrome Hearts outfit, complete with latex bodice, long-sweeping skirt and bolero jacket. The 21-year-old model is practically a veteran of the Met Gala; this year marks her fourth invitation.
    Bella Hadid went for fallen angel with her all-black Chrome Hearts outfit, complete with latex bodice, long-sweeping skirt and bolero jacket. The 21-year-old model is practically a veteran of the Met Gala; this year marks her fourth invitation.

  • Is there anything human rights lawyer Amal Clooney doesn’t ace? The event’s other co-chair had her own take on Met Gala style, wearing Richard Quinn’s majestic creation of silver foil bustier with dramatic train over navy cigarette pants.
    Is there anything human rights lawyer Amal Clooney doesn’t ace? The event’s other co-chair had her own take on Met Gala style, wearing Richard Quinn’s majestic creation of silver foil bustier with dramatic train over navy cigarette pants.

  • Her frothy pink Versace gown may be light on the religious theme but singer-songwriter SZA topped off the look with a custom halo and bejewelled tear drops.
    Her frothy pink Versace gown may be light on the religious theme but singer-songwriter SZA topped off the look with a custom halo and bejewelled tear drops.

  • Zoe Kravitz’s black Saint Laurent dress served double time. The left side of the actor’s gown was all long-sleeved lace, yet the right side was held together with just two strategically placed ribbons.
    Zoe Kravitz’s black Saint Laurent dress served double time. The left side of the actor’s gown was all long-sleeved lace, yet the right side was held together with just two strategically placed ribbons.

  • Her silver gown and navy opera-length gloves may have been channeling classic princess style but Mindy Kaling’s dramatic gold crown, by Greek jewelry designer Pericles Kondylatos, was all queen.
    Her silver gown and navy opera-length gloves may have been channeling classic princess style but Mindy Kaling’s dramatic gold crown, by Greek jewelry designer Pericles Kondylatos, was all queen.

  • She declared she didn’t want to blend in and there was no doubt writer and actor Lena Waithe stood out on the Met Gala red carpet by wearing a suit and LGBTQ pride-flag cape designed by Carolina Herrera.
    She declared she didn’t want to blend in and there was no doubt writer and actor Lena Waithe stood out on the Met Gala red carpet by wearing a suit and LGBTQ pride-flag cape designed by Carolina Herrera.

  • All hail the pope. After arriving in her own pope-mobile, Rihanna had her own take on papal style with her custom designed Maison Margiela gown.
    All hail the pope. After arriving in her own pope-mobile, Rihanna had her own take on papal style with her custom designed Maison Margiela gown.

  • Leave it to Oscar-winning actor Frances McDormand to steal the show, with an enormous blue headpiece designed by Philip Treacy for Valentino Haute Couture. Her sumptuous turquoise cape and chartreuse gown ensemble is also by the Italian fashion house.
    Leave it to Oscar-winning actor Frances McDormand to steal the show, with an enormous blue headpiece designed by Philip Treacy for Valentino Haute Couture. Her sumptuous turquoise cape and chartreuse gown ensemble is also by the Italian fashion house.

  • Yet another golden angel, model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley glimmered in her caped Ralph Lauren gown
    Yet another golden angel, model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley glimmered in her caped Ralph Lauren gown

  • Ariana Grande looked to the Sistine Chapel for the inspiration behind her Vera Wang gown, which is screen printed with images from Michelangelo’s iconic fresco, The Last Judgement.
    Ariana Grande looked to the Sistine Chapel for the inspiration behind her Vera Wang gown, which is screen printed with images from Michelangelo’s iconic fresco, The Last Judgement.

  • Actor Shailene Woodley’s Ralph Lauren silver tunic and thigh-high boots is part Joan of Arc, part cyber warrior.
    Actor Shailene Woodley’s Ralph Lauren silver tunic and thigh-high boots is part Joan of Arc, part cyber warrior.

  • Model Winnie Harlow turned to Tommy Hilfiger for her strapless white gown and dramatic headpiece.
    Model Winnie Harlow turned to Tommy Hilfiger for her strapless white gown and dramatic headpiece.

  • The simplicity of Priyanka Chopra’s deep burgundy strapless Ralph Lauren gown offset the drama of her elaborate gold jewelled hood.
    The simplicity of Priyanka Chopra’s deep burgundy strapless Ralph Lauren gown offset the drama of her elaborate gold jewelled hood.

  • Artist of the moment Janelle Monae stuck to her signature black and white but stepped it up a notch with her Marc Jacobs gown, complete with gold halo hat and silver head scarf.
    Artist of the moment Janelle Monae stuck to her signature black and white but stepped it up a notch with her Marc Jacobs gown, complete with gold halo hat and silver head scarf.

  • Lana Del Rey and Jared Leto went full Mary and Jesus with their elaborate Renaissance-inspired outfits designed for the pair by Gucci.
    Lana Del Rey and Jared Leto went full Mary and Jesus with their elaborate Renaissance-inspired outfits designed for the pair by Gucci.

  • Where there are saints, there are sinners. So says Nicki Minaj who sported a devilishly red Oscar de la Renta gown. The rapper used the occasion to announce the title of her new album: Queen.
    Where there are saints, there are sinners. So says Nicki Minaj who sported a devilishly red Oscar de la Renta gown. The rapper used the occasion to announce the title of her new album: Queen.

  • Kate Moss made a major return to the steps of the Met in a mini ensemble from Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello.
    Kate Moss made a major return to the steps of the Met in a mini ensemble from Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

  • Alexa Chung chose an angelic ensemble of her own design. As with many guests who chose an ethereal hue, she countered her outfit with bold makeup.
    Alexa Chung chose an angelic ensemble of her own design. As with many guests who chose an ethereal hue, she countered her outfit with bold makeup

  • Gigi Hadid arrived in a sweeping, all-over-embellished, asymmetrical gown by the event’s co-host, Donatella Versace.
    Gigi Hadid arrived in a sweeping, all-over-embellished, asymmetrical gown by the event’s co-host, Donatella Versace

  • Met Gala regulars Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen wore floorsweeping vintage gowns from Paco Rabanne, accessorising with religious beads and crucifixes.
    Met Gala regulars Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen wore floorsweeping vintage gowns from Paco Rabanne, accessorising with religious beads and crucifixes

  • Phoebe Waller-Bridge chose a dress from Christopher Kane’s recent autumn/winter 2018 catwalk collection, entitled Pure Joy. The designer, who has pieces from his archive showing in the exhibition, accompanied the actor and writer to the event.
    Phoebe Waller-Bridge chose a dress from Christopher Kane’s recent autumn/winter 2018 catwalk collection, entitled Pure Joy. The designer, who has pieces from his archive showing in the exhibition, accompanied the actor and writer to the event

  • New parents Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott arrived together, with Jenner bringing a hit of spring/summer 2018 to proceedings. She wore Alexander Wang topped off with Matrix-style sunglasses.
    New parents Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott arrived together, with Jenner bringing a hit of spring/summer 2018 to proceedings. She wore Alexander Wang topped off with Matrix-style sunglasses

  • Ashley Graham wore a shimmering bandeau gown with a long train by American designer Prabal Gurung.
    Ashley Graham wore a shimmering bandeau gown with a long train by American designer Prabal Gurung.

  • Current British Vogue cover star Cara Delevingne was responsible for one of the most dramatic ensembles of the evening – a caged creation by Christian Dior.
    Current British Vogue cover star Cara Delevingne was responsible for one of the most dramatic ensembles of the evening – a caged creation by Christian Dior.

  • Having teased his hand-embroidered Louis Vuitton ensemble on Instagram in the days leading up to the Met Ball, Virgil Abloh finally unveiled his first look for the house. Is this a sign of things to come from his official debut next month?
    Having teased his hand-embroidered Louis Vuitton ensemble on Instagram in the days leading up to the Met Ball, Virgil Abloh finally unveiled his first look for the house. Is this a sign of things to come from his official debut next month?

  • Madonna claims to have been ex-communicated by the Catholic church a couple of times, but she was present and correct in her Jean Paul Gaultier gown. For someone who regularly pushes dress codes to the limit, it was a demure ensemble for the star, who was performing at the event.
    Madonna claims to have been ex-communicated by the Catholic church a couple of times, but she was present and correct in her Jean Paul Gaultier gown. For someone who regularly pushes dress codes to the limit, it was a demure ensemble for the star, who was performing at the event

  • What are the steps of the Met for if not to facilitate a dramatic train? Jennifer Lopez got the memo and turned to Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing to design her heavily embellished corset gown, featuring her favourite thigh-revealing slit.
    What are the steps of the Met for if not to facilitate a dramatic train? Jennifer Lopez got the memo and turned to Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing to design her heavily embellished corset gown, featuring her favourite thigh-revealing slit

  • Like several stars, Kim Kardashian West chose a Versace gown to walk the steps of the Met solo (husband Kanye West stayed at home). The liquid-gold style featured religious iconographic appliqué.
    Like several stars, Kim Kardashian West chose a Versace gown to walk the steps of the Met solo (husband Kanye West stayed at home). The liquid-gold style featured religious iconographic appliqué

  • Cardi B wowed the crowds in an angelic Moschino creation by Jeremy Scott, complete with a jewelled headpiece. It was the pregnant star’s Met Gala debut.
    Cardi B wowed the crowds in an angelic Moschino creation by Jeremy Scott, complete with a jewelled headpiece. It was the pregnant star’s Met Gala debut

  • Versace, Versace, Versace: Mary J Blige paid homage to the Italian house with her turquoise dress and boots, complete with gold, baroque-inspired embroidery.
    Versace, Versace, Versace: Mary J Blige paid homage to the Italian house with her turquoise dress and boots, complete with gold, baroque-inspired embroidery.

  • Jourdan Dunn wore a caped Diane von Furstenberg creation with an embroidered neck piece that resembled a choir-boy collar.
    Jourdan Dunn wore a caped Diane von Furstenberg creation with an embroidered neck piece that resembled a choir-boy collar.

  • Anne Hathaway was loyal to one of her favourite houses, with her sweeping Valentino Haute Couture gown coming in the fashion house’s signature red. Keeping with the theme, her head decoration was part halo, part crown of thorns.
    Anne Hathaway was loyal to one of her favourite houses, with her sweeping Valentino Haute Couture gown coming in the fashion house’s signature red. Keeping with the theme, her head decoration was part halo, part crown of thorns.

  • Fresh from releasing the video for his track This Is America (which is already being hailed as a masterpiece), Donald Glover – AKA Childish Gambino – donned a Gucci suit to attend the gala.
    Donald Glover – AKA Childish Gambino – donned a Gucci suit to attend the gala

  • Cindy Crawford arrived wearing – who else? – Versace. The original supermodel was a part of the house’s all-star tribute to its late founder Gianni at Milan fashion week last September.
    Cindy Crawford arrived wearing – who else? – Versace. The original supermodel was a part of the house’s all-star tribute to its late founder Gianni at Milan fashion week last September

  • Adwoa Aboah debuted a bright-green hair colour to complement her chartreuse and black gown. A demure look from the model of the moment.
    Adwoa Aboah debuted a bright-green hair colour to complement her chartreuse and black gown. A demure look from the model of the moment

  • Going for gold: Lena Dunham arrives in an Elizabethan-esque gown, complete with a Stephen Webster wreath necklace.
    Going for gold: Lena Dunham arrives in an Elizabethan-esque gown, complete with a Stephen Webster wreath necklace

  • Joan Smalls wore all-American house Tommy Hilfiger for the occasion, paired with a gold crown.
    Joan Smalls wore all-American house Tommy Hilfiger for the occasion, paired with a gold crown

  • Like Oxford Circus at rush hour, the trains came in thick and fast. This one is courtesy of Diane Kruger, designed by Prabal Gurung.
    Like Oxford Circus at rush hour, the trains came in thick and fast. This one is courtesy of Diane Kruger, designed by Prabal Gurung

  • Actor Sienna Miller went for a metallic colour palette, accessorised with a bejewelled crown and necklace.
    Actor Sienna Miller went for a metallic colour palette, accessorised with a bejewelled crown and necklace.

  • Jaden Smith brought his hair as his date last year; this year, he brought his 2017 album Icon in a glass frame, fully eclipsing his Louis Vuitton outfit and making him master of unlikely accessories.
    Jaden Smith brought his hair as his date last year; this year, he brought his 2017 album Icon in a glass frame, fully eclipsing his Louis Vuitton outfit and making him master of unlikely accessories

  • Solange wears an Iris van Herpen latex creation and a braided halo, which she told Teen Vogue was inspired by black Madonna. The singer said she was especially excited because her du-rag had “My God wears a du-rag” written on it.
    Solange wears an Iris van Herpen latex creation and a braided halo, which she told Teen Vogue was inspired by black Madonna. The singer said she was especially excited because her du-rag had “My God wears a du-rag” written on it

  • Salma Hayek wore an embroidered Altuzarra gown depicting the Garden of Eden.
    Salma Hayek wore an embroidered Altuzarra gown depicting the Garden of Eden

  • Heavenly being: Sarah Paulson wore an embellished Prada gown.
    Heavenly being: Sarah Paulson wore an embroidered Prada gown.

  • Blake Lively pulled out all the stops in a dramatic Versace gown, which is said to have taken 600 hours to make.
    Blake Lively pulled out all the stops in a dramatic Versace gown, which is said to have taken 600 hours to make

  • Kerry Washington was one of the golden girls of the evening, wearing a full-length, long-sleeved Ralph Lauren gown.
    Kerry Washington was one of the golden girls of the evening, wearing a full-length, long-sleeved Ralph Lauren gown

  • Alicia Vikander wore an ecclesiastical design by Louis Vuitton, completed with over-the-elbow gloves to give the look a rebellious edge.
    Alicia Vikander wore an ecclesiastical design by Louis Vuitton, completed with over-the-elbow gloves to give the look a rebellious edge

  • Top marks for Chadwick Boseman, one of the few men to pull out the stops with the dress code. His outfit drew praise from the Twittersphere.
    Top marks for Chadwick Boseman, one of the few men to pull out the stops with the dress code. His outfit drew praise from the Twittersphere

  • Paris Jackson, Stella McCartney and Miley Cyrus arrived together, all wearing gowns by McCartney.
    Paris Jackson, Stella McCartney and Miley Cyrus arrived together, all wearing gowns by McCartney

  • Met Gala regular Claire Danes wore a Marni gown, designed by the house’s creative director, Francesco Risso.
    Met Gala regular Claire Danes wore a Marni gown, designed by the house’s creative director Francesco Risso

  • Kristin Scott Thomas wore a lavishly embroidered gown with a cape train. She was accompanied by Erdem Moralıoğlu, who designed her ensemble.
    Kristin Scott Thomas wore a lavishly embroidered gown with a cape train. She was accompanied by Erdem Moralıoğlu, who designed her ensemble.

  • Uma Thurman wore an ivory off-the-shoulder gown by Gabriela Hearst, keeping to the theme with her accessories – a pendant necklace and matching earrings featuring religious symbols.
    Uma Thurman wore an ivory off-the-shoulder gown by Gabriela Hearst, keeping to the theme with her accessories – a pendant necklace and matching earrings featuring religious symbols

  • Burberry’s new chief creative officer, Riccardo Tisci, wore Burberry, naturally. The designer has pieces from his own design archive on display in the exhibition.
    Burberry’s new chief creative officer, Riccardo Tisci, wore Burberry, naturally. The designer has pieces from his own design archive on display in the exhibition

  • Anthony Vaccarello arrives with his Saint Laurent contingent. Charlotte Casiraghi, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kate Moss, Amber Valletta, Anja Rubik and Mica Arganaraz all wore creations by the designer.
    Anthony Vaccarello arrives with his Saint Laurent contingent. Charlotte Casiraghi, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kate Moss, Amber Valletta, Anja Rubik and Mica Arganaraz all wore creations by the designer.

  • Emma Stone attended the gala with the Louis Vuitton contingency, including Michelle Williams and Alicia Vikander.
    Emma Stone attended the gala with the Louis Vuitton contingency, including Michelle Williams and Alicia Vikander.
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