The first Monday of May spells two things: one, we will endure the annual resurgence of Justin Timberlake's 'It's gonna be May' memes, and two, the Met Gala has returned for another year.
The annual, invitation-only fundraising gala for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute is currently underway in New York City, where the who's who of the red-carpeted world congregate for one of the most high-profile events of the year.
This year's shindig is dedicated to the iconic but often controversial fashion visionary Karl Lagerfeld, in celebration of the institute's newest exhibition, Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty - a retrospective showcase of his life and illustrious six-decade career. As such, the dress code for this year's gala is "in honour of Karl", paying homage to the late designer's legacy ahead of the exhibition's opening on May 5.
There have already been two pregnancy announcements, with supermodel Karlie Kloss and tennis superstar Serena Williams both debuting their baby bumps on the cream carpet. No one appears to have fallen down the stairs just yet, although there's always time.
Meanwhile, Jared Leto rocked up in a full, fluffy catsuit - not the black latex version à la Catwoman - but an actual costume reminiscent of a mascot. This was an ode to Lagerfeld's beloved furry friend Choupette, who was unable to attend the extravaganza despite getting her paws on an invite. Not to be outdone, Doja Cat arrived in an Oscar de la Renta hooded gown accompanied by cat-like prosthetics in honour of the famous feline.
The guest list, which is shrouded in secrecy ahead of the event, has been sufficiently star-studded. Among the A-list attendees are Kim Kardashian and her sisters, Kylie and Kendall Jenner, despite rumours the famous family would not secure invites following the media storm that surrounded Kardashian allegedly damaging Marilyn Monroe's dress last year.
The carpet has been awash with a number of stand-out sartorial moments that pay tribute to the late powerhouse. Unlike previous years, it appears many of the guests have passed the brief with flying colours (or should that be shades?), either referencing Lagerfeld's work with some of fashion's most famous houses - he helmed the likes of Chanel and Fendi - or reinterperating his own personal style that became synonymous with his being. Fingerless gloves, starched white collars, blazers, ties and layered necklaces were mainstays of Lagerfeld's wardrobe, as well as a pair of ever-present black sunglasses. Plus, the swoop of white hair that was forever tied in a neat ponytail at the nape of his neck.
Black, white, cream and silver and gold accents have reigned, as well as a few welcome injections of colour, such as blush, in reference to Lagerfeld's classic Chanel palette. Pearls and floral applique have been omnipresent, another touchpoint for his work with the French fashion house, while pointed collars, black bow detailing, metallics, stacked jewellery, blazer-style overcoats and yes, cats, honoured Lagerfeld's famous fashion penchants.
A number of Chanel's archival looks have also made reappearances, including Margot Robbie wearing a 1993 dress once worn by Cindy Crawford and Nicole Kidman arriving in the iconic feathered gown she wore for the Baz Luhrmann-directed Chanel No 5 commercial from 2004. Meanwhile, co-chair Roger Federer incorporated a subtle tribute to the designer into his suit, with Fendi creative director and Lagerfeld's successor, Kim Jones, incorporating hand-drawn sketches inspired by the designer in the lining.
Here are some of the night's best, boldest and yes, weirdest, looks.
Rihanna and ASAP Rocky
Jared Leto
Serena Williams
Anna Wintour and Bill Nighy
Penélope Cruz
Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu and Ke Huy Quan
Cardi B
Lil Nas X
Dua Lipa
Bad Bunny
Florence Pugh
Kim Kardashian
Jeremy Pope
Cara Delevingne
Kendall Jenner
Kylie Jenner
Billie Eilish
Gigi Hadid
Anne Hathaway
Doja Cat
Rita Ora and Taika Waititi
Pedro Pascal
Leon Lai Yi
Jenna Ortega
Nicole Kidman
Gisele Bündchen
Alton Mason
Sydney Sweeney
Anok Yai
Janelle Monae
Jennifer Lopez
Kate and Lila Moss
Michaela Coel
Keke Palmer
Roger Federer
Diddy and Yung Miami
