Met Gala 2017: All the best dresses

From Katy Perry and Kim Kardashian to Alexa Chung...

Penny Goldstone's avatar
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Published In Buying Guides
(Image credit: Rex)

From Katy Perry and Kim Kardashian to Alexa Chung...

The Met Gala is one of the most exciting events on the fashion calendar and sees some of the hottest celebrities step out in the finest fashion creations, with some pretty incredible red carpet results.

Held annually at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Costume Institute Gala has seen quite a few unforgettable moments over the years, and this year will be no exception. The theme? Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art of the In-Between, as set by this year's exhibition.

Seeing as celebrities always take a theme and run away with it, we can except some real showstoppers on the red carpet, especially as Rei Kawakubo's designs tend to be innovative and structurally bold.

Past years have included Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik in body armour for 2016's Manus x Machina theme, and Katy Perry in a daring Moschino gown as a tribute to the China: Through the Looking Glass exhibition.

Back in 2009, the one and only Victoria Beckham stepped out in an ultra-short Marc Jacobs polka dot creation for the Model as Muse ball. Fellow brit Kate Moss made waves in that show-stopping foil-effect one shoulder number with matching turban in 2006, as accompanied by close designer pal Marc Jacobs - an infamous fashion moment most associate with the annual fundraising gala.

In 2005, it was all about high impact dresses with Elle McPherson opting for a for sunny yellow bandeau creation and Sophie Dahl baring all in a black sheer number.

But enough reminiscing. This year, super-stylish attendees who made Ana Wintour's guestlist included Kylie Jenner, Alexa Chung, Emma Roberts, Gisele Bundchen, a few Victoria's Secret Angels and Katy Perry to name just a few, and we've got our fingers crossed for an apparition from Queen Bey.

Scroll down for a peak at the hottest dresses as they appear on the red carpet...

Katy Perry

Katy Perry

Co-chair Katy Perry made quite the entrance in a jaw-dropping Maison Margiela gown.
(Image credit: Rex)

Co-chair Katy Perry made quite the entrance in a jaw-dropping Maison Margiela gown.

Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady

Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady

Gisele was one of the first to walk the Met Gala 2017 red carpet, with husband Tom Brady.
(Image credit: Rex)

Gisele was one of the first to walk the Met Gala 2017 red carpet, with husband Tom Brady.

Gisele Bundchen

Gisele Bundchen

The model wore a silver sequin Stella McCartney cut-out dress.
(Image credit: Rex)

The model wore a silver sequin Stella McCartney cut-out dress.

Helen Lasichanh and Pharell Williams

Helen Lasichanh and Pharell Williams

Helen Lasichanh and Pharell Williams on the red carpet, both wearing Comme des Garçons.
(Image credit: Rex)

Helen Lasichanh and Pharell Williams on the red carpet, both wearing Comme des Garçons.

Sofia Richie

Sofia Richie

Sofia Richie in a plunging metallic gown by Topshop and Messika jewellery. Who doesn't love the high street?
(Image credit: Rex)

Sofia Richie in a plunging metallic gown by Topshop and Messika jewellery. Who doesn't love the high street?

Behati Prinsloo

Behati Prinsloo

The model opted for a chic, minimalist white dress for the occasion.
(Image credit: Rex)

The model opted for a chic, minimalist white dress for the occasion.

Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling in a midnight blue Prabal Gurung sequin dress.
(Image credit: Rex)

Mindy Kaling in a midnight blue Prabal Gurung sequin dress.

Rose Byrne

Rose Byrne

Like Katy Perry, actress Rose Byrne went for a red tulle number by Ralph Lauren.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Like Katy Perry, actress Rose Byrne went for a red tulle number by Ralph Lauren.

Joan Smalls

Joan Smalls

Red was definitely the colour of choice on the, er, red carpet. We love Joan Smalls's slinky dress.
(Image credit: Rex)

Red was definitely the colour of choice on the, er, red carpet. We love Joan Smalls's slinky dress.

Daisy Ridley

Daisy Ridley

In monochrome Oscar de la Renta.
(Image credit: Rex)

In monochrome Oscar de la Renta.

Candice Swanepoel

Candice Swanepoel

The model went for a black ballgown.
(Image credit: Rex)

The model went for a black ballgown.

Clare Danes

Clare Danes

After last year's LED ballgown, Clare Danes opted for an edgier deconstructed shirt and trouser combo this year.
(Image credit: Rex)

After last year's LED ballgown, Clare Danes opted for an edgier deconstructed shirt and trouser combo this year.

Aymeline Valade

Aymeline Valade

The first power suit of the night, courtesy of Aymeline Valade and Marni.
(Image credit: Rex)

The first power suit of the night, courtesy of Aymeline Valade and Marni.

Lily Collins

Lily Collins

The stunning Lily Collins in structured Valentino, which she accessorised with a Tyler Ellis clutch and Tiffany jewellery.
(Image credit: Rex)

The stunning Lily Collins in structured Valentino, which she accessorised with a Tyler Ellis clutch and Tiffany jewellery.

Frances Bean and Courtney Love

Frances Bean and Courtney Love

Mother and daughter bringing cool to the red carpet in Marc Jacobs.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Mother and daughter bringing cool to the red carpet in Marc Jacobs.

Tracee Elliss Ross

Tracee Elliss Ross

In a bright blue dress with OTT sleeves.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

In a bright blue dress with OTT sleeves.

Elizabeth Banks

Elizabeth Banks

The actress brought attitude to the red carpet in psychedelic Michael Kors.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

The actress brought attitude to the red carpet in psychedelic Michael Kors.

Sophie Turner

Sophie Turner

The actress opted for a classic white Louis Vuitton gown embroidered with nude lace, paired with Repossi jewellery.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

The actress opted for a classic white Louis Vuitton gown embroidered with nude lace, paired with Repossi jewellery.

Diane Von Furstenberg

Diane Von Furstenberg

The designer brought a pop of colour to the red carpet in a a lime gown.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

The designer brought a pop of colour to the red carpet in a a lime gown.

Adriana Lima

Adriana Lima

So simple but so chic.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

So simple but so chic.

Doutzen Kroes

Doutzen Kroes

On trend in an off-the-shoulder Brock collection gown.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

On trend in an off-the-shoulder Brock collection gown.

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra

In custom made Ralph Lauren.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

In custom made Ralph Lauren.

Emma Roberts

Emma Roberts

In an eye-popping red DVF dress.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

In an eye-popping red DVF dress.

Alexa Chung

Alexa Chung

The queen of style in a polka dot chiffon number by DVF.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

The queen of style in a polka dot chiffon number by DVF.

Alison Williams

Alison Williams

Tapping into the corset trend in a chic black and white DVF dress.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Tapping into the corset trend in a chic black and white DVF dress.

Katie Holmes

Katie Holmes

We're in love with this off-the-shoulder Zac Posen gown.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

We're in love with this off-the-shoulder Zac Posen gown.

Riley Keough

Riley Keough

In punky Louis Vuitton and Repossi jewellery.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

In punky Louis Vuitton and Repossi jewellery.

Kylie Jenner

Kylie Jenner

Kylie Jenner followed in big sister Kim Kardashian's footsteps in a nude see-through gown by Versace, quite apt as she was Donatella's date for the night.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Kylie Jenner followed in big sister Kim Kardashian's footsteps in a nude see-through gown by Versace, quite apt as she was Donatella's date for the night.

Emily Ratajkowski

Emily Ratajkowski

Bringing the mermaid trend to the red carpet in shimmering Marc Jacobs.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Bringing the mermaid trend to the red carpet in shimmering Marc Jacobs.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez

Selena wore a custom Coach dress and Tiffany jewellery.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Selena wore a custom Coach dress and Tiffany jewellery.

Thandie Newton

Thandie Newton

The Line of Duty actress wowed with a bold headpiece and red dress.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

The Line of Duty actress wowed with a bold headpiece and red dress.

Gabriel Day-Lewis, Presley Gerber and Jordan Barrett

Gabriel Day-Lewis, Presley Gerber and Jordan Barrett

Textured dinner jackets were the weapon of choice to stand out in the sea of tuxedos.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Textured dinner jackets were the weapon of choice to stand out in the sea of tuxedos.

Jourdan Dunn

Jourdan Dunn

In a deconstructed custom made H&M gown.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

In a deconstructed custom made H&M gown.

Selena Gomez and The Weeknd

Selena Gomez and The Weeknd

Selena Gomez and The Weeknd made their red carpet debut.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Selena Gomez and The Weeknd made their red carpet debut.

Dakota Johnson

Dakota Johnson

In a beautiful black origami-style Gucci gown.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

In a beautiful black origami-style Gucci gown.

Sofia Coppola

Sofia Coppola

In head-to-toe sequins.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

In head-to-toe sequins.

Lily Aldridge

Lily Aldridge

In white Ralph Lauren with thigh-high red boots.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

In white Ralph Lauren with thigh-high red boots.

Kendall Jenner

Kendall Jenner

Kendall Jenner rocked up in a barely there La Perla lingerie couture dress.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Kendall Jenner rocked up in a barely there La Perla lingerie couture dress.

Zoe Kravitz

Zoe Kravitz

Zoe Kravitz has a bit of a Marilyn Monroe in a powder pink Oscar de la Renta column dress with embellished cape.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Zoe Kravitz has a bit of a Marilyn Monroe in a powder pink Oscar de la Renta column dress with embellished cape.

Felicity Jones

Felicity Jones

Felicity Jones went for Victoriana vibes in a powder blue high collar dress.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Felicity Jones went for Victoriana vibes in a powder blue high collar dress.

Rick Owens and Michelle Lamy

Rick Owens and Michelle Lamy

Owning the theme.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Owning the theme.

Emmy Rossum

Emmy Rossum

Wearing a Carolina Herrera jumpsuit.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Wearing a Carolina Herrera jumpsuit.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams

Showing off her bump in an emerald gown by Versace.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Showing off her bump in an emerald gown by Versace.

Mary-Kate And Ashley Olsen: Style Evolution

Mary-Kate And Ashley Olsen: Style Evolution

(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Hayley Bennett

Hayley Bennett

In a dramatic nude floral Dolce & Gabbana dress.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

In a dramatic nude floral Dolce & Gabbana dress.

Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore

In an artistic black frock.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

In an artistic black frock.

Elle Fanning

Elle Fanning

Elle Fanning's icy blue Miu Miu dress did not disappoint.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Elle Fanning's icy blue Miu Miu dress did not disappoint.

Hannah Bagshawe and Eddie Redmayne

Hannah Bagshawe and Eddie Redmayne

The couple looked on point as per.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

The couple looked on point as per.

Ashley Graham

Ashley Graham

In an elaborate custom H&M corset dress.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

In an elaborate custom H&M corset dress.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington

Slaying in a Michael Kors patchwork dress and Rei Kawakubo hair.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Slaying in a Michael Kors patchwork dress and Rei Kawakubo hair.

Julie Macklowe

Julie Macklowe

We love a bold look on the red carpet. Go big or go home is our motto.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

We love a bold look on the red carpet. Go big or go home is our motto.

Diane Kruger

Diane Kruger

Playing it safe in Prada.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Playing it safe in Prada.

Stella Maxwell

Stella Maxwell

Stella's white H&M dress is all about the details.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Stella's white H&M dress is all about the details.

Michelle Monaghan

Michelle Monaghan

In shimmering Paco Rabanne.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

In shimmering Paco Rabanne.

Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain

Jessica dazzles in buttercup yellow Prada.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Jessica dazzles in buttercup yellow Prada.

Karlie Kloss

Karlie Kloss

In masculine tailoring, courtesy of Carolina Herrera. She teamed it with a Tyler Ellis clutch.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

In masculine tailoring, courtesy of Carolina Herrera. She teamed it with a Tyler Ellis clutch.

Kim Kardashian West

Kim Kardashian West

Kim also opted for a corset-style dress.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Kim also opted for a corset-style dress.

Blake Lively

Blake Lively

Just check out the bottom of that Versace dress.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Just check out the bottom of that Versace dress.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry

Championing the sheer trend.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Championing the sheer trend.

Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj

Wearing an H&M creation.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Wearing an H&M creation.

Jaden Smith

Jaden Smith

In a move no one saw coming, Jaden Smith brought his own (cut-off) hair as an accessory.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

In a move no one saw coming, Jaden Smith brought his own (cut-off) hair as an accessory.

Natasha Poly

Natasha Poly

In a cut-out red dress by Michael Kors.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

In a cut-out red dress by Michael Kors.

Hayley Baldwin

Hayley Baldwin

Hayley shunned dresses in favour of this bold two-piece.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Hayley shunned dresses in favour of this bold two-piece.

Taylor Hill

Taylor Hill

Romantic in Herrera.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Romantic in Herrera.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood

Loving the bold beauty look and the custom Altuzarra outfit.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Loving the bold beauty look and the custom Altuzarra outfit.

Hailee Steinfeld

Hailee Steinfeld

Wearing avant garde Vera Wang.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Wearing avant garde Vera Wang.

Kate Bosworth

Kate Bosworth

In Tory Burch - those sleeves!
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

In Tory Burch - those sleeves!

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga

Another fabulous Valentino gown and Tiffany jewellery.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Another fabulous Valentino gown and Tiffany jewellery.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne rocking the Chanel space-age power suit.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Cara Delevingne rocking the Chanel space-age power suit.

Maggie Gyllenhaal

Maggie Gyllenhaal

In a floral Marni gown.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

In a floral Marni gown.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow

Making an unexpected return to the red carpet in custom Calvin Klein.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Making an unexpected return to the red carpet in custom Calvin Klein.

Brie Larson

Brie Larson

Gold everything. Seriously, that's gold leaf in her hair.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Gold everything. Seriously, that's gold leaf in her hair.

Amy Schumer

Amy Schumer

In a true departure from her usual style, Amy wore a bold vinyl dress.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

In a true departure from her usual style, Amy wore a bold vinyl dress.

Rihanna

Rihanna

Rihanna wore an actual work of art from Comme des Garçons.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Rihanna wore an actual work of art from Comme des Garçons.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon

Reese's directional ruffles are the perfect tribute to Rei. The actress teamed it with Tiffany jewellery.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Reese's directional ruffles are the perfect tribute to Rei. The actress teamed it with Tiffany jewellery.

Anna Cleveland

Anna Cleveland

Anna Cleveland's Comme Des Garçons look was chosen for her by Rei.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Anna Cleveland's Comme Des Garçons look was chosen for her by Rei.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez

Giving us a 60s retro feel in powder blue Valentino.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Giving us a 60s retro feel in powder blue Valentino.

Mary J Blige

Mary J Blige

Wearing La Perla couture like Kendall.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Wearing La Perla couture like Kendall.

Natalia Vodianova

Natalia Vodianova

Wearing DVF, a Paula Cademartori clutch and Repossi jewellery.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Wearing DVF, a Paula Cademartori clutch and Repossi jewellery.

Bella Hadid

Bella Hadid

Bella turned heads in her Alexander Wang catsuit.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Bella turned heads in her Alexander Wang catsuit.

Lily Rose Depp

Lily Rose Depp

In beautifully bright Chanel.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

In beautifully bright Chanel.

Gigi Hadid

Gigi Hadid

In a deconstructed Tommy Hilfiger dress, teamed with a Tyler Ellis clutch.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

In a deconstructed Tommy Hilfiger dress, teamed with a Tyler Ellis clutch.

Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson

We love how Kate matched her hair to her Stella McCartney dress.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

We love how Kate matched her hair to her Stella McCartney dress.

John Legend and Chrissie Teigen

John Legend and Chrissie Teigen

Just wow.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Just wow.

Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts

In black Stella McCartney.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

In black Stella McCartney.

Madonna and Jeremy Scott

Madonna and Jeremy Scott

Madonna's camo dress was less controversial than last year's outfit.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Madonna's camo dress was less controversial than last year's outfit.

Lupita Nyong'o

Lupita Nyong'o

The ruffles on this bold orange Prada gown are everything and Tiffany jewellery never hurts either.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

The ruffles on this bold orange Prada gown are everything and Tiffany jewellery never hurts either.

Madonna

Madonna

Madonna's camouflage dress made quite the impression.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Madonna's camouflage dress made quite the impression.

Zendaya

Zendaya

Zendaya floated up the red carpet in a parrot print D&G gown.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Zendaya floated up the red carpet in a parrot print D&G gown.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson

The feather cuffs elevate this otherwise classic navy dress.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

The feather cuffs elevate this otherwise classic navy dress.

Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae

In a stunning Ralph & Russo ballgown and Tiffany jewellery.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

In a stunning Ralph & Russo ballgown and Tiffany jewellery.

Livia Firth

Livia Firth

In an edgy silver foil dress.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

In an edgy silver foil dress.

Stella Tennant

Stella Tennant

It's all about the sleeves.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

It's all about the sleeves.

Solange

Solange

You can always count on Solange to bring the unexpected to the red carpet, and she did just that in aThom Browne black puffa jacket with extra long train.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

You can always count on Solange to bring the unexpected to the red carpet, and she did just that in aThom Browne black puffa jacket with extra long train.

Claire Foy

Claire Foy

Claire Foy looked regal in a floral print dress.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Claire Foy looked regal in a floral print dress.

Dree Hemingway

Dree Hemingway

Dress also opted for a DVF dress.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Dress also opted for a DVF dress.

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore

Julianne's feather Calvin Klein dress is on point.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Julianne's feather Calvin Klein dress is on point.

Lily James

Lily James

Looking sleek in Burberry and Repossi jewellery.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Looking sleek in Burberry and Repossi jewellery.

Rita Ora

Rita Ora

All tied up in a red bow dress.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

All tied up in a red bow dress.

Celine Dion

Celine Dion

Celine Dion made an epic comeback in Valentino.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Celine Dion made an epic comeback in Valentino.

Miranda Kerr

Miranda Kerr

Miranda opted for a 50s style Oscar de la Renta dress.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

Miranda opted for a 50s style Oscar de la Renta dress.

Karen Elson

Karen Elson

The singer looked chic in the palest of pinks.
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

The singer looked chic in the palest of pinks.

Penny Goldstone
Penny Goldstone
Contributing Fashion Editor

Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.

She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.