There’s certainly a reason why we refer to the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala as the “Oscars of fashion.” With its go-big-or-go-home vibe, the celebrities, models, and insiders push it with the unthinkable, leaving us all with something to talk about for weeks. With this year’s controversial exhibit, “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” which explores the intersection between fashion and religion, you can imagine the red carpet controversy as the attendees and designers vowed to interpret the contentious theme.
Ahead, check out the only looks that matter from fashion’s biggest night.
Bye, world. Rihanna (who is co-hosting the event), went for the theme—more or less as a high-fashion pope in a mini skirt. All hail the queen.
Double trouble. SJP and Andy coordinated their dramatic looks—each featuring intricate gold and beaded details.
Lena Waithe shows her pride with this wildly dynamic rainbow cape and coordinating suit. Bow down.
Our recent cover star, who is currently in Angels in America on Broadway, looked incredibly dapper in a red velvet tuxedo jacket.
Cinderella meets 80s princess meets artistic warrior, that's how we'd sum up Sza's breathtaking pink dream.
Ariana Grande wearing her signature headpiece and a full gown printed with Michelangelo's 'The Last Judgement." Theme, nailed.
A priest and his Madonna.
Wig snatched. Feathers plucked. This is Katy Perry.
The star of Gus Van Sant's new film, Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot (where he plays a queer character opposite of Joaquin Phonex), Jonah Hill looked sleek in a classic tux.
As one of the hosts for the evening, queen Donatella slayed the carpet in a printed mini dress with coordinating boots, paired with a full half-open skirt.
Gucci royalty, Lana Del Rey and Jared Leto.
The Mindy Project star went for the royal look with a legit crown, full gown, and gloves.
Jaden Smith (in a luxe Louis Vuitton coat) brought his gold record as a date. Maybe Willow wasn't available...
Ruby Rose embodied the theme with a dramatic red gown, complete with a sash and cross.
Now that's one way to work a tweed blazer, Tessa.
It's moments like this—Frances McDormand in the most extra Valentino Couture gown—that make the Met Gala epic (with a capital E).
Tiffany and Karlie holding hands is perhaps the sweetest photo we've seen yet.
J.Lo gave all that leg in her beaded dress with a jewel-encrusted cross as the centerpiece.
Cardi B in Jeremy Scott...Okurrrrr.
Pretty pretty, Selena.
Fire. Fire. Fire. That's all.
There's nothing we don't love about you, Chadwick Boseman—right down to those gold ankle boots.
Between Adwoa's green hair and Cara's see-through dress, this is one pair you just can't take your eyes off of.
We're getting serious Dirty Computer album cover vibes, Janelle Monáe.
A sculptural latex dress with coordinating thigh-high boots, and a durag. You win, Solange.
Zoë Kravitz can basically do no wrong in the fashion department—especially if she goes for a little lacey Saint Laurent dress.
This is true fashion, Sarah Paulson.
