Katy Perry came as an archangel, Rihanna dressed like the pope, and Kim Kardashian was a golden goddess for New York's Met Gala yesterday on a night of high fashion inspired by religion.
Lawyer Amal Clooney, who was a co-host of this year's gala, arrived with her husband George. Photo: AFP
The Met Gala, the benefit event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, is considered the highlight of New York's social calendar, attracting fashion designers and stars from around the world.
It is known for its expensive tickets, exclusive guest list, and extravagant outfits that are based around a different theme each year.
Guests took to heart the 2018 theme of "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute ball.
Although some commentators had feared the Catholic theme might yield the most controversial Met Gala ever, most of the actors, models and music stars stayed on the right side of propriety in colors of red, white, gold and black.
"Fashion and religion have long been intertwined, mutually inspiring and informing one another," curator Andrew Bolton said.
"Although this relationship has been complex and sometimes contested, it has produced some of the most inventive and innovative creations in the history of fashion."
Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, who co-chairs the event, described her dress as "Cardinal Chanel". Photo: AFP
Rihanna, one of the Met Gala co-hosts, dressed like a pope, sporting a head-turning, jewel-encrusted mitre with matching mini-dress and a priestly-style cape designed by Maison Margiela.
Katy Perry came as an archangel at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. Photo: AFP
Katy Perry wowed in enormous, feathered six foot high white wings teamed with a Versace gold mini-dress paired with thigh-high gold boots.
The invitation-only Met Gala is a fundraising benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and also marks the opening of the Costume Institute's annual fashion exhibition.
The 2018 exhibit shows how Catholicism has influenced fashion and designers through the decades and features more than 50 vestments and other religious items direct from the Vatican.
Princess Beatrice came in a purple, floor-length gown to the Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. Photo: AFP
Madonna, a key religious provocateur early in her pop career, turned demure in a black, long-sleeved gown, with a huge gold crown, and a full face veil.
Kim Kardashian, appearing without husband Kanye West, kept it simple in a curve-hugging, gold metallic floor length dress with plunging neckline by Versace.
"Sex and the City" actress Sarah Jessica Parker opted for a gold Dolce & Gabbana gown embroidered with sacred hearts and a towering nativity scene headpiece.
Jennifer Lopez chose a Balmain dress, split to the hip, with a large cross across the breast and a black feathered train.
Model Bella Hadid was among those opting for the darker side of religion, wearing a Chrome Hearts black latex and leather outfit with long black gloves, and a black veil trailing to the floor.
Actors Olivia Munn, Zandaya and Priyanka Chopra went for Crusades-inspired chain-mail outfits, while "Black Panther" star Chadwick Boseman was among the few men going avant-garde in an ivory cape with gold beaded crosses, an embellished suit, and gold colored shoes.
Other guests chose looks ranging from heavenly white (Dakota Fanning) to angelic yellow (Amanda Seyfried) and skin-baring black lace (Zoe Kravitz).
-BBC / Reuters