Latex, leather and metallics galore: all the A-list looks from the Met Gala 2016 red carpet
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- Amy Swales
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It's that time of year again – hours of make-up artistry, miles of fabric and roll upon roll of adhesive body tape come together for one of the most anticipated events in the fashion calendar. Yep, it's the annual Costume Institute Gala (as it's formally known) giving celebrity-designer pairings the chance to show off on the red carpet.
Posing for photographers on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has become almost as important as the fundraising the exclusive dinner is designed for, as the world's fashion press focuses its lense on some spectacular haute couture – all of which is created to tie in with the institute's current exhibition.
This year's theme is Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology, resulting in plenty of futuristic metallics, slicked-back hair and bold dark lips.
Presided over by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, co-hosts of Met Gala 2016 include Idris Elba and Apple's chief design officer Jonathan Ive while honorary chairs include Louis Vuitton designer Nicolas Ghesquière, Karl Lagerfeld, Miuccia Prada, and Taylor Swift.
Get your fashion fix here with all the best red carpet looks.
Images: Getty Images / Rex Features
Solange Knowles
Solange Knowles never disappoints, pulling an eye-catching lemon look out of the bag.
Taylor Swift
The singer went for short, tiered Louis Vuitton to pay her dues to the tech theme.
Beyoncé
Probably fair to say latex and pearls isn't a look for everyone, but the singer works her peachy Givenchy number, puffed sleeves and all.
Blake Lively
It's billowing Burberry for Blake, with autumnal leaf detail and an oh-so-flowing train.
Kylie Jenner
It's cut-out Balmain and head-to-toe silver sparkle for Kylie Jenner.
Ciara
Ciara's in an incredible H&M creation we're unlikely to see on the high street any time soon...
Emma Watson
Emma Watson stuns in a Calvin Klein Collection dress-slash-trouser-suit, designed in collaboration with Eco-Age and made from recycled plastic bottles, no less.
Lupita Nyong'o
The actor is full-on futuristic in her jaw-dropping mint sequinned Calvin Klein Collection gown. Not to mention that hair...
Kendall Jenner
Jenner is model-perfect in cut-out Atelier Versace.
Madonna
Madonna opts for a thong corset by Givenchy with more than a little bit of an S&M vibe...
Amy Schumer
The comedian looks incredible in a red Alexander Wang gown.
Katy Perry
A vision in Prada, Katy Perry is almost unrecognisable in floor-length velvet with plenty of gold detail, leather gloves, a squared-off beehive and futuristic, eyebrow-free make-up.
Emily Blunt
Actor Emily Blunt looks sleek and polished in blue Michael Kors Collection.
Emily Blunt and Olivia Wilde
Olivia Wilde wears black Michael Kors Collection.
Kerry Washington
Kerry Washington debuts pink-toned hair in lacy black Marc Jacobs.
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman models cut-out Alexander McQueen, with a hint of the galaxy thanks to swirls of sparkling detail.
Cindy Crawford
Long-sleeved Balmain sparkle for Cindy Crawford, who exudes grown-up glamour and effortless class.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga goes all-out in Atelier Versace, donning a chunky jacket, basque and bra with vertiginous heels; all appropriately space age.
Kate Hudson and Lady Gaga
Meanwhile, Kate Hudson's angelic white Atelier Versace couldn't contrast more, with the pair's ensembles encapsulating the 'Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology' theme.
Brie Larson
The Oscar-winning actor wears a cut-out, tiered sequin gown by Proenza Schouler.
Kristen Stewart
Of course it's Chanel for Kristen Stewart, in a black-toned outfit with lace-up waist detail and paired with silvery make-up.
Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams' understated zipped Louis Vuitton navy number has a futuristic edge, matched perfectly with a blunt bob and the label's practical boots.
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez continues the trend for leather detail with her spotty Louis Vuitton dress paired with boots made for navigating stairs that have felled many a trussed-up star with ease.
Rachel McAdams
A stunning gold Valentino gown for the actor, who edges it up with undone hair and a deep berry-stain lip.
Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid
Gigi Hadid's Tommy Hilfiger design is perfect for the machine-fashion theme, the sequin detail calmed with a sedate dark grey overlay.
Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian said her Balmain look was intended to be “kind of like a blingy sexy robot”. Mission accomplished, say we.
Kris Jenner
Kris Jenner keeps it black in Balmain with sequins and beading, finished with a choker.
Zoe Saldana
It's impressive Dolce & Gabbana for Zoe Saldana, who sweeps in on a colourful full-skirted gown with a sheer black bodice.
Allison Williams
Allison Williams is a futuristic fairy tale in pale blue Peter Pilotto, with a full train and matching clutch.
Jourdan Dunn
Jourdan Dunn is part of the Balmain army, ready for fashion battle in a skin-tight silver number.
Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson is all romance in puffy, pale pink H&M.
Sarah Jessica Parker
In contrast to her exaggerated 2015 Met style, it's generally agreed that SJP has gone full-on Carrie Bradshaw with her Monse ensemble, complete with Fred Leighton jewellery.
Rita Ora
Feathery Vera Wang with matching silver make-up ensures Rita Ora can't fail to make an entrance.
Uma Thurman
The actor accessorises her simple Tommy Hilfiger gown with a vintage Cartier brooch.
Alexa Chung
Alexa Chung joins the slicked-back hair brigade, well-suited to her sparkly Thakoon two-piece.
Kate Mara
The House of Cards star's black, disc-detail Paco Rabanne by Julien Dossena mini is sweet while nodding to the theme.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Classic Ralph Lauren for the model, complete with thigh-high split.
Rose Byrne
The star is flawless in a slinky metallic Ralph Lauren gown with spaghetti straps and frill detail.
Dakota Johnson
The actor stands out in a Gucci dress with a lace neckline and a colourful star print.
Kate Bosworth
It's Dolce & Gabbana and an ethereal glow for Kate Bosworth, complete with hair crown and toughened up with deep lips.
Alessandra Ambrosio
Another Balmain beauty for the model, whose crochet-style gown lost any cutesy vibe with the addition of a not-for-messing chrome cinch belt.
Alicia Vikander
Her Louis Vuitton may divide opinion, but the actor certainly stands out in her mixed-fabric mini in a sea of trains.
Emily Ratajkowski
Revealing, one-shoulder monochrome Prabal Gurung for the model, matched with slick hair and strong eyeliner.
Amber Heard
Amber Heard showcases the classic romantic feel of Ralph Lauren in a Champagne-coloured gown.
Irina Shayk
Very slight patriotic milkmaid vibes from Irina Shayk's sheer Givenchy gown with American flag print.
Dakota Fanning
Dakota Fanning wears black Nina Ricci and soft undone hair.
Anna Wintour
The head honcho looks classy in fringed Chanel.
Bee Shaffer and Anna Wintour
Mother-daughter fashion duo Anna Wintour (right) and Bee Shaffer pose in Chanel and Alexander McQueen.
Bee Shaffer
Bee Shaffer shows off the sweeping train of her Alexander McQueen embroidered crepe dress with sequin-flower detail.
Hailey Baldwin
Hailey Baldwin in backless, glitter-striped Tommy Hilfiger.
Florence Welch
Florence Welch wears a high-necked, shimmery Gucci number with floral detail we can imagine a few brides-to-be taking inspo from...
Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato is dressed to kill in slinky Moschino with oversized print and silver panels, matched with the slicked-back hair du jour.
Sienna Miller
Sienna Miller wraps up a classic shape with a bow in gold Gucci.
Poppy Delevingne
It's detailed Marchesa for Poppy Delevingne, paired with super-simple sleek locks.
Chloe Grace Moretz
The actor sports a deep plunge Custom COACH gown in black with silver detail and a studded COACH clutch.
Saoirse Ronan
Saoirse Ronan is all about the details in light Christopher Kane adorned with maribou and a butterfly brooch.
Kate Upton
Kate Upton's sparkly Topshop gown is stunning enough, but rather outshone by the rock on her ring finger...
Idris Elba
The actor keeps it simple in a black suit with white shirt and tie.
Maria Sharapova
Maria Sharapova's flowy red number is by Juan Carlos Obando, and accessorized with one statement earring.
Adriana Lima
Her Giambattista Valli dress may have been seen on Girls star Allison Williams already, but the cute prom style look is still a winner.
Agyness Deyn
Agyness Deyn sweeps in, wearing deep blue and a sheer train. Plus, of course, Met Ball regulation slicked-back hair...
Bella Hadid
Bella Hadid goes all black in Givenchy with pop sock-style footwear.
Emma Roberts
Emma Stone is a purple vision in Tory Burch, with sweet braids and smoky, partied-out eyes.
Emma Stone
It's beefed-up Prada for Emma Stone, whose white gown is edged up with a belt not entirely without hints of Xena: Warrior Princess...
Willow Smith
The teen rocks a black, sparkly Chanel look.
Lara Stone
The model is in Tom Ford, with jewellery by Bulgari and choker courtesy of the nineties...
Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen
The Olsens both went for floor-length, with Ashley in a gold jacket and Mary-Kate in head-to-toe black.
Jemima Kirke
The Girls star is chic in beaded Chanel, contrasting her dark, bold make-up with the light gold of the dress.
Jennifer Connelly
Jennifer Connelly is another member of the Louis Vuitton gang, wearing a busy, yet simple mid-length dress with the label's chunky boots.
Zendaya
Zendaya is fembot perfect in a Michael Kors Collection one-sleeved honey-coloured gown and precision bowl cut.
Jessica Chastain
The actor looks amazing in a gemstone-blue Prada number with black beading.
Joan Smalls
Joan Smalls channels fashion robotics by Balmain.
Lorde
The singer sports a pastel-hued tiered confection.
Miranda Kerr
The model matches her Louis Vuitton two-piece with deep berry lips.
Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell wears a beaded Roberto Cavalli dress with extreme cut-out detail and chunky bracelets.
Naomi Watts
The actor is in a sequinned, chain-mail gown by Burberry, broken up with a black belt.
Naomie Harris
Naomie Harris dons metallic Burberry with a statement necklace and side-swept hair.
will.i.am
Will.i.am goes for floral sleeves with a futuristic visor, that may or may not be worn specially for the Met Ball theme...
Karolína Kurková
Karolína Kurková's dress is an actual light-up Marchesa creation that responds to the emotion of comments left on her social media accounts.