It's the biggest spring bash in fashion, where Hollywood stars, style icons and the biggest names in music all turn out for the Met Ball in New York. And because its dress code is strictly in celebration of the latest Metropolitan Museum of Art's fashion exhibit at the Costume Institute, every year it's a spectacular display of fashion, from last year's punk-themed event to superhero-inspired looks in 2008.
As we anticipate what stars will wear to this year's gala on 5 May - which has a more understated dress code of 'White Tie and Decorations' - we look at the best and most outrageous costumes yet.
(Images: Rex Features, Getty)
Sarah Jessica Parker, 2013
Theme: Punk: Chaos To Couture
Wearing: A Giles Deacon dress and Philip Treacy hat
Katy Perry, 2013
Theme: Punk: Chaos To Couture
Wearing: A Dolce and Gabbana dress
Sienna Miller, 2013
Theme: Punk: Chaos To Couture
Wearing: Burberry dress and jacket
Florence Welch
Theme: Punk: Chaos To Couture
Wearing: A Givenchy gown
Carey Mulligan, 2012
Theme: Schiaparelli And Prada: Impossible Conversations
Wearing: A Prada frock
Christina Ricci, 2012
Theme: Schiaparelli And Prada: Impossible Conversations
Wearing: A Thakoon dress
Elizabeth Banks, 2012
Theme: Schiaparelli And Prada: Impossible Conversations
Wearing: A Mary Katrantzou gown
Florence Welch, 2012
Theme: Schiaparelli And Prada: Impossible Conversations
Wearing: An Alexander McQueen gown
Beyoncé, 2012
Theme: Schiaparelli And Prada: Impossible Conversations
Wearing: A Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy gown
Daphne Guinness, 2011
Theme: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
Wearing: An Alexander McQueen gown
Naomi Campbell, 2011
Theme: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
Wearing: An Alexander McQueen couture gown
Rihanna, 2011
Theme: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
Wearing: A Stella McCartney dress
Liv Tyler, 2011
Theme: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
Wearing: A Givenchy by Riccardo Tischi gown
Karolina Kurkova, 2011
Theme: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
Wearing: A Jean Paul Gaultier Couture creation
Beyoncé, 2011
Theme: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
Wearing: In an Emilio Pucci gown
Taylor Swift, 2011
Theme: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
Wearing: A J. Mendel couture gown
Jennifer Lopez, 2011
Theme: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
Wearing: A Gucci gown
Katy Perry, 2010
Theme: American Women: Fashioning a National Identity
Wearing: In a Cute Circuit dress with LED lights
Coco Rocha, 2010
Theme: American Women: Fashioning a National Identity
Wearing: A Zac Posen gown
Jennifer Lopez, 2010
Theme: American Women: Fashioning a National Identity
Wearing: A Zuhair Murad gown
Kate Moss, 2009
Theme: The Model As Muse: Embodying Fashion
Wearing: A Marc Jacobs dress
Elizabeth Hurley, 2009
Theme: The Model As Muse: Embodying Fashion
Wearing: An Elie Saab Couture gown
Victoria Beckham, 2008
Theme: Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy
Wearing: A Giorgio Armani gown
Anna Wintour, 2008
Theme: Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy
Wearing: A Chanel gown
Naomi Watts, 2008
Theme: Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy
Wearing: A Theirry Mulger gown
Eva Mendes, 2008
Theme: Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy
Wearing: A Calvin Klein dress
Amber Valletta, 2008
Theme: Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy
Wearing: In a Versace Couture gown
Christina Ricci, 2008
Theme: Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy
Wearing: A Givenchy gown
Sarah Jessica Parker, 2006
Theme: AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion
Wearing: An Alexander McQueen dress
Charlize Theron, 2006
Theme: AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion
Wearing: A Christian Dior gown
Victoria Beckham, 2006
Theme: AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion
Wearing: A Roland Mouret dress
Karolina Kurkova, 2005
Theme: The House of Chanel
Wearing: A Viktor and Rolf gown
Naomi Watts, 2005
Theme: The House of Chanel
Wearing: A Chanel gown
Linda Evangelista, 2004
Theme: Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century
Wearing: Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture
Amber Valletta, 2004
Theme: Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century
Wearing: Maggie Norris Couture corset and John Galliano skirt