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)

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.nAs 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.n(Images: Rex Features, Getty)

The most spectacular and best Met Ball dresses of all time

Sarah Jessica Parker, 2013

Katy Perry, 2013

Sienna Miller, 2013

Florence Welch

Carey Mulligan, 2012

Christina Ricci, 2012

Elizabeth Banks, 2012

Florence Welch, 2012

Beyoncé, 2012

Daphne Guinness, 2011

Naomi Campbell, 2011

Rihanna, 2011

Liv Tyler, 2011

Karolina Kurkova, 2011

Beyoncé, 2011

Taylor Swift, 2011

Jennifer Lopez, 2011

Katy Perry, 2010

Coco Rocha, 2010

Jennifer Lopez, 2010

Kate Moss, 2009

Elizabeth Hurley, 2009

Victoria Beckham, 2008

Anna Wintour, 2008

Naomi Watts, 2008

Eva Mendes, 2008

Amber Valletta, 2008

Christina Ricci, 2008

Sarah Jessica Parker, 2006

Charlize Theron, 2006

Victoria Beckham, 2006

Karolina Kurkova, 2005

Naomi Watts, 2005

Linda Evangelista, 2004

Amber Valletta, 2004

The most spectacular Met Ball dresses of all time