Met Gala 2018: Best dressed on the red carpet

NZ Herald

8 May, 2018 12:34 AM3 mins to read

Cardi B opts for an exaggerated take on several liturgical elements in her dress. Photo / Getty Images

Flagged by numerous voices in fashion as the most controversial theme yet, this year's Met Gala "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" pays homage to the religion's elaborate sense of style and its long history of influence on designers, from Versace to Dolce & Gabbana.

The gala, spearheaded by Vogue editor Anna Wintour, precedes the annual Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute collection which this year will be the biggest to date.

As the stars begin their papal-inspired parade, here are our picks for the best dressed on the fashion world's trickiest red carpet.

Rihanna

Always a highly anticipated character on the Met Gala carpet, this year the fashion-forward pop star has taken inspiration from papal head gear and robes and made an unlikely pairing in a strapless, form-fitting mini dress, ostensibly speaking to the "Heavenly Bodies" element of the theme.

Jennifer Lopez

Lopez's look works a priestly high collar and the most notable symbol in Catholicism into a latticed, jewel-encrusted bodice that flows to a thigh-high split and dramatic, feathered skirt.

Zendaya

Fashion's modern take on the Catholic Saint Joan of Arc, Zendaya's look utilises a papal fanon, hip-hugging armour and draping chain mail to create a stand out look that cleverly bridges costume and red carpet.

Lili Reinhart

Reinhart was a show-stopper in this whimsical number. A far cry from her innocent on-screen character in Riverdale, she made her red carpet debut with co-star and boyfriend Cole Sprouse.

Blake Lively

The statuesque actress erred on the "Heavenly Bodies" side of the theme making subtle nods to the religious element in her choice of fabrics and ornate beading.

Princess Beatrice

A royal in royal blue, Beatrice's choice was flattering with a nod to traditional Catholic garments of servitude in the balloon sleeve and high collar.

Kate Bosworth

Channelling a virginal bride, Bosworth is radiant in this ethereal ensemble of cream tulle and flecked gold.

Katy Perry

The most theatrical display yet, pop star Katy Perry has gone full angel with a pair of giant wings - teamed with thigh high gold boots, of course.

Rita Ora

Rita Ora looked like royalty when she stepped out for this year's gala. She paired a saintly spiked crown with a dramatic train and contrasted the look with a bright yellow purse.

Prinyanka Chopra

Chopra's flattering gown gives a nod to Catholic elements in the heavy velvet and beaded hood but remains elegant in cut and length.

Cardi B

Giving Rihanna a run for her money, singer Cardi B makes an exaggerated take on multiple religious elements from her headgear to the heavily bejewelled fabric of her dress.