Originally focused solely on finances, it wasn’t until 1972 when former Vogue editor-in-chief Diana Vreeland transformed it to the star-studded gala it is today. Now, Vogue’s longstanding editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, has hosted the event since 1995, and oversees the benefit committee, decides on the guest list, seating arrangements, and for many, makes the final approval of outfit choices.

Themed the ‘Garden of Time,’ this year's entire design and curation is inspired by the 1962 short story of the same name, by J.G. Ballard. The story honors the notion that flowers are a symbol of beauty, youth and innocence. With that, you can expect to see lots of floral gowns and personal interpretations from top A-listers.

The co-chairs alongside Wintour: Bad Bunny, Chris Hemsworth, Jennifer Lopez and Zendaya, were just as much part of the fashion show as the gala-goers. Designed as a kickoff to The Costume Institute’s spring exhibition, this year's design theme is ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.’ From Stella McCartney, Yves Saint Laurent, Phillip Lim, Elsa Schiaparelli, Givenchy and so much more, approximately 250 garments will be on display. Walking through the exhibit, you’ll find contemporary pieces alongside special antiques like a 17th century waistcoat or Christian Dior’s ball gown from 1953. There will also be a selection of hats and headpieces, including designs by Cristobal Balenciaga. 

Not only will over-the-top, never-before-seen clothing be on display, but the exhibit will feature computer-generated imagery, video animation, scents and soundscapes that span four centuries. “Fashion is one of the most emotional artistic forms because of its connection to the body,” Andrew Bolton, curator in charge of The Costume Institute told Vogue. “It is imbued with memory and emotions, and we relate to it very much via our senses. One thing I hope this show will activate is that sensorial appreciation of fashion."

“The Met’s innovative spring 2024 Costume Institute exhibition will push the boundaries of our imagination and invite us to experience the multi-sensory facets of a garment.” Met’s Marina Kellen French Director and CEO told Vogue. “‘Sleeping Beauties’ will heighten our engagement with these masterpieces of fashion by evoking how they feel, move, sound, smell, and interact when being worn, ultimately offering a deeper appreciation of the integrity, beauty, and artistic brilliance of the works on display.”

Both the ‘Garden in Time’ and ‘Sleeping Beauties’ themes have a common thread: to showcase the evolution of history and the endless cycle of creation and destruction. Celebrity stylists and luxury designers kept this in mind when designing gowns and outfits for their favorite stars. Being photographed on the iconic Met steps is like a celebrity rite of passage and this year's outfit choices were just as extraordinary. Ahead, we break down our top 11 favorites of the night.

Sarah Jessica Parker

No stranger to the spotlight, Sarah Jessica Parker took us back to glamorous Sex and the City days in a beautiful Richard Quinn dress and Phillip Treacy hat. It was elevated, regal and completely SJP.

Sarah Paulson

Actress Sarah Paulson was one of many stars who went with custom Prada. The feminine dress was colorblocked with black in the back and pink frills hanging down the front.

Serena Williams

Tenniscore has been trending season-after-season. It was great to see famous tennis star Serena Williams in a statement Balenciaga gown. The black accents and gold jewelry added extra style points.

Kaia Gerber

Paying tribute to supermodel mother Cindy Crawford, Kaia Gerber dazzled in custom Prada.

Lea Michele

Pretty in blue, Lea Michele showed off her baby bump in a whimsical Rodarte gown adorned with delicate florals and tons of tulle.

Cardi B

The Met Gala is known to stop the crowd, and rapper Cardi B's mile-long Windowsen black tulle gown was the elegant intermission the carpet didn't know they needed.

Demi Moore

Styled by Brad Goreski, Demi Moore turned heads in a custom Harris Reed gown for Nina Ricci. Made from leftover recycled fabric, we loved the enlarged pink peonies on the dress.

Zendaya

Known to go viral whenever she hits a high-fashion event, Zendaya didn't just have one dress, but two. The co-host stole the show in a full-bloom Maison Margiela dress, and again in a black Givenchy gown, toped with a great Phillip Treacy hat.

Nicole Kidman

Our favorite combo, white + black, gets the Nicole Kidman stamp of approval. Dressed in a cascading feather Balenciaga gown, the award-winning actress had minimalist makeup and white gloves to complete her look.

Keke Palmer

The ever so playful Keke Palmer brought some fun to the red carpet in an elevated custom Marc Jacobs gown.

Mindy Kaling

Wearing Gaurav Gupta, Mindy Kaling arrived in a strapless nude gown with impeccable draping and sculptural accents.

Who was your favorite look of the night? The exhibition is staged around three zones: land, sea, and sky, and will run from May 10 to September 2, at the Metropolitan Museum in New York City.