Year after year, the A-list pull out their most showstopping outfits for the Met Gala – the 'Oscars of the fashion world' and the absolute highlight of any fashion fan's calendar. And when the Costume Institute first announced that this year's theme would be catholicism and its influence on fashion, we knew we'd be spotting some seriously stunning creations. Given catholicism's rich iconography – think popes and priests' garments, and saints and angels with their halos – the theme was ripe for some seriously out-there headpieces, and the attendees certainly didn't disappoint.
Leading the pack was Sarah Jessica Parker in an incredible metallic gold and red Dolce & Gabbana gown with gold train, which she topped off with an immaculately-detailed nativity scene headpiece. The crown-like creation featured Jesus, Mary and Joseph figures encased in a tall golden crown, topped with a scarlet heart and accessorised at the side with a rose. Definitely not one for minimalists.
Ariana Grande went for a romantic look in a beautiful Vera Wang gown. Her sleeveless blue ballgown was covered in Renaissance-style angels and layers of sheer chiffon. To accessorise, she sported a sheer Virgin Mary-esque cascading headpiece, topped off with a quirky oversized bow. It was Ariana's first Met Gala and she certainly didn't disappoint with this outfit.
Blake Lively worked one of the most talked-about looks of the night. It was revealed back in March that her stunning Versace gown took an incredible 600 hours to make, and when she walked the red carpet it was easy to see why – the incredible creation was covered in extravagant embroidery and embellishments and featured a train so big she had to travel to the event by bus. It would be easy for a headpiece to look over the top when paired with such a showstopper, but Blake got the balance just right with her pretty halo-esque gold hair accessories.
Model Winnie Harlow looked like a real-life angel in this all-white outfit by Tommy Hilfiger. The corseted top showed off her figure perfectly, and the full skirt added just the right amount of drama. However, the highlight of the outfit was her intricate floral headpiece, which appeared to be embellished with crystals, pearls and studs.
Lily Collins's monochrome look proved that it's possible to work the theme in a dramatic manner without elaborate embellishments or detailing. Her black Givenchy outfit, which featured a sheer skirt and off-the-shoulder cropped top, appeared inspired by catholic nuns, and her makeup referenced the darker side of religious iconography. Topping it all off was a graphic silver crown which resembled a cross between a nun's headpiece and a saint's halo.
Lana Del Rey's Met Gala look was the exact level of brilliantly bonkers that we've come to expect from the singer. Dressed in head to toe Gucci, her outfit featured a white lace underskirt, heavy gold embroidery, a huge heart and swords emblem over her chest and a seriously dramatic headpiece consisting of blue angel wings and crystal halo.
Working a simple but no less stunning look was Amber Heard, who wowed in a floor-length poppy red Carolina Herrrera gown featuring long sleeves, a high neck, sculptural train and cut-out back. The lack of detail let her headpiece – a stunning gold halo-esque creation by Jennifer Meyer – do the talking.
Last, but certainly not least, it's the outfit that has been causing a stir on social media all morning. Rihanna graced the red carpet wearing an incredible pope-inspired Margiela corset mini dress and matching coat, covered in incredible jewel embellishments. But the star of the outfit was definitely her magnificent hat – almost an exact replica of those sported in the Vatican.
