With a theme that celebrated the outrageous and over-the top nature of camp as a sensibility, it should come as no surprise that the looks at the 2019 Met Gala were not for the faint of heart, with noted red carpet champs, Lady Gaga, Billy Porter and Celine Dion swanning and showing out at the annual event on Monday night in New York City. The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Benefit’s theme, Camp: Notes on Fashion, was inspired by Susan Sontag’s iconic 1964 essay, Notes on “Camp,” which describes the essence of camp as “love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration.” At the Met Gala, this translated to a red carpet filled with over-the-top looks and many a performance art of an entrance. From Lady Gaga, one of the co-hosts of the night, who established her dominion as a camp champ with a flamboyant striptease on the red carpet of four different Brandon Maxwell looks to the inimitable Billy Porter, who showed up in a Sun God-inspired ensemble, carried in on a golden litter by muscled attendants, this Met Gala was one for the books. Here, we’ve done best dressed people at the 2019 Met Gala — and given awards for each. Read on to see who scored big on this year’s Met Gala red carpet. When Life Imitates Art: Lady Gaga and Billy Porter While over-the-top fashion was par for the course at the 2019 Met Gala, for red carpet MVPs Lady Gaga and Billy Porter, Met Gala fashion was also a vehicle for performance art. Lady Gaga attends The 2019 Met Gala Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 06, 2019. Getty Gaga, one of the co-hosts of the night, vamped on the red carpet in not one, not two, not three, but four different looks by Brandon Maxwell, which she alternately shed and donned as part of a playful routine that included a wagon full of champagne, dancers, umbrellas and a flirty striptease. Billy Porter Getty Images (2) Meanwhile, Billy Porter confirmed his red carpet reign with a regal, opulent look from the Blonds that appeared to be inspired by a sun deity. The outfit consisted of an embellished catsuit, 10-ft wings and a 24-karat gold headpiece — casual! His royal status was only heightened by the fact that he was carried in on a black velvet and gold litter by six chiseled and shirtless bearers. Camp All-Stars: Bette Midler, Katy Perry and Joan Collins For most stars, the camp theme might have been a foreign or daunting concept. Not so for Katy Perry, whose Met Gala looks every year are usually campier than a John Waters movie; Bette Midler, the veritable patron saint of all things camp; or Joan Collins, a camp icon so legendary, she basically showed up as herself to the gala, much to the delight of Dynasty fans (and everyone else). Katy Perry attends The Met gala celebrating the opening of the "Camp: Notes on Fashion" exhibition on Monday, May 6, 2019, in New York. Charles Sykes—Invision/AP Perry’s look for the 2019 Met Gala, as the kids say, was “lit” — but literally. Dressed in a Moschino chandelier-as-dress designed by Jeremy Scott that was actually illuminated, Perry’s trademark campy style was in full effect on the red carpet. How she was able to sit for the dinner, however, remains a mystery. Bette Midler Bryan Bedder—GC Images/Getty Images Bette Midler, ever a camp queen, showed up for the Met Gala red carpet in a glamorous remix of her Hocus Pocus character, Winifred Sanderson. Joan Collins Getty Images (2) Collins referenced her iconic looks on Dynasty when she showed up on the 2019 Met Gala with Valentino designer Pierpaolo Piccioli, who designed her voluminous white feathered gown. Master Accessorizers: Kacey Musgraves and Jared Leto For Kacey Musgraves and Jared Leto, the 2019 Met Gala camp theme wasn’t just something they were considering with their outfits, but their full looks — which is why both showed up with some scene-stealing accessories. Kacey Musgraves Getty (2) Musgraves, who’s already shown us she’s a camp MVP in past red carpet appearances and on her hilarious Twitter account, made for a perfect Moschino Barbie doll, complete with a blonde wig — and a matching pink convertible, quite possibly the most on-theme accessory that’s ever shown up to a Met Gala. Jared Leto attends The 2019 Met Gala Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 06, 2019 in New York City. Jamie McCarthy—Getty Images Leto, on the other hand, took self-love to the next level when he toted along a replica of his own head to pair with his rich red Gucci ensemble and crystal harness, an obvious nod the Gucci A/W 2018 runway. Executive Realness: Tiffany Haddish and RuPaul RuPaul and Tiffany Haddish made the case for suits, camp-style when they both appeared on the Met Gala red carpet in suits that were anything but business casual. RuPaul AP; Getty Images While Ru has famously said that “we’re all born naked and the rest is drag,” the world’s most famous drag queen chose to appear at the Met Gala in a rainbow-colored suit with a fun Zebra-inspired sleeve embellishment. Tiffany Haddish AP (2) Tiffany Haddish’s sparkling Michael Kors zebra print tuxedo suit and tiny feathered fedora weren’t the only reason why she caused waves of excitement on the Met Gala red carpet; the comedian shared that she had brought some chicken in her bag this year because last year, as she told People, “it was not enough food!” That’s a Wrap: Hamish Bowles, Ryan Murphy and Florence Welch Camp’s flamboyant nature is no stranger to drama and nothing says drama quite like a cape — at least, that’s the conclusion that we came to after seeing the sweeping, show-stopping looks on Vogue editor Hamish Bowles, Ryan Murphy and Florence Welch. Hamish Bowles Getty Images (2) Bowles’s magnificent Maison Margiela cape was edged with multi-colored feathers and featured a pattern that made him look like a psychedelic dandy — a style concept that was driven home with his rainbow-colored hairstyle. Ryan Murphy Getty Images (2) Murphy opted for a Liberace meets Elizabeth I realness with a crystal and pearl embellished Christian Siriano cape in a warm rose gold shade that featured an impressive ruff; Murphy styled the look with a matching vest, bow tie and trousers. Florence Welch Getty Images 2) For Florence Welch, fantasy was the stuff that her camp dreams were made of when it came to her dragon-inspired embellished Gucci cape. Hat’s Off: Celine Dion and Janelle Monae When it came to headwear at the Met Gala, these ladies topped it off. While Dion’s metallic fringed romper could have stolen the show, her towering, spiky headpiece stole the show. Meanwhile, Janelle Monae, never shy about making a statement on the red carpet, obviously lives by the motto that more is more. Getty Images (2) According to Oscar de la Renta, the design house responsible for Dion’s glamorous ensemble, the look is made up of 18 panels that were hand-beaded by 52 master embroiderers over the course of over 3,000 hours. The final piece weighs over 22 pounds. Janelle Monae Getty Images (2) Janelle Monae wears multiple hats as a singer, songwriter, actress, and producer, so perhaps it should come as no surprise that this surrealist Christian Siriano ensemble (complete with a eye that winked) and four-hat headpiece was how she rolled up to the 2019 Met Gala. One to Watch: Cardi B Cardi B Getty Images (2) Cardi B stopped traffic last year when she showed up pregnant in a Moschino Catholic Madonna-inspired look; she’s since proven that her fashion prowess is no fluke, with savvy, fashion heavyweight style choices that include vintage Mugler couture and Gareth Pugh. She further confirmed that she’s got real potential to give Met Gala MVPs like Rihanna a run for the money when she showed up to this year’s gala in a perfectly on-theme, very dramatic Thom Browne gown with a matching headpiece. The People Who Definitely Paid Attention in Art History Classes: Ezra Miller and Michael Urie<doc-sep>As some of the biggest celebrities stepped out for the 2019 Met Gala, many fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the pink carpet action. From sassy to hysterical, scroll through to take a look at all of the best Twitter reactions and memes from fashion's big night. Chrissy Teigen and a few other celebrities didn't walk the pink carpet, but they still trolled the annual celebration in the most perfect way possible. This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. I have arrived pic.twitter.com/zPHlRCTttZ — chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) May 6, 2019 This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Had so much fun at the #metgala last night! pic.twitter.com/hnvM2XasR7 — Topher Grace (@TopherGrace) May 7, 2019 This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Twitter even edited in some unexpected substitutes just for laughs. This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Jared Leto was undoubtedly committed to recreating a Gucci runway moment for the Met Gala, and things got a little saucy on Twitter. This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Everyone is a Disney character at #MetGala , and then there is Jared Leto pic.twitter.com/TgumOuYxf4 — 9GAG (@9GAG) May 7, 2019 This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Jared Leto showing the other boys what camp is #METGala pic.twitter.com/EAS6xy7gJy — femme fatale (@eliesaaab) May 6, 2019 This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. i cant belive jared leto killed russel brand for the met gala https://t.co/du0HT6pWx5 — STREAM SAWAYAMA (@10twenty40) May 6, 2019 This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. When Harry Styles—Leto's fellow Gucci fanboy and one of this year's co-hosts—arrived to the pink carpet, the Internet quickly put in work and churned out some golden tweets. This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. everyone: the face of gucci & the most anticipated met fashion star, harry styles, entering the gucci after-party: pic.twitter.com/PIsFhD1lmR — tay 👼🏼 (@taylahemilyy) May 7, 2019 Kendall and Kylie Jenner's vibrant Versace numbers drew plenty of comparisons to three other sets of famous sisters. This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. I think it’s so sweet and iconic of kendall and kylie to pay homage to this cinematic excellence #MetGala pic.twitter.com/lwzjAxOlYP — 🦴 (@pescatarianslut) May 7, 2019 This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. If Kendall and Kylie did get inspo from Hattie and Olive from Ella Enchanted IM NOT EVEN MAD #MetGala pic.twitter.com/SILfOtWQNS — no please (@sorrysprinkles) May 7, 2019 This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Billy Porter's golden Egyptian pharaoh inspired look was so elaborate, it received plenty of love from the Twittersphere. This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. After you send an email with “per my last email” in it. pic.twitter.com/MArj5jVUaf — maybe: Phillip (@MajorPhilebrity) May 6, 2019 This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. when you see billy porter pic.twitter.com/Oa5W3aEvAg — Chris Geidner (@chrisgeidner) May 6, 2019 This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. i'm a gay hotep now pic.twitter.com/vJWy3Gpgab — giabuchi lastrassi (@jaboukie) May 6, 2019 Kanye West kept it extremely casual and comfortable in his Dickies, and not everyone was feeling his basic outfit. This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. proud of kanye for wearing full blue collar face at the met gala — L.A.S. (@SartoriallyInc) May 7, 2019 This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. still stanning kanye cosplaying as a white non-college educated voter at the met gala — L.A.S. (@SartoriallyInc) May 7, 2019 This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. this is legit how kanye and frank showed up #metgala https://t.co/ElF3ZvANK3 — jr (@daysafterodeo) May 7, 2019 This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Frank Ocean Kanye West 🤝 showing up to the #MetGala & not giving a fuck about what they’re wearing pic.twitter.com/T72t4XINc3 — 𝙅𝙖𝙯𝙡𝙮𝙣 (@j8z1yn) May 7, 2019 This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Before Zendaya showed up with her fashion fairy godmother by her side, Twitter was ready for the stylish singer, actress and entrepreneur to show up. When she finally did, her light-up Cinderella gown earned plenty of love on social media and, of course, spurred a few instant classic memes. This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. still waiting on zendaya to show them how it’s done #MetGala pic.twitter.com/PkyywBwDau — mils BLM (@manlikemillie) May 6, 2019 This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. THROW A GLASS SLIPPER AT ME QUEEN @Zendaya pic.twitter.com/PoVxxtthOa — Naira Banks (@jackieaina) May 7, 2019 This content is imported from Twitter.<doc-sep>And showing everyone how it was done at the very start of the night was singer Lady Gaga, who arrived in a billowing pink outfit which was not quite what it seemed at first glance.<doc-sep>
Written by CNN Staff The Met Gala's red carpet is known for delivering some of the most daring fashion statements of the year. The charity benefit, which costs upwards of $30,000 a head to attend, has a rich history of attracting risqué outfits. Lady Gaga wore not one -- but four outfits to the event while actor Billy Porter, decked all in gold, was carried in on a chaise by six shirtless men. The event's reputation, coupled with 2019's theme "Camp: Notes on Fashion," has again resulted in an eye-catching assortment of bold looks. And, as the stars of stage, screen, music, fashion and sport arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York Monday night, it also became clear that definitions of "camp" remain open to interpretation. Memorable looks Harry Styles donned a flamenco-inspired, gender-fluid look designed by Gucci at tonight's event. The singer wore a black jumpsuit by the label, in one of the most-searched outfits of the night. Harry Styles attends the Met Gala wearing Gucci. Credit: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP Lady Gaga, who has a long history of exaggerated and theatrical looks, also sparked a social media frenzy over the four outfits she wore to the Met Gala. Arriving in a voluminous bright pink dress by Brandon Maxwell, she then stripped down to a black gown, pink slip dress and finally into a crystal bra and panties. Rapper Cardi B showed up to the Met Gala in a dramatic burgundy gown that extended into a full quilted circular train. The dress, trimmed with feathers, was designed by Thom Browne and took more than 2,000 hours to make. Celine Dion's 22-pound gold Oscar de la Renta dress became the topic of heated discussion online. While her dress, which took 52 master embroiderers to make, was a sheer work of art, the singer said she almost got the theme wrong. "I thought everyone was going to be sleeping together," she told The Cut. "We're going to be camping? That's not my cup of tea." Whether it's enormous angel wings or a spray-painted dress, Katy Perry always takes the Met Gala theme seriously. Unsurprisingly, Perry went all-out this year, attending as a life-sized chandelier with electric candles and dripping with crystals, designed by Moschino's Jeremy Scott. Katy Perry attends the Met Gala wearing Moschino. Credit: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP Zendaya had a fairytale entrance to the red carpet. The actress and singer, who wore a black Tommy Hilfiger gown, was walking up the stairs when her stylist, Law Roach, waved a wand and transformed her dress into a glowing version reminiscent of the iconic baby blue gown worn by Cinderella. Zendaya attends the Met Gala. Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images North America/Getty Images for The Met Museum/ Zendaya wore a glowing dress to the camp-themed event. Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images North America/Getty Images for The Met Museum/ Jared Leto went with himself to this year's Met Gala. Well, sort of. Leto arrived with a mannequin of his own head, apparently inspired by Gucci's Fall-Winter 2018 show, where the fashion house sent models down the runway with heads. Jared Leto attends the Met Gala. Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images North America/Getty Images for The Met Museum/ Dressed in a gold bodysuit and matching headpiece, actor Billy Porter made a theatrical entrance, carried onto the red carpet by six shirtless men. Billy Porter makes an entrance at the Met Gala. Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images North America/Getty Images for The Met Museum/ Last month, Nick Jonas told "Entertainment Tonight" that his wife, Priyanka Chopra, would "set the tone" for the pair's Met Gala outfits. The Bollywood star did just that, wearing a silver Dior Haute Couture dress with a rainbow feathered skirt and a thorny crown. Jonas complemented her in a white suit by Dior Men. Both of them wore glittery silver shoes. Scroll through the gallery above for a selection of red carpet looks, spanning the understated, the extravagant and the outright audacious.