IT’S THAT TIME of year again, where celebrities try and show off just how fashion-forward they are by donning the craziest outfits they can possibly find.

Last night, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York held the very fancy Met Ball (or Met Gala, as it’s also known).

But, what is a Met Ball? 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit raises money for the museum’s fashion wing. All the big fashion houses buy tables and dress the celebrities at their particular table.

The bolder the better, is the policy. These are outfits that you wouldn’t pop down to the local shop in but they are sure to get you on the front pages the next day.

The night has been held every year since 1999 and is run by Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

This year Wintour has banned selfies at the event. So none of this was allowed:

AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Every year, there is generally some sort of controversy or gossip. How could we forget last year’s elevator spat between Jay Z and Solange.

The evening, aimed at raising millions for the museum’s Anna Wintour Costume Center, was inspired by the Met’s new exhibit, “China: Through the Looking Glass.”

While some in the parade of celebrity guests embraced the East-leaning theme, others looked more ready for the Waldorf than the highly anticipated Met Gala.

So, who wore it best?

Rihanna shut down the Met Gala’s red carpet in a regal yellow coat. And then came Bey.

Charles Sykes / Invision/AP Rihanna lookng regal. Charles Sykes / Invision/AP / Invision/AP

Dressed lavishly by Chinese designer Guo Pei, Rihanna clutched her fur-trim frock closed and dragged a mammoth train up the grand staircase Monday during one of fashion’s biggest nights of the year.

She was a latecomer, but Beyonce was even later, wearing a peekaboo custom Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci adorned with multicolored crystals and stones.

Wowsa.

Some other highs and not-so-much:

Sarah Jessica Parker’s head piece was certainly eye-catching, and was designed by Ireland’s very own Philip Tracey.

Evan Agostini / Invision/AP Jessica loves Ireland's Philip Tracey. Evan Agostini / Invision/AP / Invision/AP

The fiery red headpiece had long tassels and touches of silver as it towered high. Her black dress was an H&M creation, which Parker said it was embellished with vintage fabrics and old beads sent from Sweden.

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Anne Hathaway pushed the envelope and channeled the ‘May the fourth be with you’ on Star Wars day by wearing a hooded, cap-sleeve Ralph Lauren Collection custom gold lame column evening dress.

Charles Sykes / Invision/AP Anne sporting a hood on the red carpet. Charles Sykes / Invision/AP / Invision/AP

Not being one to disappoint, Lady Gaga donned a velvet net evening coat hand-embroidered with black rhinestones and 14,000 feathers, according to the design house, Balenciaga.

Doug Peters Lady Gaga Doug Peters

Underneath was a black crepe jumpsuit sparkling in Swarovski crystals. The whole deal was wrapped up with a huge silk sash ala traditional Chinese opera gowns. Nobody can say Gaga, like many others, didn’t run with the idea of China, custom hair combs and all, thanks to Balenciaga designer Alexander Wang.

Evan Agostini / Invision/AP Subtle as ever is Justin. Evan Agostini / Invision/AP / Invision/AP

Meanwhile, for the men, Justin Bieber broke away from the traditional tuxedo tails with a loud black jacket screaming gold dragon motif. Of course.

Here’s a few more of the looks from the night: