Rhianna shone brighter than a diamond at this year's Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala in New York City, which featured a theme based on the new exhibit "China: Through the Looking Glass." The pop superstar arrived at Monday evening's high-fashion benefit draped in a vast fur-lined gold robe —a couture creation that took more than 50,000 hours to make, Chinese designer Guo Pei told New York magazine's The Cut blog. Trailed by assistants to help manage the massive garment, Rhianna confessed to Vanity Fair on the red carpet that she couldn't really walk in the show-stopping ensemble.
Practical concerns are a mere afterthought at the glamorous affair chaired by Vogue's top editor Anna Wintour, though. Celebrities, socialites and designers vie to outdo each other each year with glitzy — and, at times, wacky — outfits centered on the theme. Their interpretations often leave mere unfashionable mortals scratching their heads. Monday's gala was no exception. While some took "China: Through the Looking Glass" to mean gowns in gold or red, colors traditionally revered in Chinese culture, others went for the general glam or bejeweled semi-nakedness.
Take a look at the a few of the fashion highlights below, and let us know what you think of the outfits and annual party in the comments.