Must-see red carpet looks from the Met Gala

The Met Gala has, over the years, become one of the splashiest nights in fashion — drawing an eclectic and ever-evolving roster of A-list celebrities and fashion industry power players. Attendees often go all out on the red carpet, donning daring, one-of-a-kind ensembles in line with the theme and party dress code to varying degrees of success. 

This year's dress code is Tailored for You, a nod to the menswear-focused spring exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, for which the gala is a fundraiser. 

Featuring clothing and accessories, paintings, photographs and more, the exhibition Superfine: Tailoring Black Style explores the aesthetic and history of Black dandyism from the 18th century to today, tracing how it emerged from African and European style traditions during the transatlantic slave trade and showing how personal style can function as "a mode of distinction and resistance" in a world impacted by race, gender and class.

The exhibition is guest-curated by Columbia University professor Monica L. Miller and takes inspiration from her book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.

Given this year's theme and dress code, it's no surprise that menswear-inspired looks and custom suiting filled the red carpet, with co-chairs Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky and Pharrell Williams all making their mark. Guests including Doechii, André 3000 and Dapper Dan (all of whom are on the event's host committee) made the theme their own. Here are some of the most memorable looks from the red carpet.

Colman Domingo

A gala co-chair this year, Domingo wore a pleated blue cape, custom made by Valentino over a suit also by the Italian fashion house. The royal look, in part an homage to the late fashion editor André Leon Talley, was styled by Wayman + Micah. 

Diana Ross

Ross's caped look was created with her son Evan Ross and designer Ugo Mozie, and featured a magnificent 18-foot train.

Christian Latchman 

Latchman — who appears on the cover of the exhibition's catalogue — was dashing in a white suit with a train and an oversized boutonniere. 

Teyana Taylor

The singer-songwriter and actress made a bold entrance in a burgundy look created in collaboration with Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter. 

Lewis Hamilton

The Formula One Star and gala co-chair looked sharp in a cream-coloured suit by British designer Wales Bonner with shoes by Manolo Blahnik and jewelry by Briony Raymond.

Sabrina Carpenter

Singer Sabrina Carpenter sported a burgundy bodysuit by Louis Vuitton. 

Doechii 

American rapper Doechii wore a look created for her by Louis Vuitton men's creative director Pharrell Williams with Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Zoe Saldaña

There were many great black-and-white looks at this year's gala, and one of the best was actor Zoe Saldaña's custom Thom Browne dress.

Jennie

Jennie, of the South Korean band Blackpink, wore a custom black-and-white leather satin jumpsuit by Chanel.  

Megan Thee Stallion  

Megan Thee Stallion stunned in a silver gown and white cape coat by American designer Michael Kors.

Jodie Turner-Smith

Actor Turner-Smith wore a monochromatic burgundy look by Burberry, complete with a top hat.

Damson Idris

Idris, whose look was dramatically revealed on the carpet, wore a tuxedo by Tommy Hilfiger. 

Tracee Ellis Ross

The actor was all smiles in a custom look by Marc Jacobs, by Canadian stylist Karla Welch.

Cynthia Erivo

Erivo donned an embellished corset and tulle skirt custom designed by Givenchy creative director Sarah Burton.

Tessa Thompson

The American actor proved she understood the assignment in a tailored coat dress.

André 3000

The musician, who is on the host committee for this year's gala, walked the carpet in a Burberry x Benji Bixby jumpsuit — with a grand piano on his back.