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From Bad Bunny’s Tudor-inspired hat and shoes that resemble cloven hooves to the hummingbird that subtly perches on Zendaya’s neck, the presenters set the tone at fashion’s biggest night: New York’s annual Met Gala.

Flowers, animals and vintage couture were in abundance at the East Coast’s so-called Oscars, a massive fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute.

The dress code for this year’s extravaganza is ‘The Garden of Time’, inspired by the 1962 short story of the same name written by English writer JG Ballard.

At its core, it’s about the ephemeral nature of beauty – perhaps a key theme to put pressure on the celebrities attending this year’s gala.

For pure drama, co-host Zendaya dominated the green and cream carpet in her first Met Gala appearance since 2019.

The 27-year-old star made a highly anticipated appearance early on, clad in jewel-toned lamé, organza and satin designed by John Galliano, with vines creeping up her duchess corset and arms — and what appeared to be a hummingbird nestled on her neck.

Hours later, she made a surprise second appearance – this time in dramatic, Mexican Gothic-inspired black, with her two outfits bookending the fashion parade and underscoring the transience of beauty.

Most attendees chose to evoke awakening and life – perhaps defying the theme by demonstrating the immortality of fashion through the ages, with many 17th and 18th century flourishes.

Some – like singer Lana del Rey – emphasized decay, with stark sculptural branches rising from her dress and holding a veil of tulle like a canopy above her head.

Reminiscent of the sands of time – right down to the hourglass bag – South African singer Tyla’s strapless Balmain gown hugged her body so tightly that she had to be carried up the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art .

Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny resembled a kind of Tudor matador with a flowing hat and a black bouquet, the only hint of color being his bright red inseam and the patent sheen of his cloven shoes.

Cardi B was resplendent in funereal black, with a train so vast it took nine tuxedo men to lift it up the stairs.

“It’s a black rose,” she told reporters.

– ‘Mysterious and unexpected’ –

Celebrities’ interpretations of Met Gala themes have been wide-ranging and often sparked debate on social media, but attendees seemed to shrug off the pressure this year.

“I don’t even think there’s pressure, I think it’s more of an opportunity,” actor Colman Domingo, who carried a bouquet in a lily-colored hooded jacket and wide-leg pants, told reporters.

The theme runs parallel to the exhibition ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion’, which focuses on the most fragile pieces from the Costume Institute’s extensive collection.

The show, which opens to the public from May 10 to September 2, features clothing so delicate that it cannot be displayed on mannequins.

The Costume Institute relies on the blockbuster Met Gala to fund its work, including exhibitions and acquisitions.

The gala was first held in 1948 and was reserved for New York high society for decades. Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, the high priestess of American fashion, took over the show in the 1990s and transformed the party into a catwalk for the rich and famous.

This year, tickets cost as much as $75,000, with tables starting at $350,000. The 2023 gala, in honor of the late designer Karl Lagerfeld, raised almost $22 million, a record amount.

But what exactly happens inside is an enduring mystery.

“Something mysterious, I’m sure, and unexpected,” actor Jeff Goldblum told reporters on the red carpet, dressed as a count in Tiffany jewels.

Guests will likely view the exhibit, and stars like Rihanna — whose mastery of the red carpet is usually unmatched but who did not appear at this year’s gala — have made appearances in the past.

– Social media frenzy –

The spectacle is catnip on social media for celebrity watchers – and this year both the gala and exhibition are co-sponsored by TikTok.

The tech world joined luminaries from music, film, politics and sports on the carpet, with TikTok CEO Shou Chew, who is also honorary co-chairman, in attendance.

Outside the event, several hundred protesters against the war in Gaza demonstrated nearby, with tight security and several arrests made as stars walked the red carpet.