Met Gala 2022: Celebrities abound on fashion's biggest night

Stars abound at 2022 Met Gala

NEW YORK -- It was the fashion event of the year. The annual Met Gala returned Monday night to the Upper East Side.

The so-called "biggest party in fashion" marks the opening of the annual costume exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

CBS2's Ali Bauman had a front-row seat on the red carpet.

The Met Gala is really all about the entrance. The red carpet lasts longer than the party, itself.

The theme Monday night was gilded glamour, so that meant a lot of sequins, a lot of feathers, and a whole lot of opulence.

The Met Museum steps were sparkling with celebrities dripping in jewels. The gowns were long and the hair was tall.

"We wanted to represent city of gods and the 'Empire State of Mind' forever," singer Alicia Keys said.

New Yorker Alicia Keys speaks with CBS2 at Met Gala

This year's gala marked the opening of "In America: An Anthology of Fashion," the second of a two-part exhibition celebrating the American fashion aesthetic.

"Oh, it's super exciting. It's about celebrating craftmanship, so we're excited to be a part of it," Marcus Samuelsson said.

Marcus Samuelsson on the red carpet

Actor Jared Leto brought himself as a date, and Lizzo's date was her flute.

And as always, the Kardashians knew how to make an entrance, with all five sisters attending the gala for the first time.

"I love standing at the top of the stairs and watching the girls come in," Kris Jenner said.

The Kardashians and Jenners walk the red carpet

And with Lin Manuel Miranda as one of this year's co-hosts, Broadway stars came out to play.

"I wanted to honor the theme and dress it up a little bit, but I also wanted to feel like myself and feel like I wasn't in a costume," actor and singer Leslie Odom Jr. said.

"We got nothing else to do. It's the night off, so I'm here," actor James McAvoy said.

James McAvoy attending Met Gala

"This is the first time I've worn pink since 'Mean Girls,' so I'm owning pink again," Ashley Park said.

"I'm just excited to get in and see my friends. It's gonna be a good time," Anthony Ramos added.

And you never know who will show up to the Met Gala.

"Sometimes it's frivolous, and maybe not that important, but I think beauty is very important and style and things that move the heart," Elon Musk sad.

Even Mayor Eric Adams could not pass up a coveted ticket. His suit was styled with a MetroCard on front and a call to end gun violence on the back.

"The division between affluent New Yorkers and those who are low-wage employees, it should not be a division. We are all part of the same ecosystem," Adams said.

Mayor Adams on the red carpet

Some guests took a literal approach to the gilded theme, while others had their own interpretations.

"This is a modern interpretation of gilded and it's made with 25,000 gold piets made right here in New York," actress Rachel Brosnahan said.

"Trying to be glamorous and fluffy, so I wore lots of petals," designer Diane von Furstenberg said.

"I think we wanted to do a twist on the gilded age where it was like, it was a time of expensive fabrics," Camila Cabello said. "Me having flowers everywhere, kind of the natural world and those finite resources to me are the most valuable," Camila Cabello said.

"I just wanted a little more fun, a little more naughty," singer SZA added.

But one thing most of the stars had in common -- they were happy to be there.

"I couldn't resist this invitation. It's incredible," Jon Batiste said.

The event is the primary source of funding for the Costume Institute. The Met Gala is strictly invite only, with the guest list hand-picked by Anna Wintour.

Tickets cost about $35,000 apiece.

 

Met Gala red carpet highlights

Met Gala 2022 red carpet highlights

Check out this compilation of highlights from the red carpet at fashion's biggest night.

By CBS New York Team
 

Mayor Adams speaks with CBS2 on the red carpet

Mayor Adams on the red carpet
By Ali Bauman
 

The Kardashians and Jenners walk the red carpet

The Kardashians and Jenners walk the red carpet
By CBS New York Team
 

Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson

Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson at Met Gala
By Ali Bauman
 

Lizzo playing the flute

By Ali Bauman
 

Met Gala: Photo gallery

By CBS New York Team
 

It's Kylie and Kendall Jenner

By Ali Bauman
 

Cardi B has arrived

Cardi B arrives at Met Gala
By CBS New York Team
 

Enter Kravis!

By Ali Bauman
 

Is that Jared Leto and … Jared Leto?

By Ali Bauman
 

J Balvin at the Met Gala

By Ali Bauman
 

New Yorker Alicia Keys speaks with CBS2

New Yorker Alicia Keys speaks with CBS2 at Met Gala
By Ali Bauman
 

It's Lenny Kravitz!

By Ali Bauman
 

Billie Eilish

By Ali Bauman
 

Elon Musk and Kris Jenner

By Ali Bauman
 

A sparkly Alicia Keys

By Ali Bauman
 

Winnie Harlow

By Ali Bauman
 

James McAvoy chats with CBS2

James McAvoy attending Met Gala
By Ali Bauman
 

Sarah Jessica Parker arrives on red carpet

Sarah Jessica Parker on the red carpet
By Ali Bauman
 

Broadway producer Jordan Roth is here

Broadway producer Jordan Roth on the Red Carpet
By Ali Bauman
 

A proposal at the Met Gala!

By Ali Bauman
 

The dazzling Janelle Monáe

The dazzling Janelle Monáe at Met Gala
By Ali Bauman
 

Marcus Samuelsson talks to CBS2

Marcus Samuelsson on the red carpet
By Ali Bauman
 

Kacey Musgraves has arrived!

By Ali Bauman
 

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds arrive

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are official co-chairs this year.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds arrive at Met Gala
By CBS New York Team
 

Vogue's Anna Wintour walks the red carpet

Vogue's Anna Wintour walks the red carpet
By CBS New York Team
 

Hosts Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively

By Ali Bauman
 

Emma Chamberlain arrives on the red carpet

Emma Chamberlain arrives on the red carpet
By Ali Bauman
 

The first arrivals

First arrivals at Met Gala 2022
By CBS New York Team
 

CBS2 reporting from the red carpet!

By Ali Bauman
 

Mayor Adams getting ready

By CBS New York Team
 

People's Ball held at BPL

New Yorkers get their fashion on at the People's Ball

Hundreds of celebrities will walk the Met Museum steps for the fashion party of the year tonight. But on Sunday, everyday New Yorkers gave the stars a run for their money.  

CBS2's Ali Bauman reports from the People's Ball, a celebration of fashion, individuality, and creativity.

By Ali Bauman
 

Relive last year's red carpet

See last year's most eye-catching looks:

By CBS New York Team
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