People's Ball, the warm-up act for the Met Gala, held Sunday night at Brooklyn Public Library
NEW YORK -- Monday is the annual Met Gala, considered one of the biggest events in fashion.
But on Sunday night, New Yorkers were able to show off their own red carpet style at the People's Ball in Brooklyn.
CBS2's Ali Bauman has more on all the looks at the Brooklyn Public Library in Prospect Heights.
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Hundreds of celebrities will walk the Met Museum steps for the fashion party of the year come Monday night. But on Sunday, everyday New Yorkers were giving the stars a run for their money.
They served up looks inside the library.
The People's Ball is a celebration of fashion, individuality, and creativity.
"You have a conversation you want to give out to the world and why not express that through your clothing? And that's what we do here at the People's Ball," said Dewry Duroi Bradford of Brownsville.
Sunday's sartorial party came one night before the Met Gala, which is highly exclusive and costs tens of thousands of dollars to attend.
The People's Ball was free for all New Yorkers, and the only dress code is your own personal style.
"We thought that we're gonna provide this opportunity to ourselves, to come and wear their best clothes, the clothes they feel the most celebrated in, and walk the catwalk, and spend this wonderful night together with us. Dance for the music, see performances, grab a glass of wine, and walk the catwalk every hour and show off their best dresses," said Laszlo Jakab Orsos, VP of arts and culture at the Brooklyn Public Library.
Sonya Minnis offered 1980s prom elegance.
"We see the glitz and glamour of the Met Gala, but of course we would never be invited, never could afford it. So this is for everybody, no matter what you wanna wear, whatever you feel like wearing. That's why we wanted to come," Minnis said.
Claire Codner of Crown Heights took us back a few more centuries.
"I study medieval history and I thought it would be a great opportunity to dress the part, do something glamorous," Codner said.
In Met Gala tradition, Dialia Valmon came with her dress designer, Mel Simon.
"It's all inspired by 'Bridgerton,' the series," Simon said.
"I enjoy the people. I enjoy fashion. I love it and it brings us all together," Valmon said.
Freda Le Prevost made her own jewelry and her neighbor, Anne, made her own dress.
"We're from Brooklyn. This is how we represent, absolutely," Le Prevost said.
So, Anna Wintour, it's your move. Let's see if the Met Gala can compete with the People's Ball.