ALL IN THE WORST POSSIBLE TASTE!

Stars at this year’s glittering Met Gala in New up’. York were told to ‘camp it was... The result? An event that

To anyone not au fait with high fashion, many of the celebrities looked as if they’d dressed for a fancy dress party, in the dark ...or for a dare.

even taking into account the often fantastical gowns at the Met Gala, this was perhaps the maddest year ever. From Lady Gaga, who peeled off various gowns down to her knickers, and Celine Dion, who seemed to have been inspired by Jack Frost, to Kim Kardashian in beaded latex, has there ever been a more outlandish collection of outfits?

every gown on the 130 metrelong pink (not red) carpet in new york on Monday night was personally approved by anna Wintour, who has been at the helm of the ball’s organising committee since 1999.

The evening — which raises millions from luxury brands and philanthropic donors — is the vision of Vogue’s legendary editor.

She runs it with as much attention to detail as her trademark immaculate bob. It is said she banned parsley from menus (to avoid the unsightly possibility of it sticking in guests’ teeth) and onions and garlic to stop bad breath polluting the fragrant environs.

The 550 guests this year paid £27,000 a ticket, but it is widely acknowledged that, without a bobbed nod from Wintour, even a blank cheque won’t guarantee admittance. Last month, she said there was ‘absolutely nothing’ U.S. President Donald Trump could do to be invited.

This year’s gala marked an exhibition at Metropolitan Museum of art called ‘Camp: notes on Fashion’, so Wintour decreed the theme ran the gamut from the Sun King to drag queens.

Cash raised goes to the museum’s Costume Institute — the only department that has to fund itself. It is now known as the anna Wintour Costume Center . . .

Performance in pink! Lady Gaga arrived in an enormous magenta outfit and then stripped off to reveal tights, platform boots and a black bra

Picture research: CLAIRE CISOTTI Catsuit queen: Gigi Hadid’s Liberace and Cher-inspired outfit was by Michael Kors Heads you win? Gothic Gucci for actor Jared Leto Daring: Singer Harry Styles in see-through, ruffled Gucci outfit with pearl earring

Gatsby glamour: Benedict Cumberbatch in all white

Figure-hugging: Kim Kardashian in a Thierry Mugler latex creation

Hamming it up: Singer Katy Perry as a burger. Top: Earlier, she lit up the pink carpet in a Moschino chandelier Making an entrance: 10ft wings and a 24-carat gold headpiece for Billy Porter’s Sun God Green goddess: Donatella Versace’s hair matches her dress Showgirl style: Jennifer Lopez in beaded silver Atelier Versace Bright on the night: Serena Williams, was also in Versace Fringe benefits: Celine Dion shimmers in a silver Oscar de la Renta dress and headdress Taking the plunge: Frothy Valentino feathers and lace for Naomi Campbell

Dazzling, darling! Joan Collins as her Dynasty alter ego, Alexis Carrington

Ruffing it: Gwyneth Paltrow in a Chloe high-necked gown

Dramatic: A Marc Jacobs cape dress for Kate Moss