Never let it be said that Rihanna doesn't know how to make an entrance.

 

On a night when big stars were dime a dozen - George and Amal Clooney, Lady Gaga, Madonna and Cher - the pop star still managed to steal the show and conquer the red carpet at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art Gala when she swooped in wearing a fur-trimmed yellow cape with floral swirls of gold and a train so long it required three wranglers.

The ensemble came with a little pink mini-dress underneath and a sparkling tiara. In keeping with the evening's theme - China and its artistic influence on the West - the outfit was designed by Beijing-based designer Guo Pei, whose sumptuous designs are also on display in the current Met exhibit China: Through The Looking Glass.

As befitting a star, or fashion royalty, Rihanna commanded premium attention on the carpet by being one of the very last to arrive. But compared to Beyonce, she was an early bird.

Beyonce and her husband Jay Z arrived so late that many photographers were giving up and leaving. She was highly photogenic though, in a sheer, bejewelled Givenchy Haute Couture gown by Riccardo Tisci.

Deep, ruby reds, shimmery golds and other jewel tones dominated the colour scheme as the multitudes of invited celebrities embraced this year's China inspiration. There were sequins aplenty, and embroidery was everywhere.

One of the first to arrive was the gala's long-time head, Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who shimmered in an orange-and-red floral couture gown from Chanel she walked up the stairs to kick off the star-studded party that raises millions for the Met's Anna Wintour Costume Centre.

She was followed by a succession of stars of film, music, fashion, TV and sports unrivalled anywhere but perhaps the Oscars.

Actress Kate Hudson, dressed in a sleek gown of gold sequins, by Michael Kors, noted: "It's like Oscar night for the fashion world, but without the pressure of who's going to get an award."

There were also a number of Chinese celebrities, including actress Gong Li, who offered a girlish tilt of her head as she waved in a deep red velvet gown with black lace and a fan design.

Sarah Jessica Parker, who was one of the unqualified hits on last year's red carpet in elegant custom Oscar de la Renta, did not disappoint this year either, appearing in a towering red headpiece that resembled fiery flames. Designed by Philip Treacy, the headpiece bore long red tassels on each side.

Parker paired the piece with a one-shoulder black gown embellished with sashes comprised of pieces of vintage fabric and beads from Sweden - a collaboration with H&M and the company's Conscious Collection, which focuses on sustainable fabrics.

"We thought it told a great story and also gave you ideas on how you could rethink what is important in your life and ways to reuse it again," she said.

One of the world's most watched women, Amal Clooney, arrived on her husband's arm in a tiered ruby-red gown by John Galliano.

Actress Kristen Wiig embraced the evening's colour scheme, wearing a flowing yellow chiffon number by Prabal Gurung, who accompanied her on the carpet.

Jennifer Lopez bared a lot more skin, actually, more than most, in a red Versace gown with sheer side panels.

Kim Kardashian opted for sheer, too, in a white gown with a feathery train by Peter Dundas for Roberto Cavalli, the designer's first for the house. Little sister Kendall Jenner opted for Calvin Klein, sparkling in green with sexy laces on each side. Mum Kris was there too, in a bright red draped gown with a gold belt.

Anne Hathaway shimmered in a sleek hooded body-skimmer from Ralph Lauren. Her hair in a temporary bob, took Zac Posen's arm in one of his designs, a sparkly blue gown with cutouts at the back.

Justin Bieber showed up in a black jacket slithering with gold dragons, by Balmain. A bird of paradise adorned the bottom of Glee star Dianna Agron's one-shoulder Tory Burch gown.

All the stars were aware of a new ban Wintour had placed on selfies inside. They seemed to be happy to go along with it.

"I think selfies can kind of cut into the moment and the fun," said Gabrielle Union. "It's not that fun if you need to document the whole thing."