This Year's Met Ball Red Carpet Will Be Nothing Like the Last

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Don't expect any red carpet shenanigans at this year's Met Ball. Invitations for the Costume Institute's annual gala on May 5th have gone out, and the dress code is "White Tie and Decorations" to go along with the Charles James: Beyond Fashion exhibition. That means full evening wear, and co-chair Bradley Cooper—if he follows directions—in a "black tailcoat, waistcoat, a wing collar shirt and a white bow tie."

WWD notes that attendees "undoubtedly will interpret it in their own way," which was definitely the case at last year's gala celebrating the Punk: From Chaos to Couture exhibit: Miley Cyrus showed up in a fishnet Marc Jacobs dress, Sarah Jessica Parker wore an elaborate Philip Treacy mohawk headdress, and Giovanna Battaglia wore a crown of gold safety pins.

(And who could forget a pregnant Kim Kardashian fully covered—fingers and all—in Givenchy. Also: Madonna.)

The Charles James exhibit is also the inaugural show at the Anna Wintour Costume Center, which the Met recently renamed to celebrate the Vogue editor. And considering the exhibition is filled with gorgeous gowns, attendees this year should feel a considerable amount of pressure to really step it up.
· Preview the Anna Wintour Costume Center's Inaugural Show [Racked NY]
· Why Your Coffee Table Needs the Charles James Exhibit Book [Racked NY]
· 100+ Red Carpet Photos From This Year's Met Ball [Racked NY]