Everything you need to know about the Met Gala

Behind the scenes of New York’s top social event. By Isabel Edwards-Brown.

The theme:

This year, the annual Met Gala celebrates The Costume Institute’s “Punk: Chaos to Couture” exhibition, so expect eccentric vintage, Alexander McQueen and fashion-forward mohawks. “Punk broke all the rules when it came to fashion, and everything became possible after punk,” says Andrew Bolton, The Costume Institute curator. "Its impact on high fashion became so enormous, and continues at the same time." Images courtesy of Vogue.com.

Behind the scenes of New York’s top social event. By Isabel Edwards-Brown.

The honorary chair:

With both a US and UK Vogue cover already under her belt this year, Beyoncé Knowles will act as honorary chair at this year’s Met Gala. The singer-songwriter and all-round superstar wore a show-stopping Givenchy gown to last year’s event, and considering his co-chair position this year, we’re predicting Riccardo Tisci will once again step in to create Knowles’ red-carpet look.

Behind the scenes of New York’s top social event. By Isabel Edwards-Brown.

The co-chairs:

Actress Rooney Mara, Moda Operandi co-founder Lauren Santo Domingo, US Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, and Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci will host the event.

Behind the scenes of New York’s top social event. By Isabel Edwards-Brown.

The main sponsor:

Moda Operandi is one of the event’s sponsors, but that’s not all their involvement in the night. The luxury e-commerce site – which features trunk shows of designers as they’re shown during fashion week – will be selling a selection of gowns, straight from the red carpet. Pieces from Balmain, Nina Ricci, Rodarte, Wes Gordon, Anthony Vaccarello, Delpozo and more will be offered up on May 7, the day after the Met Gala. With a rumoured 10 looks to be going live, it’s quite literally a case of first-in, best-dressed – not to mention one that will definitely max your credit card out.

Images courtesy of Moda Operandi Instagram.

Behind the scenes of New York’s top social event. By Isabel Edwards-Brown.

The guest list:

Gwyneth Paltrow, Natalie Portman, Emma Stone, Amanda Seyfried and Kristen Stewart are expected alongside a host of big-name models and designers.