The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute gala costs $25,000 per ticket, but the fashion spectacle was truly priceless as the stars rolled out on Monday night.

Beyonce, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna and Sarah Jessica Parker were among the A-list stars who embraced this year’s theme – China: Through The Looking Glass – with eye-popping results.

The stars descended on the New York City red carpet in one jaw-dropping out fit after another, with late-comer Beyonce stealing the show in an almost-naked Givenchy ensemble.

Fashion’s wildest night: (L-R) Beyonce, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna and Sarah Jessica Parker led the glamour at the Met Gala in New York City on Monday

Beyonce may have been one of the last attendees to arrive on the red carpet, she certainly made up for lost time.

The singer was wearing a naked-effect dress by Givenchy. The tight-fitting gown was completely sheer and meant the star had nothing but some strategically placed colourful jewels protecting her modesty.

Beyonce wore tan sandals and pulled her fiercest poses on the red carpet beside husband Jay Z, with her blonde hair styled in a high ponytail to best show off her dazzling ensemble.

Who can blame him?: Beyonce’s husband Jay Z couldn’t help but stare at his incredible wife as they arrived on the red carpet

A show-stopping look: A nearly naked Beyonce revealed her amazing figure in the daring jewel-covered gown

It was quite the Met Gala come back for the star, whose husband and sister Solange (who was also at the bash this year) infamously got into a fight in an elevator after last year’s event.

Going for a similar look to Beyonce – but a surprisingly marginally more modest one – was Kim Kardashian.

The reality star naturally wanted a look that would get her noticed, and she easily managed that in a Roberto Cavalli creation that hugged every inch of her famous figure.

A lesson in making an entrance: Beyonce, who wore her blonde hair in a high ponytail, sent photographers into a frenzy

The gown had the effect of a nude bodysuit covered in sparkling silver crystals, and featured a long white feather train.

The 34-year-old reality star, who was attending the gala for the third time, was joined by her rapper husband Kanye West – who clearly loved his wife’s sexy look.

After Kim had headed inside, Rihanna caused jaws to drop when she arrived in a rich yellow robe featuring heavy embroidery, a fur trim and the longest train of any of the guests.

Third time’s a charm: This marks Kim’s third consecutive appearance at the Met Gala, and her sexiest look at the event to date

The songstress still managed to leave plenty of skin on show with the gown starting at her cleavage and featuring a split up the front, and accessorised with a gold headdress.

And once Rihanna had posed at the entrance, she needed three people to hold her train as she made her way up the stairs in her sky high glittering sandals.

‘I’m so in love with this dress, but the train is insane!’ she told VF.com on the red carpet.

‘I’m so in love with this dress’: Rihanna admitted that the train was ‘insane’ as she chatted to reporters

Sarah Jessica Parker always manages to shock at the annual event, and this year was certainly no exception.

In an nod to the theme, the actress showed up in an elaborate flame-like red and white headdress by Philip Treacy, stopping all the other guests in their tracks.

Sarah, who arrived alongside Andy Cohen, also wore a black satin one-shouldered gown featuring embroidery and embellished with flowers, which was designed in collaboration with H&M.