MET Gala 2012 Red Carpet: Beyoncé, Rihanna, Sofia Vegera, Paula Patton, Solange & More!

Paula Patton, Sofia Vegera, Rihanna, and Beyoncé at MET Gala 2012

New York City was taken over by Metropolitan Museum of Art ‘s Schiaparelli And Prada: Impossible Conversations Costume Institute Gala on Monday, May 7, 2012.

Related: See Photos from MET Gala 2013

The fundraising event was the largest in its history, raising $11 million with over 800 guests, and serves as the Costume Institute ‘s main source of annual funding for exhibitions, acquisitions, and capital improvements.

The exhibition, which will run from May 10th through August 19th, 2012, explores the striking affinities between Italian fashion designers Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada from different eras, and showcases their most innovative work.

For the first time, the gala’s red carpet was streamed live and hosted by Elettra Wiedemann and Vogue ‘ s William Norwich via Amazon.com/fashion , metmuseum.org , and vogue.com . Check out all of our favorite looks below!

Sofia Vergara in Marchesa and Harry Winston at MET Gala 2012

Modern Family ‘s Sofia Vergera sparkled in Marchesa and Harry Winston jewelry, and Rihanna arrived looking sleek in a stretchy, all black Tom Ford gown and Repossi jewely. She stopped by to chat with William Norwich about her wardrobe, the positivity of the exhibit, her own design plans and more.

Rihanna in Tom Ford and Repossi MET Gala 2012

Rihanna in Tom Ford and Repossi at MET Gala 2012

Actress Paula Patton looked gorgeous in a strapless Vera Wang gown, while January Jones was stunning in a custom strapless yellow Atelier Versace gown.

Model Chanel Iman dazzled in Tom Ford with the designer himself by her side. Also embracing the bright citrus hue, Solange Knowles was sun-kissed in Rachel Roy .

Paula Patton in Vera Wang at MET Gala 2012

January Jones in Atelier Versace at MET Gala 2012

Chanel Iman in Tom Ford, with Tom Ford at MET Gala 2012

Solange in Rachel Roy at MET Gala 2012

Jessica Biel hit the red carpet in Prada (picked by Mrs. Prada ) with fiancé Justin Timberlake in Tom Ford , who got shy when asked to show off his beatboxing skills. Jessica Alba shined in a metallic Michael Kors gown.

Jessica Biel in Prada with Justin Timberlake in Tom Ford at MET Gala 2012

Jessica Alba in Michael Kors at MET Gala 2012

Actresses Nina Dobrev and Ashley Greene were both elegant in Donna Karan , Model Jessica Stam looked amazing in Dior , and last but definitely the most fabulous– Beyoncé arrived in a see-through, purple feathered Givenchy gown that absolutely took the show!

Nina Dobrev in Donna Karan at MET Gala 2012

Ashley Greene in Donna Karan at MET Gala 2012

Jessica Stam in Dior at MET Gala 2012

Beyoncé in Givenchy at MET Gala 2012

Beyoncé in Givenchy at MET Gala 2012

Beyoncé in Givenchy MET Gala 2012

photos via beautyisdiverse.com , popsugar.com.au , Versace , shesomajor.com

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