Met Gala 2021: Biggest fashion moments from Emma Raducanu to Billie Eilish

The Met Gala 2021 was always going to be a headline-hitting affair.

After last year's event was cancelled due to the pandemic, celebrities - and their stylists - pulled out all the stops for their red carpet looks this year.

Hosted by co-chairs Timothée Chalamet, Billie Eilish, Amanda Gorman and Naomi Osaka, the biggest event on the fashion circuit's calendar also featured red carpet regulars including Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and JLo in addition to some Met Gala newcomers, US Open 2021 winner Emma Raducanu, rapper Lil Nas and the late Kobe Bryant's daughter Natalia.

There were some notable absences. Prior to the event, Nicki Minaj revealed she wouldn't be attending due to the vaccination requirements. Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Blake Lively, usually three of the annual event's most talked-about celebrities, also didn't attend. Pregnant Kylie Jenner declined to put in an appearance, too.

However, those that did show up most certainly dressed to impress. Kim Kardashian sparked a thousand memes with her all-black look that covered her entire face and body. Billie Eilish was a red carpet sensation in a huge, frothy gown in a look inspired by Marilyn Monroe and Emma Raducanu was a vision in Chanel.

Scroll for some of the most talked-about outfits of the evening.

US Open winner Emma Raducanu wore Chanel for her first Met Gala red carpet.

Kim Kardashian divided fans by arriving in an all-black Balenciaga outfit that covered every inch of her body and face.

New mum and model Gigi Hadid wore a striking Prada gown, featuring a thigh-high split and leather gloves.

Kendall Jenner paid homage to Audrey Hepburn with her bejewelled Givenchy gown with a spin on the dress the legendary actor wore as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady.

Serena Williams' Gucci look included a lace bodysuit and an ombre feathered cape.

Jennifer Hudson, star of upcoming flick 'Aretha', channelled vintage Hollywood glamour in a form-fitting red gown and matching cape.

Iman pulled out all the stops in a giant feathered headpiece and skirt by Harris Reed.

A$AP Rocky and Rihanna made their red carpet debut as a couple in a pair of eye-catching looks. While Rihanna's all-black coat dress was arguably more demure than her previous Met Gala looks, A$AP Rocky's patchwork cape provided a pop of colour.

Jennifer Lopez continued her red carpet victory lap in a plunging brown dress by Ralph Lauren, a very luxe take on the wild west.

Megan Fox wore a revealing, beaded red gown with matching heels and lace detailing.

Lupita Nyong'o put a fresh spin on the classic denim dress in this Versace number.

Rapper Lil Nas wore three outfits to his very first Met Gala, including this golden suit of armour designed by Donatella Versace.

Zoe Kravitz stunned in a sheer, bejewelled Saint Lauren dress paired with very simple make-up and accessories.

Emily Blunt attended the gala with fashion journalist Hamish Bowles. While Bowles took a style gamble in a Statue of Liberty-homage pleated skirt, corset and headpiece, Blunt opted for a more minimal ensemble paired with an intricate headpiece.

A gold, beaded catsuit was another of Lil Nas' three outfits.

Grimes arrived in a futuristic gown that she teamed with a sword and platform boots.

Singer Lorde wore an embellished, satin two-piece with a cape.

Billie Eilish paid homage to Marilyn Monroe in a huge, frothy Oscar de la Renta gown.

Riverdale star Lili Reinhart wore a gown by Christian Siriano featuring flowers of all 50 states.

The late Kobe Bryant's daughter Natalia, 18, made her Met Gala debut in a puffball sequin dress.

Actor Timothee Chalamet paired Converse with white plus-fours and a double breasted tuxedo jacket from Haider Ackermann, in a nod to Gatsby chic.