US singer Beyonce poses after arriving for the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala 2015 celebrating the opening of "China: Through the Looking Glass," in Manhattan, New York May 4, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Beyonce and her husband, Jay Z, arrived so late that many photographers were giving up and leaving. She was highly photogenic, though, in an ultra-sheer, bejeweled Givenchy Haute Couture gown by Riccardo Tisci.

Deep, ruby reds, shimmery golds and other jewel tones dominated the color scheme as the multitudes of invited celebrities embraced this year's China inspiration. There were sequins aplenty, and embroidery was everywhere.

One of the first to arrive was the gala's longtime head, Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who sported an orange-and-red floral couture gown from Chanel as she walked up the stairs to kick off the star-studded party that raises millions for the Met's Anna Wintour Costume Center.

She was followed by a succession of stars from film, music, fashion, TV and even sports unrivaled anywhere but perhaps the Oscars. As actress Kate Hudson noted: "It's like Oscar night for the fashion world, but without the pressure of who's going to get an award." Hudson was dressed in a sleek gown of gold sequins, by Michael Kors.

One of the biggest stars of the evening _ and a surprise, until the last moment - was Cher, in an understated (relatively) sequined Marc Jacobs gown in gray and purple with a vaguely floral motif.