2021's Met Gala was, after a year or so of limited IRL events, something of a shock to the system. And that was just for those of us watching from afar. The celebrities just kept on coming: first Anna Wintour, then Billie Eilish, Timothée Chalamet, Jennifer Lopez with Ben Affleck, Sienna Miller, Emily Blunt, Regina King, Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Carey Mulligan and Lil Nas X. Phew.
But just when you thought it was all over and the last of the A-list had finally made their way inside New York's famous museum, guess who surprised us all on the red (well, beige) carpet?
Rihanna arrived with A$AP Rocky like the prom Queen and King, dressed in Balenciaga's first couture collection in 50 years. This included a black opera coat, which she'd paired with a beanie. Of course she had.
For his part, A$AP Rocky wore a quilted design by ERL, making for the perfect finale to the most star-studded event we've seen for some time.
It's hardly a surprise that Rihanna was, yet again, the best dressed of the entire night. Her Met Gala record is pretty spectacular – remember the papal look she wore in 2018 for the Heavenly Bodies theme? And of course, there was the yellow Guo Pei couture look for 2015's China: Through The Looking Glass, otherwise known as the dress which launched a thousand memes.
So, to honour the Queen of the Met steps (Blair Waldorf, who?) let's remember Rihanna's very best Met Gala looks.
SEE: Every Look Rihanna Has Worn To The Met Gala
1 of 8Met Gala 2009: The Model As Muse: Embodying Fashion
Back in 2009, Rihanna chose a Dolce and Gabbana suit for the red carpet.
2 of 8Met Gala 2011: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
In an asymmetric black lace gown by Stella McCartney.
3 of 8Met Gala 2012: Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations
Rihanna chose a slinky Tom Ford dress for 2012's Met Gala.
4 of 8Met Gala 2014: Charles James: Beyond Fashion
The star returned to Stella McCartney in 2014, this time in the form of a white high neck crop top and long skirt.
5 of 8Met Gala 2015: China: Through The Looking Glass
In the infamous Guo Pei Haute Couture dress for 2015's event, which led to a stream of memes online.
6 of 8Met Gala 2017: Rei Kawakubo: Art Of The In-Between
Perhaps only Rihanna could pull off this Comme des Garcons look.
7 of 8Met Gala 2018: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination
John Galliano for Maison Margiela was responsible for this iconic (sorry, there's no other word to do this justice) look.
8 of 8Met Gala 2021: In America: A Lexicon of Fashion
Rihanna chose Balenciaga Haute Couture for 2021's Met Gala, which she accessorised with custom Maria Tash jewellery.