You thought prom was a big fuss? Try the monstrous fashion madness that is the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala. 

Hosted by Anna Wintour, the Met Ball is the tick that is Hollywood feasting itself on the blood of high fashion ... Or is it the other way around? No one can really tell through all the air kisses and champagne fizz, but no problemo! All that matters is that if you’re a starlet who’s lucky enough to have a ticket, you can wear a dress that costs the same as an entire year of a private college education.

This caveat excludes most of us from going—but that doesn’t mean if you ever find yourself stuck in an elevator with Andre Leon Talley, you can’t at least know what you’re talking about. Here’s your cheat sheet on the exclusive Met Ball.

We saved the mess for last! There was ever so much to choose from, especially given the Gala’s “Superheroes: Fashion & Fantasy” theme. Some people didn’t even try, some people hit the nail on the head, and some just went too dang far. All this has us wondering what next year’s theme should be…how about Dressing Up In Drag? Click here for ten more crazy, daring, hostile-to-the-eyes outfits.

There was such a plethora of hot messiness last night at the Costume Institute Gala held at the Metripolitan Museum of Art (there was some serious prettiness too, but that’s not quite as fun), but this image of the Olsen twins scared the bejesus out of me. Ashley looks fairly delightful, but Mary Kate? Mommy, hold me. [Costume Institute Gala, May 5, 2008]