PHOTOS: The Met Gala Celebrates American Fashion

NEW YORK CITY – It might not be the first Monday in May this year, but New York City has finally seen the return of the Met Gala.

The pandemic paused all plans for fashion's biggest night out, forcing the Metropolitan Museum of Art to reschedule the star-studded event for the second Monday in September, coinciding with the end of New York Fashion week.

This year's theme, In America: A Lexicon of Fashion, is the first in a two part series on American fashion celebrating the Costume Institute's 75th anniversary. An array of celebrities and influencers climbed the museum stairs, showcasing past and current American designers. Some opted for old Hollywood glamour, while others donned more modern couture.

Check out the photos below to see the best outfits of the evening.

Anna Wintour, Vogue's editor-in-chief and a chairwoman of the Gala event, attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala wearing Oscar de la Renta.

Youtube star Emma Chamberlain sparkles on the red carpet.

Amanda Gorman stuns in a sapphire gown by Vera Wang.

Timothee Chalamet layers his look by wearing Haider Ackerman, Rick Owens and Converse.

Dan Levy walks the carpet wearing J.W. Anderson.

Saweetie sparkles in Christian Cowan.

Billie Eilish channels old Hollywood glamour in Oscar de la Renta.

Lil Nas X dons a golden suit of armor by Versace.

Naomi Osaka and Cordae attend the gala wearing custom Louis Vuitton.

Debbie Harry takes the theme of American fashion to heart with designer Zac Posen.

Super model Iman arrives on the carpet with designer Harris Reed.

Jennifer Hudson climbs the stairs of the Metropolitan Museum of Art wearing AZ Factory.

Frank Ocean arrives with green hair and a green doll wearing Prada.

Jennifer Lopez arrives at the stairs of the MET sporting Ralph Lauren.

Designer Virgil Abloh dons an all white ensemble with blue accents.

Gemma Chan stands out in a light green train dress.

Helen Lasichanh and Pharrell Williams wear Chanel at The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art wearing .

Simone Biles glitters in a bejeweled gown.

Kim Kardashian attends the event with Georgian designer Demna Geveslia.

Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid hold hands on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art wearing Givenchy and Prada respectively.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky close out the night in Balenciaga.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.