The most memorable Met Gala outfits through the years - in pictures

From Beyonce and Rihanna back to Cher and Diana Ross

The first Monday in May is almost upon us, which means one of the year's most stylish events is also fast approaching.

The annual Met Gala, which was first established in 1948 though held intermittently until recent decades, will take place in New York on May 6, bringing together stars of the music, film and fashion worlds.

The modish event, which raises funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, also marks the opening of the venue's annual fashion exhibition, this year entitled Camp: Notes on Fashion.

The 2019 occasion will be co-hosted by Gucci's creative director Alessandro Michele, Harry Styles, Lady Gaga, Serena Williams and, as per usual, Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

While we wait to see which stars will be in attendance, and how they'll interpret this year's dress code of camp, we've rounded up some of the most unforgettable looks of galas past.

From Rihanna in her sweeping yellow cape from 2015 to Beyonce's rubbery Givenchy of 2016, plus some throwbacks from the Eighties, scroll the gallery above to see the Met Gala's most memorable moments.