Kate Moss with a gold turban, Victoria Beckham in pink polka dots and Madonna wearing designer bunny ears. The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala in New York last night lived up to its reputation as one of fashion’s most anticipated red carpet events of the year.

The ball, which celebrates the museum’s annual fashion exhibition, this year titled “The Model As Muse: Embodying Fashion”, brought out a who’s who of New York society, fashion and modelling – and ensured many new entries into the best and worst-dressed celebrity lists.

The worst offender appeared to be Madonna, dressed in a garish Eighties-inspired ensemble by Louis Vuitton, straight from the autumn/winter collection launched at Paris Fashion Week. The 50-year-old singer walked the red carpet in a navy blue sleeveless ruched mini dress with a puffed skirt, teamed with thigh-high black calf leather boots and jewelled leather fingerless gloves.

Her teal-coloured hairpiece – “bunny ears” by Louis Vuitton – was tied around a top knot, making Madonna look more like a glamorous cleaning lady than a fashion icon.

Asked to share her style secrets, the singer said simply: "Suck your stomach in."

Moss, who was co-chairing the event with the designer Marc Jacobs, wore one of his creations: a gold lamé, backless, one-shouldered minidress with a matching turban.

“My hair is under here somewhere,” the model said.

Upon seeing Moss, André Leon Talley, an editor-at-large for US Vogue magazine, let out a shriek and exclaimed "goddess", according to someone Twittering on the fashion website Women’s Wear Daily.

Beckham also wore a Marc Jacobs gown – a pink minidress with black polka dots and a long train. The former Spice Girl turned designer said Jacobs was “an inspiration”.

“I'm like a sponge when I'm around Marc," she said.

Stella McCartney arrived on the arms of the actresses Liv Tyler, Kate Bosworth and Kate Hudson, all of whom wore dresses designed by the British designer.

Others who attended included Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Kate Beckinsale, Rachel Weisz Liz Hurley and Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of US Vogue.

Wintour, whose bizarre dress was widely ridiculed last year, redeemed herself last night with an elegant black-and-white Chanel gown.

The annual fundraiser, which attracts designers, actors, models and athletes, was co-chaired by Wintour, Jacobs, Moss and Timberlake.

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