Although this year's Met Gala (a annual fundraising gala to benefit the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute) was touted as having one of the most challenging themes yet—Chinese Heritage to coincide with the Costume Institute's next exhibit, China: Through the Looking Glass—things turned out surprisingly well. Yesterday's celebrity packed event was incident free of any cultural—and couture—missteps. Cue the collective sighs of relief. Think these stunning gowns are thousands of dollars? Think again, some of the dresses seen last night are from mass-market retails such as TOPSHOP and H&M. Here are a few of our favourite costumes, gowns and archived frocks from last night fancy fete. [caption id="attachment_16098" align="aligncenter" width="399"] Photo credit: Getty Images for Michael Kors[/caption] We adore Kate Hudson in this gilded backless Michael Kors gown, but her headpiece really makes the look sing. Hudson was in good company, with many other stars such as Lady Gaga, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rihanna, and Karen Elson deciding to don crowns. The cascading bejewelled golden flowers work seamlessly with the liquid metal sheen of the dress. Well played! [caption id="attachment_16100" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Photo credit: Getty Images for Michael Kors[/caption] This was not a favourite of ours when we first saw it on the red carpet, but we had a change of heart when we saw this photo of Solange Knowles, curled up on a sofa —Champagne in hand—in her Giles Deacon dress at the Michael Kors and iTunes after party at the Mark Hotel. The holographic fabrics mixed with the micro-pleats give this gown legs. [caption id="attachment_16102" align="aligncenter" width="417"] Photo credit: Getty Images for Michael Kors[/caption] Super model Fei Fei Sun stunned in this body hugging silver Michael Kors gown. We also appload her styling, her hair and makeup was beyond! According to a Nars Cosmetics press release (the French beauty brand did her makeup for the occasion) the beauty inspiration was Babe Paley, an American socialite from the 30s. "The inspiration for the look was Babe Paley traveling to China in the 30s. The eyeliner really had to be created for Fei Fei’s face, it was quite thick to enhance her eyes.The Babe Paley inspiration came through in the lipstick [ Nars Cosmetics Audacious Lipstick in Carmen] it complemented Fei Fei’s Asian skin tone and really popped," says makeup artist Maki Ryoke. [caption id="attachment_16104" align="aligncenter" width="399"] Photo credit: H&M Canada[/caption] The reigning queen of the Met Gala is undoubtably Sarah Jessica Parker—although Rihanna is doing a stellar job at challenging her in that stunning yellow Guo Pei getup! Known for wearing Philip Tracy hats at this event, she didn't disappoint, sporting a flaming headpiece bookended with long red tassels. However the shocker was that she wore a custom H&M one-shouldered black silk gown with a draped train embroidered with poppies. This was the first year for the Swedish fast-fashion brand has made an appearance at the prestigious fashion event. The retailer also outfitted signer Jannelle Monae, actress Vanessa Hudgens and singer Banks.