Met Ball 2016: Masterclass in metallics from Taylor Swift's mini to Naomi Watt's layered strapless gown

met gala metallics — Taylor Swift went for a knee-length number with a usual midriff exposing frock by Louis Vuitton Getty

Last night's ball, in honour of the new exhibition opening at The Metropolitan Museum of Art entitled Manus x Machina, was a glittering parade of sequin, lurex and full-on metal that drew a slew of weird and wonderful outfits from the A-list.

The theme this year, which focused on the relationship between technology and fashion, seemed to instantly turn everyone into C3P0 and see them racing for the nearest glittering object like a collection of fashion magpies.

Of course, in reality these shimmering gowns have been in the works for months with everyone from Tom Ford to Donatella Versace creating a host of women's looks for the red carpet extravaganza in New York last night.

From Taylor Swift's shiny snakeskin effect Louis Vuitton number to Cindy Crawford's beautifully sequinned Balmain dress, there was no expense or sequin spared in the metallic fest. While the likes of Kristen Stewart and Lily Rose Depp chose more muted options wearing Chanel's bespoke, shimmering creations of light lurex, they were still very much a focal point among the red carpet crowd.

Balmain's Olivier Rousteing was also a very busy boy, not only dressing Cindy but also rustling up some incredible, structured and heavily embroidered floor-length fantasy pieces for Kim Kardashian, sister Kylie Jenner and supermodel Jourdan Dunn.

However it was the sequin-drenched simplicity of Sienna Miller, Carolyn Murphy and Naomi Watt's strapless column dresses by Gucci, Oscar de la Renta and Burberry respectively that were truly standout pieces, letting the adornment do all the talking.

Met Gala 2016 — Naomi Watts shimmered in a Burberry gown layered in chain mail sequins and metallic flowers encrusted with glass beads Dimitrios Kambouris/ Getty Images

With spring/summer 16 focusing heavily on colour and pattern, last night served as a welcome opportunity to insert a little futuristic disco-inspired metallics back into the summer wardrobe, perfect for when the sun is just starting to shine again. Keeping in mind that we won't all be stepping out in floor-length Burberry to wear for the office, we have found some of the most wearable metallic pieces to add to your wardrobe now.

Topshop, NOLA Soft Knot Sandals; £69.00