The first Monday in May typically plays host to one of the fashion industry’s most glamorous nights, the annual Met Gala.

However, this year’s event, which was due to take place on 4 May at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, has been postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The cancellation has left fashion fans around the world bitterly disappointed but the good news is that there are other ways to celebrate what would have been the biggest sartorial spectacle of the year.

To commemorate the occasion, social media users are taking part in the Met Gala challenge. But, what exactly is it and how can you join in? Here is everything you need to know.

What is the Met Gala challenge?

Following the postponement of this year’s Met Gala, Vogue and actor Billy Porter joined forces to create a new fashion challenge that aims to bring the event’s fashion-forward spirit to life.

The #MetGalaChallenge encourages people to recreate their favourite looks from the historic ball and share photos of their interpretations on social media.

In a video shared on Vogue’s Instagram, Pose star Porter said: “The time has come for the challenge to end all fashion challenges.

“Pick an iconic Met Gala look from years past and recreate in your home.”

How can you take part?

Anyone can join in with the challenge and to be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is re-create your favourite Met Gala look from over the years and post a photo of yourself alongside the hashtag #MetGalaChallenge.

Porter and Vogue will then select a handful of the best posts to feature on the @voguemagazine, @metmuseum, and @metcostumeinstitute Instagram pages.

What looks have people been recreating?

Since the challenge first began Instagram has been flooded with DIY outfits inspired by celebrity looks of the past.

Some of the most popular looks include the extravagant yellow Guo Pei robe-gown that Rihanna wore in 2015, which prompted a flurry of memes, and Beyonce's "naked dress" from the same year.

Mindy Kaling was one of the first celebrities to take part in the challenge and chose to recreate Jared Leto’s 2019 outfit which saw him carry a prosthetic version of his own head.

“Recreating one of my favourite Met Gala looks ever with the help of a tarp, some Christmas lights and packing tape. I think Alessandro Michele would approve,” the former Office star explained.

“Your turn, post your look with #MetGalaChallenge by 5/3 and @voguemagazine will choose select looks to feature on social.”

See more of our favourite posts below:

If you need some outfit inspiration, read our roundup of the best Met Gala dresses of all time here.

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