Met Gala Red Carpet Pictures and Interviews 2012

>> The annual Costume Institute Gala's red carpet is an infamous frenzy of fashion and flashbulbs — and we were right there to capture it all. From Anna to Miuccia, Calvin to Valentino, the grand steps of the Met were jam-packed with some of the industry's most favorite faces — not to mention some of Hollywood's favorite stars. "It's always a fun night, you know? Everyone is dressed up and looks beautiful," explained Caroline Trentini, who was dressed in a denim gown designed by date Olivier Theyskens. Ginnifer Goodwin, who wore a custom Monique Lhuillier gown, shared the sentiment: "I'm excited to see so many old friends. I know that I've got a lot of buddies inside. That's what I'm most excited about," the actress said.

"It's hugely special! What could be more important than the Costume Institute Gala? It feels like the Oscars," a Schiaparelli-pink-haired Chris Benz explained before whisking date Julie Macklowe — also sporting fuchsia locks — through the doors of the museum.

"I think it's more fun than the Oscars!" director Baz Luhrmann — who made a series of films for the exhibit — disagreed. "Just because there are no awards. There's no stress. All I have to do is eat a little something, drink a little something, and watch Bruno Mars rock the house. That can't be too hard, you know."

More red-carpet chats — and our Instagram snaps — right here, in the gallery.