Screw the Met Gala: Brooklyn's People's Ball is where it's at

Brooklynites strutted and sashayed down Brooklyn Central Library's "runway" at the free, inclusive event

The Met Gala, which will be held Monday night in Manhattan, is one of the most exclusive parties of the year, the stairs leading up the museum a parade of incredibly wealthy celebrities showing off their impossibly expensive dresses and tuxedos, carefully chosen for them by their staff of stylists.

The People’s Ball, held Sunday night at the Brooklyn Public Library, is the opposite of that. Free and open to anyone who wants to get up on the makeshift catwalk in the soaring central lobby and strut before a packed house of adoring, rowdy spectators, this annual event is a glorious celebration of Brooklyn creativity, style, sexiness, and, not incidentally, its enthusiasm for a dance party.

Photo by Scott Lynch

“I love the way people just come together, and can be themselves in their own true form,” said Bushwick resident and second-time attendee Zharia Shinn, resplendent in a rainbow dress. “It really brings out the sense that you can be whatever you want. I love the openness of it all.”

Photo by Scott Lynch

In addition to the dozens of “regular” folks up there on the runway — all of whom, it must be said, looked fabulous — there were performances by the singer Cunio, DJ sets courtesy of Rimarkable, and special guests like visual artist Mickalene Thomas and fashion curator Souleo.

Photo by Scott Lynch

There were also a number of “People’s Heroes” showing of their stuff, including path-breaking model Pat Celeveland, Harlem fashion icon Dapper Dan, the “first lady of hip hop” Cindy Campbell, the founder of One Love Community Fridge Asmeret Berhe-Lumax, and tenant organizer Aura Mejia.

Photo by Scott Lynch

Hosts for the night were actress Delissa Reynolds of “Wu Tang: An American Saga” and “Orange Is the New Black,” and arts advocate Rob Fields, who did a terrific job keeping the mood light and the room lively.

Here are a few more images from a night that was for everyone.