Rihanna Ridiculed In China For 'Pancake' Cape

Rihanna is being mocked by social media users in China after wearing a gigantic yellow cape to a New York gala celebrating the country's influence on fashion.

The fur-trimmed cloak with floral swirls of gold has become the target of ridicule, being compared to a type of pancake or omelette popular in the country.

Jokers were swift to post pictures on social media likening the eye-catching creation to the egg-based snack, known as a jianbing.

One had the We Found Love singer standing in a frying pan, while another juxtaposed a picture of her next to the popular dish being prepared.

Another tongue-in-cheek image showed the dress with a topping sprinkled on so it resembled a pizza.

A joke was also doing the rounds alongside pictures of the cape saying: "Coriander or chives, that's the question."

It is traditional to add either or both of the herbs to a jianbing.

The singer's ensemble, which included a pink mini-dress and a twinkling tiara, was designed by Beijing-based Guo Pei, who has been described by Western fashion magazines as China's answer to Alexander McQueen.

Rihanna sent the photographers into near meltdown when she arrived - fashionably late - at the uber-exclusive event at the Metropolitan Museum, hosted by the high priestess of fashion, Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

Her red carpet entrance overshadowed other big names attending one of the most star-studded events in the Manhattan social calendar, including George and Amal Clooney, Lady Gaga, Madonna and Cher.

But on an evening of one-upmanship, she was then outdone by another diva, Beyonce, who along with her husband, Jay Z, arrived so late many photographers were giving up and leaving.

But they were rewarded for their wait, with the singer resplendent in an ultra-sheer, bejewelled Givenchy Haute Couture gown by Riccardo Tisci.

Amal Clooney arrived on her husband's arm in a tiered ruby-red gown by John Galliano for Maison Margiela.

Lady Gaga, who wore a huge kimono-like garment studded with feathers by Balenciaga, drew cheers when she waved to the crowds packed behind barriers across Fifth Avenue from the museum.

Jennifer Lopez bared a lot more skin in a red Versace gown with sheer side panels, while Kim Kardashian opted for a sheer, white gown with a feathery train by Peter Dundas for Roberto Cavalli, the designer's first for the house.

Deep, ruby reds, shimmery golds and a plethora of sequins were the order of the evening as many of the celebrities of stage and screen embraced the Chinese theme.

Actress Kate Hudson, dressed in a sleek gown of gold sequins by Michael Kors, said of the event: "It's like Oscar night for the fashion world, but without the pressure of who's going to get an award."

Justin Bieber also turned up in a black jacket slithering with gold dragons, by Balmain.

The guests all seemed aware of a new ban Wintour had placed on selfies.

The actress and former model Gabrielle Union said: "I think selfies can kind of cut into the moment and the fun.

"It's not that fun if you need to document the whole thing."

The annual gala raises millions of pounds for the Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute, a huge collection of garments from the 17th century onwards which is currently hosting an exhibition of Chinese fashions through the years.