January Jones puffs on a cigarette, while Katie Holmes struggles to walk the stairs

January Jones puffs on a cigarette, while Katie Holmes struggles to walk the stairs in candid Met Ball scenes

Its the night when A-list celebrity combines with high fashion to create one of the glitziest events in the showbusiness calender.

But while organisers run the Met Ball with military precision, there is one thing they can't control - their famous guests.

And as the stars let their hair down on Monday night, they were caught off guard in a series of candid photographs.

Desperate for a drag: January Jones, left, and Stella McCartney puff away on their cigarettes as they exit the Met Ball gala in New York behind Glee's Matthew Morrison on Monday

January Jones and Stella McCartney were seen lighting up cigarettes as soon as they stepped out of the gala.

Despite still being on the regal red carpet, the addicts couldn't wait to get their nicotine fix.

Stella stood with a glowing cigarette hanging inelegantly from her mouth as she mingled, while January was equally desperate to smoke.

Careful where you step! Katie Holmes struggles not to trip on her trailing gown as she walks down the steps

Taking her time: Katie enlisted a helpful assistant to escort her down the stairs as she held her dress aside

Caught out by the impressive entry steps, Katie Holmes was left struggling to control her chiffon gown as she navigated her way down.

Holding the layers of feather-light fabric to one side, and clinging to a willing helper, the 34-year-old carefully made her way from step to step.

Also caught out by the perilous exit, were young actresses Emma Roberts and Jaime King.

Tottering in their super high heels, it was is no wonder the pair were left clinging together.

Having a good time: American footballer Tom Brady carries Gisele's high heels as the supermodel leave the gala holding her friend's hand

Hold on tight! With heels that high it is no wonder Emma Roberts is clinging to fellow actress Jaime King

Meanwhile Gisele found an easier way to keep her balance, pulling off her high heels which her helpful husband carried for her.

Finding a novel route down was Olivia Wilde, who held tightly to the banister to stop herself from tripping.

Looking a little flustered, the actress appeared to be concentrating hard on her steps.

The sensible route: Looking a little flustered, Olivia Wilde held on tight to the banister

Don't want to fall: The actress's concentration was obvious

It seemed that British stars Alexa Chung and Pixie Geldof couldn't even face the walk down the staircase.

Instead they rather lowered the tone of the evening as they slumped down and sat side by side on the steps to chat with fellow guests.

But while the stars were in the main still keeping their decorum at the ball, by the time they hit the afterparties they were ready to let their hair down.

Had enough girls? Alexa Chung and Pixie Geldof take a seat on the stairs as they catch up with friends

Checking their phones: As soon as the stars got out the door they all pulled out their cells to see their messages

Michelle Williams was seen giggling underneath a coat as she and a mystery man shared a car home.

And Pharrell's partner, Helen Lasichanh unfortunately lost her balance as the couple left an afterparty together.

Despite his efforts to catch her she plunged forward in front of photographers.

With her navy jumpsuit falling open she inadvertently exposed her chest to the world.

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It was a hoot! Rosie Huntington Whiteley got straight on the phone

Helen laughed off the fall, sensibly deciding to make that the end to her night as the pair headed home.

Also coming a cropper on the cobblestone street was Mary-Kate Olsen.

Despite her sensible flat sandals she tripped on her flowing dress, just managing to regain her balance.

Something funny? Michelle Williams giggles as she hides under her coat alongside a mystery man on her way home from an afterparty

Down she goes: Pharrell's partner, Helen Lasichanh loses her balance on the cobblestone street as they leave an afterparty together

Down she goes: Even in flat shoes Mary-Kate Olsen is caught out by her long dress