New York (AFP) – A-listers dressed to the theme of “gilded glamour” sparkled on the red carpet as the annual Met Gala extravaganza known as “the party of the year” returned to its pre-pandemic schedule Monday in New York. Co-host Blake Lively was one of the first stars to wow in a beaded Versace gown with an oversized satin bow that unfurled to reveal a light blue train. The actress, whose husband the actor Ryan Reynolds wore a brown velvet tuxedo, described the dress as an “homage” to New York City architecture, including the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. Among other early …