Rihanna returns to red carpet at New York gala

Rihanna arrives at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala in New York on Monday May 4, 2009. [Agencies]

NEW YORK – Rihanna is back — on the red carpet, at least.

The pop singer arrived Monday at the annual Costume Institute of The Metropolitan Museum gala in New York. It was her first such appearance since then-boyfriend Chris Brown allegedly beat her in February.

"Vogue" editor Anna Wintour once again hosted the gala, which this year served as the kickoff to "The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion" exhibit. Kate Moss co-chaired the event with Justin Timberlake.

Guests included Madonna, Victoria Beckham and designer Stella McCartney with her muses: Kate Hudson and Liv Tyler.