The Metropolitan Museum of Art has banned guests from taking selfies at the Costume Institute Gala.

The venue, Vogue and its US editor Anna Wintour are reportedly refusing to let guests take photos and videos on their phones and sent out a memo to guests informing them of the new rules ahead of the event in New York on Monday (04.05.15).

According to the New York Post newspaper's Page Six column, the note said: ''The use of phones for photography and social media will not be permitted inside the gala.''

It is rumoured that the ban has been enforced to give Vogue control over images from the ball.

It is also thought the rule will help keep the publication's new documentary, entitled 'China: Through the Looking Glass', about the museum's Chinese themed-exhibit, as exclusive as possible.

However, a source has denied the claims and insists the ban is simply to ensure the safety of guests.

They said: ''It has solely to do with guests' security and enjoyment of the event.''

A host of stars are expected to attend this year's gala, including Blake Lively, Kendall Jenner, Sienna Miller, Carey Mulligan, Anne Hathaway, Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Chastain, Cara Delevingne, Kanye West and his wife, selfie Queen Kim Kardashian West.