Anna Wintour arrives on the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York City on May 7, 2012. UPI/ John Angelillo
For those not in the know The Costume Institute Gala was the place to be for the famous and fashionable on Monday night. The annual event celebrates the opening of an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this year ‘Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations.’
Here is my full roundup of who wore what at the 2012 Met Gala starting with the first lady of fashion….
Anna Wintour, Editor in Chief of American Vogue chose a white embroidered custom made gown by Prada, the gold motif is actually a particularly glam looking lobster.
Carey Mulligan arriving at the Costume Institute Benefit, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to celebrate the opening of Schiaparelli and Prada, Impossible Conversations, New York. Jackson Lee/starmaxinc.com
Also in Prada, Carey Mulligan looked, in my opinion the best she has ever looked in a gold and silver two-tone dress made of large sequins somewhat reminiscent of fish-scales.
Amber Heard arrives on the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York City on May 7, 2012. UPI/ John Angelillo
Model Amber Heard wore a stunning figure hugging purple gown by Zac Posen, the designer she was a guest of for the evening. The fish tail gown accentuated her curves, with the long ruffled train adding the finishing touch to the Hollywood glamour look.
Dakota Fanning arrives on the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York City on May 7, 2012. UPI/ John Angelillo
Dakota Fanning was one of the few fashion misses of the night. Dakota chose a light lavender off the shoulder gown by Louis Vuitton, unfortunately the dress is a little oversized and comes off a little bad eighties prom dress rather then elegant red carpet gown.
Elizabeth Banks arriving at the Costume Institute Benefit, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to celebrate the opening of Schiaparelli and Prada, Impossible Conversations, New York. Dennis Van Tine/starmaxinc.com
Elizabeth Banks went for a dress by Mary Katrantzou, a slightly unusual choice of designer for the Met Gala but as an event that is wholly about fashion, there is not better forum for this daring dress and Elizabeth pulls it off with ease.
7th May 2012. Amy Adams seen heading to the Met Gala in New York City. KGC-146/starmaxinc.com
Amy Adams went for full on glamour with a monochrome chiffon one shoulder dress by Giambattista Valli couture. A cute silver bow pulled in the waist on this dress and side-swept Hollywood curls add to the glamour of this look.
Lana Del Rey arrives on the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York City on May 7, 2012. UPI/ John Angelillo
Lana Del Rey attended the event alongside Joseph Altuzarra so naturally wore one of his designs. She chose a strapless metallic silver dress teamed with a black cape that added a little drama to the look
Karolina Kurkova arriving at the Costume Institute Benefit, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to celebrate the opening of Schiaparelli and Prada, Impossible Conversations, New York. Dennis Van Tine/starmaxinc.com
Karolina Kurkova was radiant in a floor length shimmering gold gown. The supermodel wore a sequinned gold fish tail custom made for her by Rachel Zoe. If anyone knows what makes a red carpet look it’s celeb stylist Rachel Zoe which is no doubt why she has every element just right here – from the glamorous shape and colour of the dress to the matching headwear everything is spot on for the perfect red carpet look.
Jessica Alba arrives on the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York City on May 7, 2012. UPI/ John Angelillo
The usually glamorous Jessica Alba wore a flowing gold metallic one shouldered dress by Michael Kors, which showed off her slim waist but was an unfortunate fabric – shiny gold is not an easy colour to wear, even if you’re Jessica Alba.
Camilla Belle arriving at the Costume Institute Benefit, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to celebrate the opening of Schiaparelli and Prada, Impossible Conversations, New York. Dennis Van Tine/starmaxinc.com
Camilla Belle stuck to her standard sexy look, but pulled it off spectacularly! She wore a silver embroidered Ralph Lauren gown with a plunging neck line that had a slightly vintage twenties feel to it. The dark lipstick adds abit of drama to the look.
Kirsten Dunst arriving at the Costume Institute Benefit, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to celebrate the opening of Schiaparelli and Prada, Impossible Conversations, New York. Dennis Van Tine/starmaxinc.com
Kirsten Dunst chose a slightly unusual look for this event; a red belted suit jacket teamed with a long skirt custom made for her by Rodarte. I can’t decide whether I like this look, possibly off of the red carpet of the Met Gala it would work but amongst all these breathtaking gowns it just comes off a little odd.
Sarah Jessica Parker arriving at the Costume Institute Benefit, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to celebrate the opening of Schiaparelli and Prada, Impossible Conversations, New York. Dennis Van Tine/starmaxinc.com
Sarah Jessica Parker eschewed red carpet glamour for a slightly ditsy look in this floral ballgown from the spring 2012 couture collection by Valentino. A really pretty look on New York’s sweetheart.
Emma Stone arrives on the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York City on May 7, 2012. UPI/ John Angelillo
Another pretty look this time from Emma Stone. Emma went for an adorable red mini-dress made from large red applique flowers custom made for her by Lanvin.
Kate Bosworth arriving at the Costume Institute Benefit, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to celebrate the opening of Schiaparelli and Prada, Impossible Conversations, New York. Dennis Van Tine/starmaxinc.com
Kate Bosworth can do no wrong in my mind but I was a little disappointed to see her in a short dress, she chose a beautiful ox-blood coloured feathery backless gown by Prada.
Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake arriving at the Costume Institute Benefit, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to celebrate the opening of Schiaparelli and Prada, Impossible Conversations, New York. Dennis Van Tine/starmaxinc.com
If I can tear my eyes away from Jessica Biel’s date to comment on her look…Jessica chose a mid-length cream dress with green embroidery by Prada. The shape is great on Jessica’s figure and the plunging neckline ensures the dress is by no means boring.
Renee Zellweger arrives on the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York City on May 7, 2012. UPI/ John Angelillo
Renee Zellweger looked typically glamorous in a beautiful black fishtail gown with cut-away detailing and a dramatic backless feature. The dress was from Renee’s favourite designer Carolina Hererra.
Leighton Meester arrives on the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York City on May 7, 2012. UPI/ John Angelillo
Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester went for fairytale chic in a gold applique and tulle bottomed gown by Marchesa. The only issue I have with this look is Leighton’s slightly overdone it on the tanning.
Lea Michele arrives on the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York City on May 7, 2012. UPI/ John Angelillo
Lea Michele showed off a more grown-up look in a dark blue sequinned gown with low neckline and front split by Diane Von Furstenberg. She has kept hair and makeup to a modest minimal so as to avoid that overdone look that she has suffered with in the past.
Rihanna arrives on the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York City on May 7, 2012. UPI/ John Angelillo
Rihanna was the lucky recipient of a Tom Ford dress for the evening. In what is practically blasphemy in the fashion world, I have to say I don’t particularly like this dress, the black crocodile dress is nice but a little boring for the Met ball.
Gwyneth Paltrow arrives on the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York City on May 7, 2012. UPI/ John Angelillo
Gwyneth Paltrow was another attendee dressed in Prada, Gwyneth oozed glamour in a blue halter-neck backless gown with embroidered pocket details. It’s a little casual for the Met ball but Gwyneth could wear a sack and still look stunning.
Beyonce Knowles arriving at the Costume Institute Benefit, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to celebrate the opening of Schiaparelli and Prada, Impossible Conversations, New York. Dennis Van Tine/starmaxinc.com
Beyonce made a stunning post-pregnancy return to the red carpet in a surprisingly daring black embroidered gown with feather fishtail by Givenchy couture.
Eva Mendes arriving at the Costume Institute Benefit, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to celebrate the opening of Schiaparelli and Prada, Impossible Conversations, New York. Dennis Van Tine/starmaxinc.com
Eva Mendes also chose a Prada design for the night. Eva went for a red strapless peplum gown with embroidered bodice details. This is just the right mix of glamour and quirk for the Met Gala.
Claire Danes arriving at the Costume Institute Benefit, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to celebrate the opening of Schiaparelli and Prada, Impossible Conversations, New York. Dennis Van Tine/starmaxinc.com
Claire Danes was the women in white in a crystal embellished white wrap around gown by J.Mendel. The low neck of this dress is revealing but Claire tones it down with pretty hair and neutral make-up.
Cameron Diaz arrives on the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York City on May 7, 2012. UPI/ John Angelillo
Cameron Diaz wowed in a gold allover embellished backless gown by Stella McCartney. This is one of the best looks of the night, from the hair and makeup to the way the dress clings to Cameron’s curves the look is flawless.
Rooney Mara arrives on the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York City on May 7, 2012. UPI/ John Angelillo
Rooney Mara stuck to formula in a gothic inspired dress by Givenchy couture. The sheer lace black gown was both elegant and stylish the only thing she could improve here is her red carpet posing, a little more confidence would go a long way.
Scarlett Johansson arriving at the Costume Institute Benefit, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to celebrate the opening of Schiaparelli and Prada, Impossible Conversations, New York. Dennis Van Tine/starmaxinc.com
Scarlett Johansson was also wearing a fish tail gown, the choice of style for many that evening. The actress wore an embellished pale pink and gold Dolce and Gabbana dress, with an elegant chiffon fish tail a little similar to Leighton Meester’s and I take offence to those off the shoulder straps.
Emily Blunt arriving at the Costume Institute Benefit, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to celebrate the opening of Schiaparelli and Prada, Impossible Conversations, New York. Dennis Van Tine/starmaxinc.com
Being abit of a minimalist I love a Calvin Klein look and Emily Blunt wears this pink dress to perfection. The colour is great on her and the cutaway back adds abit of detail.
Kristen Stewart arrives on the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York City on May 7, 2012. UPI/ John Angelillo
Kristen Stewart showed off one of the strongest looks of the night in a strapless patchwork design by Balenciaga. It’s not a traditional ball-gown but being Balenciaga it’s high fashion and that is after all what the event is all about and what’s more Kristen looks happy and relaxed with the look.
Emma Roberts arrives on the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York City on May 7, 2012. UPI/ John Angelillo
Emma Roberts brought a swash of colour to the red carpet in a bright strapless gown from Escada. The dress was actually alot more orange then it looks in this picture. Overall a nice look; young and fresh and not at all aging.
Hilary Swank arriving at the Costume Institute Benefit, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to celebrate the opening of Schiaparelli and Prada, Impossible Conversations, New York. Dennis Van Tine/starmaxinc.com
Hilary Swank was another of my best dressed of the night, she chose a high-necked gown in a beautiful wine coloured hue by Michael Kors with a gathering at the hip.
Christina Ricci arrives on the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York City on May 7, 2012. UPI/ John Angelillo
Christina Ricci wore one of the more fashion forward looks of the night in a black and cream lace bandeau top with huge cream ribbon detailing teamed with a high waisted lace skirt custom made for her by Thakoon. This look won’t be for everyone but personally I love it, if anyone can make a look like this actually look quite normal it’s Christina.
7th May 2012. Alexa Chung seen heading to the Met Gala in New York City. KGC-146/starmaxinc.com
Alexa Chung on the other-hand chose a look I cannot get on board with. Her leather dress and shirt look is by Marc Jacobs, the look swamps her, making her look several sizes bigger then her tiny frame.