When it comes to high-stakes, high-fashion events, nothing compares to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual Costume Institute Gala. The ridiculously glamorous benefit always draws the creme de la creme of the glitterati and invariably produces the most intriguing red carpet of the year. Monday's soiree lived up to this reputation, as celebrities, models, and designers turned out in droves to celebrate 2010's exhibition—American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity. Co-hosted by Oprah Winfrey, who was resplendent in a custom Oscar de la Renta navy silk organza embroidered gown, Gap's Patrick Robinson, and Vogue's Anna Wintour, the Met Gala attendees toasted American style in a most memorable way. We've gathered a few of our favorite looks of the night for your viewing pleasure, ranging from Chloe Sevigny's flawless teal frock to Alexa Chung's modern tuxedo. Read on for all the details and don't forget to tell us which ensembles you liked best—and why! (We always love to hear your thoughts.)
Liu Wen and Constance Jablonski
As a little ode to last year's Model As Muse exhibition, we decided to start with the darling duo of Liu Wen and Constance Jablonski. The two models wore wonderfully detailed dresses—Wen in Naeem Khan, Jablonski in Jason Wu—that looked very age appropriate too. We love the way Wen infused her crystal beaded mini dress with some model-off-duty pizzazz by pairing it with more downtown accessories, specifically: black patent Brian Atwood ankle books, VBH jewels, and a silver VBH Manila Meter clutch. Jablonski also perfectly accessorized her ivory, ostrich-feather embroidered dress (which is from Wu's F/W 10 collection) with a Victor Hugo bag, Casadei platform heels
, Fenton and Fallon bracelets, and Glynneth B earrings
. Sienna Miller
We haven't seen Ms. Miller all dressed up in quite some time, so we were truly delighted by her decision to attend the gala. Even better: she looked incredibly alluring in a navy blue lace and tulle dress
from Emilio Pucci's F/W 10 collection. The combination of a plunging neckline and reverse-mullet hemline (casual in the front, formal in the back) can be risky, but the somber color makes the gown chic, rather than cheeky. Miller's accents were also noteworthy: an amazing pair of navy blue crocodile Emilio Pucci heels and a heist-worthy amount of Solange Azagury-Partridge jewels. All in all, it makes for a captivating combination! Dree Hemingway
What a difference a year makes! Last spring we introduced the lovely Dree Hemingway and her flawless personal style via GOTM, and since then her modeling career has gone through the roof. As the face of notable campaigns (currently she's starring in Valentino and Gianfranco Ferre S/S 10 ads) and fragrances (for Salvatore Ferragamo), Hemingway is a hot ticket, so kudos to Calvin Klein Collection for dressing her for the Met! The major model wore a black backless tuxedo jacket with an ivory fluid silk velvet wrap skirt, black patent platform heels, and a black patent box clutch—all custom designed by Francisco Costa—perfectly paired with a Harry Winston ring.
Chloe Sevigny
Leave it to Chloe Sevigny to make a daring dress the night's most devastatingly chic look! The tastemaker par excellence floored us in a custom Proenza Schouler full-skirted frock in a knockout shade of teal. The high neckline and long sleeves are a lovely contrast to the embroidered lace dress' shorter hemline and open back. Sevigny added a little sparkle with Fred Leighton jewels, including antique diamond flower earrings
and emerald and diamond rings from the twenties. Finishing touches came courtesy of Proenza Schouler heels and bag (both custom, as well), plus a touch of Lancome's Pout-a-Porter Le Rouge Absolu Lipstick in Proenza Pink—a limited-edition shade the cosmetics company created in 2007—isn't that sweet? Alexa Chung
Never one to wear the expected choice, Alexa Chung won rave reviews in her custom 3.1 Phillip Lim suit—and with good reason! The trendsetter looked superb in a tuxedo jacket and suspender trousers, worn with a sequin blouse and bow tie: totally individualistic, totally memorable. Chung stayed true to Lim in all the details too; her clutch and buckle-embellished heels are by the designer as well. Menswear chic never looked so good...
Emma Watson
The Met Gala may have been a celebration of American style this year, but frankly we were happy that British beauties like Emma Watson made an appearance on the red carpet. The actress defined elegance in a custom-made white silk Burberry gown, proving yet again that she is incapable of making a sartorial mistake. We heartily approve of the way Watson punctuated the ethereal dress with strong, black accessories, including a one-of-a-kind bag and heels—both by Burberry
—and plan to do something similar for our next evening event! Chanel Iman
Have you noticed that Chanel Iman always kills it at this event? A few years ago, she selected an amazing swirly 3.1. Phillip Lim dress and bronze belt for the gala; this time around Iman knocked us out in a gold ensemble by Michael Kors, accented with a plethora of David Yurman jewels. The model bucked convention and selected separates for the event, specifically a custom-designed silk lamé kimono blouse and gold lamé pajama pleated pants. Iman also wore a brown double wrap leather belt, gold python clutch, and brown leather double ankle wrap sandals—all from Michael Kors' F/W 10 collection—resulting in a breathtaking ensemble that has both a modern spirit and a touch of Studio 54 glamour.
Riley Keough
Otherworldly beauty Riley Keough turned up on the red carpet in an original couture gown by Thakoon for Gap. The dusty lavender ruffled confection was designed by the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner and will be offered via auction starting today, with proceeds being donated to the Met Museum in support of The Costume Institute. Keough looks so soignée in the gown, it's sure to go for a high price! If you bid on it, be sure to take a styling page from the actress/model's playbook and pair it with Tom Binns jewelry and Christian Louboutin heels for an equally breathtaking final result.
Gisele Bundchen
One of the most ferociously sexy Met Gala pairings happened when Gisele Bundchen linked up with Alexander Wang. The Brazilian bombshell turned up in a custom-designed micro mini by the model-off-duty maestro himself. The woven leather dress is the perfect melding of haute technique and cool style; it's definitely the ideal choice for such a notable runway star.
Camilla Belle
We'll refrain from making the de rigueur belle-of-the-ball remarks about Camilla Belle's Met Gala ensemble, but just know that we're thinking it! The actress looked ravishing in a custom-made Jason Wu red chiffon gown with nude Chantilly lace accents: such a romantic choice for the event. (Also, how cool is the single, off-the-shoulder accent?) In terms of accessories, Belle tapped the always-popular Christian Louboutin
for a pair of nude sandals and a red satin clutch, while Cartier was responsible for her earrings and bracelet. Diane Kruger
It wouldn't be a fancy party story without Diane Kruger—a fact for which we are always grateful! The fashionable actress embraced minimalism with a custom Calvin Klein Collection dress made from white double-faced silk crepe. The gown's stunning, understated design more than made up for its absence of color; in fact, we think Kruger looked like a breath of fresh air. Francisco Costa also designed her silver platform heels and silver box clutch
, while Fred Leighton supplied the diamonds: perfect finishing touches for this flawless look. M.I.A.
We were truly wowed by the unexpected and gorgeous Alexander Wang
for Gap dress
M.I.A. wore to the gala. The intricate column is made from hand-crocheted metallic gold yarn worn over a leather corset bodysuit: wow! The singer/songwriter/social activist also sported Alexander Wang for Repossi jewelry from the designer's F/W 10 show—truly covetable accents for this visionary look.
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