The ‘sky is the limit’ at the Metropolitan Costume Institute Gala each year, and this year was no different when the red carpet rolled out in New York City to celebrate the opening of the “American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity” exhibition. The stars arrived in their most extravagant black-tie attire and a chic designer date on their arm.
Below I provided a run-down of everyone from host Oprah Winfrey to Anne Hathaway, Eva Longoria-Parker, Kristen Stewart, Stella McCartney, and VOGUE Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour.
Who was wearing what and which was YOUR favorite?
VERA WANG
Mila Kunis arrived on the arm of Vera Wang wearing a stunning custom embellished dark grey and black strapless tulle gown created by the designer. This was one of our favorite looks of the night, Mila looked so glamorous! Maggie Grace also chose Vera for the night. The former LOST star wore a strapless embroidered silk chiffon trumpet gown with her hair neatly pulled back and secured with a bedazzled headband.
VALENTINO
Can’t have a costume gala and not see more than one look from Valentino and three young starlets were definitely aware of this. Remember Me‘s Emilie de Ravin complimented her petite frame in a short, but sweet nude strapless chiffon dress with a bow-belted waist and matching rosette sandals from the Spring 2010 runway collection. She kept her accessories to a minimum with three layered necklaces.
Kate Bosworth was the picture of comfort in a ombre printed silk floor-length beige dress with a relaxed open neck and loose sleeves. Kate accessorized with a Valentino satin clutch and Christian Louboutin sandals. Her platinum blonde locks were pinned into a 1940’s curled style.
As for Anne Hathaway, she took the “costume” part of this seriously and went all out. I was in love with her full nude ball gown which was modified from the Pre-Fall 2010 collection. The sequined bodice that detailed into the tulle skirt was simply gorgeous. She looked like she has stepped right out of a Disney Princess movie. Then again…she has done that before. While it didn’t look bad, I wish she had pulled her hair up or at least curled it instead of leaving it naturally loose.
MARCHESA
I love Marchesa. Like, I really-really love Marchesa. I saw four looks from Marchesa last night. Excitement? Oh yes. Joy Bryant arrived first wearing a nude silk tulle hand painted draped “Tattoo” gown and was followed by Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria-Parker who choose a silver embroidered platinum crepe column gown. Eva was accompanied by Marchesa co-founder Georgina Chapman who wore a feathered off-the-shoulder Fall 2010 mini dress with a matching black clutch and “Miss Butterfly” sandals by Christian Louboutin. The shoes were featured in the Fall 2010 runway collection for the label.
As a fan of the brand, I was not surprised to see Gossip Girl‘s Blake Lively arrived in a vibrant blue peacock draped chiffon strapless embroidered dress from Marchesa’s Fall 2010 collection. I loved that Blake played off the runway look by also wearing her hair pulled into a high ponytail and the ‘Lili Marlene’ crystal pumps by Christian Louboutin. A+!
RALPH LAUREN COLLECTION
Jessica Biel and Taylor Swift apparently had the same idea when they choose their Ralph Lauren dresses for the night. Light color, hangs off the top, floor-length with a draped skirt.
Jessica arrived with boyfriend Justin Timberlake wearing an antique ivory silk charmeuse gown from the Fall 2009 runway collection. Taylor kept it young and fresh in a Spring 2005 ivory plissé georgette beaded gown. Her signature curls were swept up in a sweet style for the night.
YVES SAINT LAURENT
Tina Fey and Mad Men‘s January Jones took some risk as they both donned interesting looks from Yves Saint Laurent. January wore a bright charmeuse fuchsia short cap-sleeve dress embroidered with all over black designs complete with long black gloves, sky-high YSL heavy black platforms, a tight pulled up-do and dramatic smokey eye makeup. Tina Fey shocked in a strapless jumpsuit with simple black pumps and heavier-than-usual-for-her make-up. Hmm…
CHANEL HAUTE COUTURE
Nothing stands between a girl and her Chanel. Fans and reporters awaited the arrival of Twilight star Kristen Stewart who hit the red carpet in a Fall 2008 couture dress by her favorite fashion house. Kristen decided not to wear the sheer shrug that was shown on the runway with her long taggeta and tulle embroidered black dress. I think she actually would’ve looked cute with it and could’ve left it on.
I normally don’t like modifications done to runway dresses, but I think Kristen’s frame would’ve benefited from a little altering of the bodice. The asymmetric fabric cuts overwhelmed her figure. I’m undecided as far as her hair goes. I love that she tried something different, but I think it actually looked wet in some photos. I loved Kristen’s antique archived ring, her quilted clutch–both by Chanel–and her favorite Sergio Rossi ‘Cachet’ pumps.
Lily Collins also chose a look from Chanel’s Fall 08 couture collection! The Blind Side actress wore a short olive embroidered dress with pearl detailed black pumps. Like Kristen, Lily kept her accessories to a minimum and wore simple stud earrings, a ring, and carried a black satin clutch.
VOGUE’s Anna Wintour went for a Spring 2010 couture style and chose a long sequined jacket and a floor-length silk dress. I actually really liked this on her and was happy she picked this look for the night. Not pictured is Ms. Wintour’s daughter, Bee Schaffer, who wore a custom Cristóbal Balenciaga gown for the night.
Not pictured, Elisa Sednaoui who wore a Fall 2009 couture collection and arrived with Chanel head-designer Karl Lagerfeld.
MARC JACOBS
I loved the Marc Jacobs Fall 2010 runway looks chosen for the night, but unfortunately the stars wearing them kind of flew under the radar. I didn’t see Nicole Richie and Lily Donaldson in their metallic gowns until late in the night and I didn’t see Leighton Meester in her gold multi daisy lamé sequin detailed gown until this morning! Apparently the Gossip Girl star was late for the event because of prior engagements and missed the red carpet. Such a shame, I would’ve loved to see more angles of her in this one.
STELLA McCARTNEY
Stella McCartney showed up with longtime pals Liv Tyler and Kate Hudson who were all dressed their best in looks from the British design-queen. Stella wore a modified one-sleeve black dress from her Fall 2010 runway collection while Liv also choose a lace dress with sheer over-lay piece from the collection to have altered. Kate wore a triple open v-neck beaded blush gown with a front high slit, an up-‘do hairstyle and matching platform pumps by Casadei.
Naomi Watts also chose a dress by Stella McCartney. The actress wore a deep fuchsia one shoulder satin gown with a large shoulder detail and a chic side-slit. Naomi added some sparkle to her feet with Christian Louboutin peep-toe pumps.
OSCAR DE LA RENTA
OH MY OPRAH. I think Oprah Winfrey took home the award for Best Dressed last night when the host of the evening arrived with her date Oscar de la Renta wearing a custom ridiculously good-looking midnight blue gown. The skirt was full and embroidered, the neckline was a fitted v-neck and the sleeves were long, but just the right length for the daytime talk diva. This might just be the best Oprah has looked in years. Love that she kept her curls loose!
The Lovely Bones star, Rachel Weisz also had the idea to go OdlR! The English actress wore a strapless hot pink silk organza floor-length dress with long loose waves. Comfort and elegance-classic Oscar!
LOUIS VUITTON
Can’t forget Louis Vuitton! Rachel Bilson wore a calf-length floral a-line dress from the Fall 2010 collection, accessorized with black strappy sandals, a simple Sofia Coppola for LV clutch and pined her wavy hair to the side for the night while Abbie Cornish went with a more simple look in a custom silk satin navy strapless gown.
Maggie Gyllenhaal went with a more dramatic layered dark grey Fall gown which featured a bow-belted waist and a metallic bow detail mixed in with the skirt. A simple pulled up hairstyle and minimal jewelry was all she needed as the dress stole the show.
CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION
Calvin Klein‘s favorite gals hit the red carpet in long demure looks from the CK collection. As faces for the brand, Diane Kruger stayed comfortable in a long sleeve ivory floor length dress while Avatar star, Zoe Saldana wowed in an embellished one-sleeve navy dress. Both actresses carried a mirrored CK box clutch and left their hair pulled up as not to distract from their dresses. At least that’s what I think the idea was.
J. MENDEL
Mary J. Blige looked so pretty when she arrived last night in a J. Mendel sunset amber colored mousseline and organza strapless gown. Mary wore matching jewelry and carried a metallic gold clutch by VBH.
Melissa George, also in J. Mendel, wore a beautiful custom gold leaf silk mousseline gown that just stood out against her sun-kissed complexion, honey-colored curls, and simple gold accessories. This was such an old Hollywood glamorous look and I think she pulled it off.
JENNIFER LOPEZ IN ZUHAIR MURAD & CAMILLA BELLE IN JASON WU
Be still my ever-loving fashion heart. Camilla Belle wore Jason Wu. As a huge fan of Jason Wu’s designs, I enjoyed seeing one of his creations on the red carpet. I was actually shocked there weren’t more stars in Wu.
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I’m not really sure why Camilla was there as Jason’s date because I’m not too sure if she’s promoting anything right now, but who cares? She looked amazing in her custom strapless scarlet red silk gown! The actress left her hair up and accessorized with a matching clutch by Christian Louboutin.
FYI: Camilla also wore a custom oliver green cocktail dress by Jason Wu to the after party!
Not pictured: Model Constance Jablonski also wore Jason Wu.
I think it’s safe to say that nearly everyone loved Jennifer Lopez‘s look last night! JLO arrived to the gala wearing a Spring 2010 couture sequin leaf gown by Zuhair Murad that just hit every single “fabulous” mark there is. I loved the color on her, I loved the leafy detailing, I loved everything about it….right down to the hair. The framing around her face is stunning. The Judith Leiber clutch worked with the gown perfectly.
BURBERRY PRORSUM
Harry Potter‘s Emma Watson looked angelic in a pin-draped ivory one shoulder gown with a front slit by Burberry Prorsum. The young actress arrived on the arm of head designer Christopher Bailey. Accessorizing was easy as Emma choose simple gunmetal sandals, bracelets, and a clutch–all by Burberry.
Claire Danes also arrived in a custom metallic strapless Christopher Bailey design. Her smokey eyes complimented by stood out against her dress and wavy blonde locks.
Not pictured: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley also arrived in custom nude tulle gown by Burberry Prorsum.
KIRSTEN DUNST IN RODARTE FOR GAP & KATY PERRY IN CUTE CIRCUIT
Everyone knows that Kirsten Dunst loves Rodarte, so it was a no-brainer when the actress showed up in a custom creation for GAP. The one-shouldered silk and chiffon ivory gown that Kirsten wore was complimented by her matching Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte embellished ankle boots.
This was unexpected–well not entirely. Katy Perry arrived in something extravagant, but I figured she would. I didn’t, however, think it would serve has a back-up if the power went out.
Yup, the pop singer turned heads when she arrived wearing an LED off-the-shoulder gown by Cute Circuit. She was asked by several photographers to turn her dress off so they could get some clear photos. At least she stood out and it actually didn’t look bad.
ALEXANDER WANG for GAP
Gisele Bundchen, rapper M.I.A, and actress Zoe Kravitz all attended the gala wearing exclusive designed by Alexander Wang for GAP. Giele wore a long sleeve leather fringe dress, while M.I.A. wore a caged web gold overlay with a simple strapless black dress underneath. Zoe decided to skip on dresses and instead wore a white top with wide-leg black pants that featured a satin waist-line. Alexander Wang accompanied the ladies to the event.
EVA MENDES IN DOLCE & GABBANA & SIENNA MILLER IN EMILIO PUCCI
Eva Mendes arrived in black mermaid gown that was floral printed by Dolce & Gabbana. I expected to see her in a D&G design, considering she so often wears it and has said it’s her favorite fashion house, and I wasn’t shocked to see that she could pull this off. On anyone else it’d probably look like like “too much”, on Eva it’s just right. Eva wore black satin ‘Maniac’ pumps by Brian Atwood.
Sienna Miller was the only star who wore an Emilio Pucci creation to the gala and it stood out! The sexy cut down-to-there and slit up-to-here blue and black tulle gown–from the Fall 2010 runway–looked incredible on the actress. Sienna paired her own with sapphire jewels and matching python double ankle-strap sandals by Pucci.
Sienna’s date for the night was, on-again beau?, Jude Law.
VERSACE
R&B singer Cassie complimented her half-shaven hairstyle by choosing an equally daring blue silk cadis gown with a high slit on the side from the Versace FW2010 runway collection and paired it with gladiator sandals and a VBH black clutch. Jimmy Choo‘s Tamara Mellon-as the date of singer, Usher-also wore a white cutout gown from the collection.
Gossip Girl star Jessica Szohr stood out in a Atelier Versace halter neck gown made of nude silk tulle with encrusted black lace. Jessica also accessorized with Versace shoes and a silk satin clutch.
Other stars in Versace? Angela Lindvall and Ivanka Trump. (Not pictured)
THAKOON & SOPHIE THEALLET FOR GAP
Kerry Washington wore a ruched scarlet red v-neck dress with a high side-slit by Thakoon for GAP. Elvis’ granddaughter Riley Keough, who recently starred in The Runways, wore a pleated strapless light mauve gown with a deep scoop cutout front hem also by Thakoon.
Sophia Theallet exclusively designed GAP creations included Jessica Alba‘s drape shoulder satin blush gold gown, as well as Up in the Air star Vera Farmiga‘s vintage styled blue off-the-shoulder layered dress with black ribbon embellishments.
CAROLINA HERRERA
Renee Zellwegger arrived in a, no surprise here, in a Carolina Herrera gown! As a dedicated fan to the designer, Renee didn’t shock, but she did please. While I love this dress on the runway, I was happy with the custom modifications done to her Fall 2010 metallic silk embossed organza jacquared gown. It was the dress I was hoping she’d wear. The designer herself was also at the event in a dark coral silk organza sleeveless gown with large side ruffles. She paired her gown with matching satin pumps and long ivory evening gloves.
‘SEX AND THE CITY 2’ DIVAS
You only have to wait a few more weeks for Sex and the City 2 to hit theaters and to get you amped, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kristin Davis promoted the movie and enjoyed the night as they arrived at the gala.
SJP wore a champagne–not peach–starburst pleated gown by Halston Heritage. The SATC2 star left her wavy blonde locks pinned to the side with a dress-matching headpiece.
Kristin wore a vintage Rochas black strapless embroidered gown with a long elegant train. Kristin carried a Judith Leiber gold clutch.
TRAPPED IN A PURPLE DAZE
The ladies were loving purple last night!
Jessica Stam beat the cool weather in a long sleeve gown from Rachel Roy‘s Fall 2010 runway collection, while fellow model Karlie Kloss wore a violet custom gown by Donna Karan. Thandie Newton wore a asymmetric gown by her favorite designer, Vivienne Westwood.
Carey Mulligan chose Miu Miu, which I was happy about, but the modified Fall 2010 design belonged on a red carpet for a premiere–not the Costume Institute Gala. I would’ve loved to see her in a gown like during her award show run earlier this year. Rosario Dawson‘s Giambattista Valli wore more of a lilac, but her strapless custom pleated skirt gown with a bow bodice stood out.
WHO ELSE AND WHAT ELSE?
Nine actress Marion Cotillard wore a silver glittered floor-length couture gown and carried a metallic clutch by DIOR. Elizabeth Banks rocked a head-to-toe full look from Gucci that included a feathered mini dress, lace tights and the ‘Daryl’ black platform sandals. Gwen Stefani designed her own L.A.M.B. vintage styled silver lamé gown.
Emma Roberts arrived in a off runway head-to-toe look from Marni. Model Coco Rocha must have had a difficult time when she walked the red carpet with an extremely long train on her watercolor Spring 2008 gown by Zac Posen. Emmy Rossum stayed simple in a cobalt sleeveless dress by Kenneth Cole.
Actress and designer Chloe Sevigny wore a all-lace custom turquoise Proenza Schouler long sleeve mini dress with chunky platform black sandals. Victoria’s Secret model Bar Refaeli also went mini as she wore a custom black and cream lace mini dress by Rag & Bone with her black patent ‘Banana’ pumps by Christian Louboutin. Kristen Bell wore a pleated rosette strapless Diane von Furstenberg gown.
MTV’s Alexa Chung wasn’t into the dresses last night either. The TV personality/model wore a criss-cross Fall 2010 runway pant suit and a tuxedo jacket by 3.1 Phillip Lim with buckled pumps. Janet Jackson hit the red carpet late, but she wasn’t missed. The singer wore a double silk satin black dress, chain bracelets, and carried a satin handbag all by Lanvin. Her black multi-buckled shoes were the Christian Loubutin designed ‘Amber’ sandals that were seen on the 3.1 Phillip Lim Fall 2010 runway.