10 Best Looks from the 2015 Met Ball

Call it the "Costume Institute Ball"  or simply "Anna Wintour's Party", but one thing's for sure: the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual gala is a big deal for fashion people. Instead of watching basic column dress after basic column dress cascade down the red carpet, our hunger for creativity is satiated by the extraordinary. This year, the Costume Institute celebrated the launch of the museum's new exhibit, "China: Through the Looking Glass."  From avant garde headpieces to barely-there dress a la Beyoncé, Kim and J.Lo, last night's level of extravagance did not disappoint. Didn't obsessively scroll through your Instagram? For those of us plebians who weren't graced with the golden ticket, check out the ten best looks of the evening.


Sienna Miller in Thakoon: Typically, menswear-inspired pieces are sexy in an androgynous, "wearing your boyfriend's button-down around the house" way. Rarely do they bare some serious skin and require rolls of double-stick tape. Sienna Miller's Thakoon suit posesses a potpourri of masculinity, feminity and sex appeal that is hard to beat. Paired with a simple black pump and tasseled earring, which agreed with the tassels on her belt, Miller's styling allowed the outfit to truly sing.



Sarah Jessica Parker: Say what you will about her fashion choices, but let's address the obvious: when there's a theme, Sarah Jessica Parker will not shy away from a sartorial challenge. Whether it's an ornate mohawk or a truly magical Oscar de la Renta ballgown, the Sex and the City leading lady consistently does something even the most stylish woman forgets every now and then: she has fun with what she's wearing. Her H&M dress, which she co-designed, isn't couture and the Philip Treacy hat may not be the most covetable piece from the gala; however,  the actress's enthusiasm to embrace a theme while looking tasteful and age-appropriate is worth celebrating.

Keri Russell in Altuzarra: It's amazing how a unique blend of fabrics can make a relatively common silhouette metamorphose from average to exceptional. Keri Russell's feathered frock, made by New York designer Joseph Altuzarra, perfectly encompasses that belief.  Is this attire the most theme -appropriate? No. But with an impeccable fit, irrestible color and innovative textile, it doesn't seem to matter. This dress is flawless. To keep this look undeniably sexy, Russell added a strappy sandal and smokey eye.

Diane Kruger in Chanel Haute Couture: As Sienna Miller also kindly reminded us, wearing pants to a high-profiled event is a tell-tale sign you're an It-Girl (like we ever questioned Kruger's level of coolness). While the silhouette is relatively progressive for the red carpet, the thoughtful embellishments provided a danity, unbashedly feminine twist. Kitschy and unexpected, but it's possible that Kruger's heart-shaped clutch made every on-looker smile. And for the finishing touch, the actress decorated her hair with Asian-influenced flowers. A fashion homerun, as always, from Joshua Jackson's better half.

Amanda Seyfried in Givenchy Haute Couture: In the grand scheme of all things Met Ball, this is nothing special. Yet there's no denying that the former Mean Girls star looks sublime. The subtle detailing around the bodice and waist surprising did not create the illusion of a bulkier frame. Instead, it offers an ethereal vibe that is rarely seen on a carpet as glamorous as the Met Ball's. The slicked-back hair and berry lip counteract this dress's light and airy aesthetic. Simple and relatively safe, but perhaps this is what the every girl would wear to an event this spectacular. 

Lady Gaga in Balenciaga: Goodbye meat dress, hello Balenciaga. The pop star turned Tony Bennett sidekick has come a long way from popping out of an egg mid-red carpet. But that doesn't mean the songstress has ditched her innovative ways. Instead, Gaga has arguably reemerged to be the face of sophisticated creativity. Case in point?  Last night's outfit. While the voluminous shape comanded attention, the whispy feathers and geometric jacket created a polished way to pay homage to the exhibit. Topped with an edgy crown and severe, sleek dark locks, Gaga's ensemble was perfectly daring and dramatic.  

Emily Blunt in Prada: Leave it to the former Devil Wears Prada star to sport an outfit that is both forward-thinking and sophisticated. The delicate floral pattern stuck to the night's Asian-inspired theme, but the contrasting colorways offered a fresh look at an othewise timeless ensemble. If this getup didn't have enough star quality, the berry lip and glitzy earrings made this look suitable for any leading lady.

Kate Hudson in Michael Kors: As Kate Hudson's co-star Matthew McConaughey once said in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days once, "Frost yourself." In head-to-toe gold, the actress took this line to heart and opted for a gilded getup that would make any  awards statue jealous. The shimmery brocade is a less bulky way to give the illusion of head-to-to sequins. Though the form-fitting silhouette boasted the Fabletics frontwoman's enviable boddy, the covered bodice stayed true to the integrity of the gala as well as the exhibit's theme. Goldie would be proud.

Kendall Jenner in Calvin Klein Collection: At first glance, this streamlined dress was a disappointment for America's hottest supermodel. But when you look closer, this beaded Calvin Klein dress is anything but boring. Between the labor-intensive beading and sexy ties along Kendall Jenner's frame, this dress would be ideal for an unconventional, modern-day Chinese courtesan. Though the dress is rather minimal compared to a sea of printed silk, baroque and embroridery that surrounded her, Jenner sultry bodice cut provided enough of a statement.

Rihanna in Guo Pei: Consider this a sartorial mike-drop. It's one thing to wear a Chinese-inspired dress; however, it is quite a another both sport an authentic Asian designer's creations and create this much of a statement. From the yellow hue, to the outrageous train, to the fur detailing, one would think this would cause an eye-sore. On the contrary, Rihanna's unwavering confidence and the fragility of the outfit screamed regal. Without a doubt, this is a fashion moment that will go down in history.

Which looks did you love? Sound off below!
Photos courtesy of Vogue.com and Glamour.com

xx

Red Carpet Round Up: 2014 Met Ball

It should go without saying, but allow me to make one thing very clear: the Met Ball is the queen bee of all red carpets. Ever. Outrageously avant grade ensembles, celebrities and industry heavyweights mingling, and a drool-worthy exhibit--what more could a complete fashion nerd need? While it is one of the very few times when the red carpet welcomes (and celebrates) outfits that dare to be different, there are always a handful of major looks and awful get-ups. Without a moment to spare, let's take a look at this year's best and worst gowns, shall we?

The Worst.

Cara Delevingne in Stella McCartney: Though it's basically assumed that we will never see an off-duty Delevingne sport a regal gown, the funky "it" model has never looked so trashy!  A trouser to the Met Ball can be a rewarding risk, but full hair and a skimpy top scream more Olivia Newton John in Grease than fashion-forward. This number would've been perfect for last year's punk theme, but the night was all about paying homage to America's founding couturier! Charles James would not approve.

Kristen Stewart in Chanel: One word: too much mixed media! Yes, the Met Ball is the ultimate time to wear such a high-octane dress; however, the feathers, metallic belt, and abundance of sequins equals sensory overload. At least the Twilight star didn't add statement accessories to boot. Oh, the horror.

Maggie Gyllenhaal in Valentino: A sartorial acid trip gone completely wrong, this is simply too much dress for the actress. Gyllenhaal's low-maintenance hair and simplistic makeup make it feel as if the dress is wearing her! And though a cape is always a great way to make a statement, the polka dots completely overshadow the silhouette. A classic case of trying too hard, don't you think?

Shailene Woodley in Rodarte: Just no. As one of the coolest young actresses in Hollywood, the Divergent star looks extremely frumpy. Not to mention the grandma chic dress completely juxtaposes her edgy chop, and not in a good way. The use of seven too many fabrics, plus the forced smirk on her face, makes me wonder if this was an arts and crafts project the Mulleavy sisters did way back when.

Sandra Lee in Dara Lamb: Dressing in theme? Yes. Cheap fabric and poor execution? No thank you. This is the Met Ball-- time to pull out the top tier designers! 

Elizabeth Olsen in Miu Miu: As the sister of two megawatt designers, who let her out of the house in this condition? If the dress wasn't mediocre enough, the fit is atrocious. Since when is wearing a bra to the event of the year optional? And the steam job on the skirt of the dress is just dreadful. It's all about execution! 

Lupita Nyong'o in Prada: Supposedly at the apex of her career as America's favorite fashionista, this ensemble is a huge let down. While her dedication to the embellished flapper theme is admirable, the look is just a little too kitschy. Additionally, the clashing necklines is very distracting from an already busy ensemble. The Academy Award winner would've nailed her first Met Ball carpet with a cleaner, yet equally attention-grabbing ensemble. This evening called for a Ralph Lauren redux.

Katie Holmes in Marchesa: Shipwrecked Belle? I think so. Between the hair and the crinkled skirt, the ensemble looks insanely sloppy. Suri would've had a better dress.

The Best.

Beyonce in Givenchy: Did she wake up like this? Because the whole look is flawless. The partially sheer Givenchy gown is equal parts sexy and sophisticated. Plus, the gothic makeup and netted veil perfectly make this look Met Ball ready. And good news: Bey and Jay Z were also the evening's best dressed couple. The rapper's crisp white tuxedo jacket is an ideal match to his lady's noir outfit. As Queen B would say, "Bow down, bitches." 

Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham:  While it's nothing special, the growing minimalist in me can't help but adore this ensemble. Though the Met Ball serves as the perfect time to let your inner fashion freak loose, this is the Spice Girl-turned- designer's aesthetic. It's admirable that no event could shake her strong perspective. The sleek silhouette and soft color palette make her outfit ideal for the summer. On the accessories front, Beckham layered just the right amount of jewels. Translation? A crisp and classic look for the books. 

Stella McCartney: Out of all of Stella's Angels, the designer's outfit is ironically my favorite.  The trousers mixed with the striped asymmetrical top is innovative (and looks comfortable). The chunky bracelets on one wrist offer some balanced to this look. The natural makeup works with McCartney's nonchalant get-up while the chunky peep-toe heels and oval clutch give this look a whimsical twist.

Taylor Swift in Oscar de la Renta: A perfect blend of avant garde and relatable, Swift couldn't have chosen a better gown for the big night. The delicate embroidery is perfectly counteracted by the dress's dramatic train. To prevent an over- styled look, she smartly throws on dainty jewelry. As everyone knows, the singer rarely attends an event without her signature red pout, and Swift smartly uses the dress's pale pink hue as a neutral. The result? An all-star lesson in color theory.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Oscar de la Renta: Doesn't it sometimes feel as if the Met Ball should be renamed "The Sarah Jessica Parker Appreciation Ball?" Always perfectly in theme, this ensemble was bonafide scene stealer. The voluminous silhouette is balanced by a neutral black and white color combination. While she kept the jewels to a minimum, the gloves and ultra-glamorous hair supply a necessary dash of drama. Together, the look is extravagant whilst sophisticated and streamlined. 

Diane Kruger in Hugo Boss: Can Diane Kruger do no wrong? The icy hue mixed with the textured fabric stands out from your run of the mill neutral column dress. In addition, the pleated draped portion gives some more dimension to this ensemble and makes the dress Met Ball worthy. To exude a modern je ne sais quoi, Kruger opted for minimal jewels and a crisp white clutch. And let's not forget that Kruger's signature feminine makeup is flawless. But really, can Diane Kruger do no wrong? That was a serious question.

Hailee Steinfeld in Prabal Gurung: What's black, white, and chic all over? Not only is the execution of this dress supreme--the button details on the back of the gown is major and the color-blocking perfectly outlines her curves-- Steinfeld does a glorious job of wearing this ensemble. Unfortunately, a lot of dress with such a young girl tends to be a red flag; however, the actress has enough confidence and fashion star-power to carry such a lavish gown. Lastly, Steinfeld's thick brow and icy purple lip creates enough drama without competing with the dress.

Emma Stone in Thakoon: For the Met Ball, this dress is unusually plain to be on a best dressed list; however, what's not to love about sexier and sleeker side of the funny lady than we've seen in a long time? The different shades of pink makes the girly color modern, not to mention the high slit and cropped provide fun alternative to an otherwise basic silhouette. Stone completes this look with a youthful side braid, which was one of the evening's surprising beauty trends.

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen in Vintage Chanel: Impeccably tailored? Check. Event appropriate? Yes. A strong runner up for "Best Dressed Couple?" Naturally. Even though the designing duo have two different aesthetics, their ability to wear dresses that play off each other without perfectly matching is impressive. With natural makeup and slicked back hair, the stylish sisters have earned their title as fashion plates.  

Dree Hemingway in Proenza Schouler: Call this look "too basic for the Met Ball," but I'll refer to this look as lovely. Could the model/ actress have worn a jaw-dropping gown to the event? Yes. Should she have? Perhaps. However, I love how the crisp silhouette is juxtaposed with old Hollywood curls and a red pout. Plus, the craftsmanship of this dress is so superior that it completely justifies Hemingway's no frills choice.

Anna Wintour in Chanel Haute Couture: Though the Vogue Editor in Chief always sports an outfit that is both classic and au courant, Wintour hit this look out of the sartorial ball park. Simply put, the dress is phenomenal. Not only do the details photograph beautifully, the dress's color palette is remarkable. In true Anna fashion, she smartly styled a statement necklace to give her look some extra pizazz. 

All photos courtesy of The New York Times.

Which outfits did you love and which ones were a little much? Sound off below!

xx