BEST OF THE MET BALL

This week saw one of the world's biggest fashion event - the annual Met Costume Institute Gala, which took place on the 7th May at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. Equivalent to The Oscars in the fashion world, the theme of this year's event was Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations, so the pressure was on to get it right on the red carpet.

Well it pleases me to say that many thrived under the pressure, with some of the attendees literally knocked my socks off, seriously they are on the other side off the room and my feet are getting cold. Unfortunately, as with any event where it's important to get it right, there were some who pushed the boundaries way to far, ending up on the boundaries of crazy town, which had be reaching for the blindfold...be prepared, at the end of this post there will be some of these epic misses, with the fashion police unable to help you, so view at your own risk.

Anyhoo, lets get to the red carpet pictures and my top ten hit in the style stakes...

Number 10 - Scarlett Johannson in Dolce & Gabbana

Scarlet's creamy skin is the perfect accompaniment to this one of a kind beaded blush dress - particularly love the voluminous tulle of the fish-tail skirt, it is so Old-Hollywood Glamour.

Number 9 - Marion Coillard in Dior Haute Couture

Pulling off the sheer trend to absolute perfection, Marion is absolutely glowing in this deep purple number - I'm loving the bling details, this dress is so good the poor woman in the background in the boring white number is hanging her head in shame.

Number 8 - Solange Knowles in Rachel Roy

 

Solange was showing her sister how it was done (who was unimpressive in an overly fussy Givenchy Haute Couture gown by Riccardo Tisc) in a vibrant sunflower yellow gown with on trend pleplum detailing - I love how she has kept her make-up natural, topping off her look with her trademark afro.

Number 7 - Jessica Alba in Michael Kors

 Usually I would hastily skip over anything with too much gold lame as it was one of the worst things to come out of the '80's but Jessica is dazzling in this exquisitely draped one-shoulder gown. The Grecian goddess topped off her look with scarlet lip, dramatic swept hair and amazing Wilfredo Rosado jewelery.

Number 6 - Elizabeth Banks in Mary Katrantzou
 

It's a look that is sure to divide fashion critics and fans everywhere, but I love the mis-matched patterned peplum skirt and cape style top, it is so interesting and makes Elizabeth's figure look as fantastic as it is without showing off too much skin. The minimalist Louboutin heels Cartier jewels finish the outfit to perfection.

Number 4 - Amber Heard in Zac Posen

  Amber is someone who doesn't usually make it onto my fashion radar, but she is looking stunning in this dusky pink ball gown. The sweetheart neckline shows of her ahem assets beautifully and the structured fit accentuates her womanly curves.

Number 5 - Candice Swanepoel in Rag & Bone

The vibrant Royal blue looks absolutely amazing on the Victoria Secret model - the custom made gown fits like a glove and the sensual sheer panels made sure we saw just enough of her killer legs.

Number 3 - Kate Bosworth in Prada

Kate looks absolutely incredible in her first ever custom gown, Prada have created something really special for the Superman actress. Covered in luxurious ostrich feathers and featuring a low back this fab mini dress was sure to be a head turner - and that deep plum lipstick...kiss me Kate! 

Number 2 - Carey Mulligan in Prada

 

Narrowly missing out on my Number 1 spot, this blinging prom dress is absolutely incredible - if I was in the market for Prada (I may as well be in the market for miracles) this little number would be right at the top of my list. I love how Carey let the dress do all the talking with muted shoes and total lack of accessories, and how about that stunning hair?

Number 1 - Camilla Belle in Ralph Lauren Collection

 How could any other gown be Number 1 than this ultimate stunner from Ralph Lauren, of course it helps that Camilla has a figure to die for. The plunging neckline, the metallic beading, the simple matching accessories and Old Hollywood glam hair and make-up...it all works. Love, love, love.

Of course with such fabulous-ness present on the red carpet, there has to be a trade off! Yes I'm afraid it's that time to discuss the red carpet mishaps...if you don't think you can take it, feel free to stop reading at this point...all the big babies gone? Good...let's get this over with.

Number 5 - Bianca Brandolini in Dolce & Gabbana

No that's not the sun, it's a dress that is causing more glare than the sun - I swear a few of the more anemic looking attendees were flocking around Bianca hoping to get a bit of colour in their faces...don't look for too long

Number 4 - Kirsten Dunst in Rodarte

I really want to like this look because Kirsten was brave enough not to play it safe, going for the classic red carpet gown, but every time I look at it, all I can think is 'grumpy secretary circa 1920's' complete with blah hair. On the plus side...no I can't there's nothing, I hate it!

Number 3 - Christina Ricci in Thakoon

Christina made it on to my worst dressed list as she was on the road to perfection, but then took a detour to bonkers. The black lace and nude silk is gorgeous and the Tiffany diamonds are drool worthy, but what on earth is that giant bow at the back? Its craptacular Christina, sorry...stunning face though!

Number 2 - Sarah Jessica Parker in Valentino 

Sarah seemed to be flying the flag for sustainable fashion by resurrecting her prom dress from the 1980's. The wishy washy print, crumpled fabric and frumpy fit do nothing for Sarah and it is such a shame, because the girl can dress...usually!

Number 1 - Chole Sevigny in Miu Miu

Chloe is someone I always look forward to seeing on the red carpet, because it is either to be amazing or a disaster, unfortunately at the Met Ball it was bad, despite the dress being barely there it still managed to make the svelte star look frumpy and the shoes are boring. What is impressive though is that she managed to time travel to the 1960's to fashion the dress out of a door screen...was that too mean?

Who was your best dressed of the night? And who didn't get it quite right?

Gems x

Photographs courtesy of Glamour.com