On Monday evening, one of my all-time favourite fashion events, the prestigious Metropolitan Costume Gala took place in New York City. This year’s theme was “Charles James: Beyond Fashion”, and my gosh there is too long a list! There were a lot of bold choices and a lot of safe choices, a lot of colour and a lot of black, but there was 100% fierceness that worked on the red carpet. I am absolutely thrilled writing this, but my gosh how beautiful the ladies and gents looked! Ok, let’s get to it, here’s Killer Fashion’s best dressed for this year’s MET Gala.

Blew Me Away

Usually I don’t do this, but there were some ladies who absolutely blew me away. My jaw dropped, eyes widened and I was in absolute awe when I saw these looks. First up, Emma Stone. Just WOW! And with her gorgeous boyfriend, Andrew Garfield, together they absolutely killed it on the red carpet. Emma wore a two-piece two-toned pink ensemble by Thakoon. Her simply chic colour block look featured a tailored crop top and a wrap-over skirt with pleated detail on the waistband, and a thigh-high split. Her red hair was styled into a messy side plait and matched well with her pinky-bronze eye makeup & pink lipstick.

Dita Von Teese looked absolutely beautiful too, donning a Zac Posen gown. The pale pink mermaid gown was meant for the Burlesque Queen, with its hints of red around the bust to its red panel along the hem on the exaggerated fishtail pleated skirt. Her black curled hair and red lipstick matched perfectly. Beautiful!

Singer and inspirational woman Janelle Monáe also rocked her outfit to the MET Gala. She looked sensational in this look by Tadeshi Shoji. Her signature white blouse and black trousers were surprisingly brought to a new level with this dramatic red and black crewel-embroidered tulle cape. Jimmy Choo ‘Damek’ sandals and Kwiat jewellery styled the look, whereas a plait-knotted fauxhawk added more oomph to this already-amazing look.

White Hot

Bajan beauty Rihanna turned up to NYC in a white Stella McCartney two-piece. Her high-neck and long-sleeved crop top scooped around the back, whereas the skirt gathered at the front where it tied around the back with its long train. I love when Riri wears white, because it looks so good against her dark skin. She styled her hair up hair jewels to add extra sparkle, a nude pink lipstick and a high-neck diamond choker finished the look. White hot is right!

TV actress Cobie Smulders looked gorgeous in a white Reed Krakoff dress, which featured a cross strap on the back, plunging neckline and a collage gold-foil print on the skirt. She was a stunning sight in this, wearing a simple gown that still stood out.

Black Beauties

Beyoncé attended hand-in-hand with hubby Jay Z, and the pair looked great. Queen B was almost unrecognizable with her now dark brown hair, but because her Givenchy Couture gown featured a veil that covered her eyes. Her fully beaded gown featured a plunging neckline and elbow-length sleeves that was also half-sheer giving us a glimpse at her strap sandals. A dark red lipstick completed the vampy look perfectly.

The Olsen twins wore signature Mary-Kate & Ashley styles, donning vintage Chanel and vintage Gianfranco Ferré respectively. Mary-Kate’s black & white striped look was very mature, even aging, although she added a sparkling necklace to help. Ashley’s military-inspired dress-coat was gorgeous, full and still young, and styled perfectly with large pearl drop earrings and a sleek ponytail.

Maggie Q stunned in her black Zac Posen gown. Her textured choice featureda fitted bodice with a top ruffled full skirting, which made for an interesting look indeed. She styled the black look with a royal blue & silver necklace and earrings, slicked back her hair and opted for dramatic smokey cat eyes to finish.

Magnificent Monochrome

Charlize Theron attended with boyfriend Sean Penn, also donning a black & white look, but by Dior Couture, of course. The monochrome strapless gown was simply worn with an off-the-shoulder tuxedo jacket and diamond jewellery by Fred Leighton.

Sarah Jessica Parker looked like a black & white flower, with flowers in her hair too. Wearing Oscar de la Renta, her wide v-neckline gown featured a black bodice and white full skirt, which joined together like a flower’s petals. SJP added white theatre gloves to the look, along with dramatic eye makeup, multi buns atop her head with floral additions too. Very dramatic.

Young actress Hailee Steinfeld also attended wearing a black & white look by Prabal Gurung. Her silhouette illusion-creating gown featured a high neckline, fitted bodice and full skirt with a surprising arched hem at the front, showing off her Charlotte Olympia satinheels. A sleek ponytail, cat eyes and Van Cleef & Arpels jewels finished the look.

Top model Cara Delevingne wore a gorgeous black & white two-piece by Stella McCartney. The sexy cut out top and trouser look was a refreshing contrast to all the ball gowns on the red carpet, which Cara teamed with a curled sidesweep, black & white pointed heels by Stella McCartney and Cartier jewellery.

Gisele Bündchen wore black to the Gala, donning a custom Balenciaga look. Her black & nude mesh silk and velvet guipure-lace gown was styled with a minaudière clutch, ‘Barely There’ sandals and emerald drop earrings. Gisele opted for barely there makeup too and slightly tousled waves.

Designer Vera Wang attended too, wearing her own creation, of course. Her black & off-white dress featured curving panels and an oversized bow on the shoulder. Straight hair and minimal accessories completed the designer’s elegant look.

Anna Kendrick chose a sexy number, donning J. Mendel to the Gala. Her vampy neckline white bodice worked well with the black skirt & train and its cut out on the waist. A sleek updo and silver jewels added extra elegance to this look.

Metallic Madness

Former Gossip Girl star, Blake Lively attended the soiree in a beautiful Gucci Privée gown. With its wide v-neckline and hourglass shape, Blake stunned in her silk chiffon blush-coloured gown that was embroidered with rose-gold sparkling paillettes, with a caped train too. Old Hollywood glamour waves and a berry red lipstick complimented her berry & silver Lorraine Schwartz jewels perfectly. Blake attended with her gorgeous husband, Ryan Reynolds.

Blake’s former costar Leighton Meester also opted for a gorgeous metallic number. Emilio Pucci dressed Leighton for the occasion, in a plunging fully embellished dress. The newlywed actress stunned in the thigh-high split boho look, teaming it with nude strappy sandals, her ombré hair in tousled waves and dark eyes. Stunning!

Kate Mara looked fab in a Valentino Couture creation. This gown featured uniquely floral patterned print on lace with simple mesh on the upper chest and sleeves. Kate kept the rest of her styling simple with tousled waves and kohl-rimmed eyes.

Adele Exarchopoulos went for a feisty number in her pale satin sweetheart bodice with a mirror & sequin embellished pencil maxi skirt by Prada. Her white manicure complimented the dress and contrasted well against her dark sideswept Old Hollywood waves and dark lipstick.

Karlie Kloss attended with friend Taylor Swift, though she opted for a super dark look by Oscar de la Renta. Thegold lamé claque gown featured a lacquered feather embroidery, and was styled with a pearl necklace and black leather opera gloves. Sexy and still pretty.

Nude is Good

My favourite country star was in attendance, and my, did Taylor Swift look fabulous. Her Oscar de la Renta pale pinkembellished gown featured a scooped neckline, a train and a beautiful ruffled bow at the back, which was beyond gorgeous. TayTay teamed the gown with her signature red lipstick, a curled ‘do and finished with Lorraine Schwartz jewellery.

Jessica Alba wore a champagne-coloured fully lace gown by Diane Von Furstenberg, with a plunging neckline and bow-like ties. The beautiful actress teamed the look with curled up updo, bronze eye shadow and diamond-shaped drop earrings for a gorgeous look.

Top model Joan Smalls opted for a custom-made Vera Wang nude strapless gown. It featured a sheer skirt that’s accented by a centre-front slit and looked great on the tall model. Joan wore a dark purple bold lip to match her manicure, and styled with an array of jewels by Dana Rebecca Designs, EFFY, Anita Ko and Gaydamak.

My beloved Hayden Panettiere wore a Dennis Basso ball gown to the Gala. The Nashville actress & singer looked gorgeous in this strapless blush pink & blue dress, with its oversized floral print and pleated detail on the bust. A chic updo with curly bangs and dewy makeup completed the gorgeous look. I love it!

Amber Heard & Johnny Depp stepped out together, with Amber donning Giambattista Valli. Her lace & sheer dress looked beautiful on the young actress, which she complimented with a dark red lipstick and quiff updo, and her shiner of an engagement ring.

A Pop of Colour

Cutie Zooey Deschanel attended wearing a midnight blue & cream gown by Tommy Hilfiger. Her dress featured an off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline with pleated detailing on the bust and feather detailing on the shoulders, and a cream panel along the side. Zooey’s voluminous hair was a super cute addition and the Chanel Ruban Mademoiselle necklace was just fabulous.

Anne Hathaway was breathtaking in her red-hot look, designed by Calvin Klein. Her strapless dress featured a sheer slit on the waist creating the illusion it’s a two-piece, and finished with a subtle thigh-high split at the front. Deep red accessories by Gianvito Rossi & Rauwolf, and Vhernier Pan di Zucchero diamond earrings completed the look beautifully.

Olivia Munn was refreshing in yellow, donning Diane Von Furstenberg. Her wide plunging neckline dress is a beautiful colour against her dark hair, which featured pleated and gathered detailing and a silver-grey flash across the waistband. The actress curled her hair for the evening, adding in a floral clip, an orange lipstick and minimal jewellery.

Sarah Silverman opted for a huge dress, wearing Zac Posen. Her Bordeaux red dress featured an interesting neckline with a super voluminous skirt. The funny actress finished the look with MCL earrings, Le Vian ring, a slicked back ‘do and a lighter red lip.

Following the big dress trend, Karolina Kurkova stepped out in a deep teal blue & off-white gown with floral print. The two-tiered structured asymmetrical gown was definitely statement worthy, and Karolina carried off this Marchesa look beautifully, adding a Harry Winston necklace to finish.

Singer Selena Gomez also attended, donning a dark red v-cut dress by Diane von Furstenberg. Her plum red dress featured pleated detailing on the left neckline, gathering on the waist and a simple silhouette fit. A quiff updo, chic makeup and spikey earrings to finish.

Notable Mentions

Menswear

Andrew Garfield looked great in a Band of Outsiders silver metallic blazer with contrasting black lapels, a classic white shirt, black bow tie and black tuxedo trousers.

Johnny Depp attended in a full-on Ralph Lauren Purple Label tuxedo tailcoat suit, a chain pocket watch, cane, white gloves and black and white dress shoes! So very dapper.

Ryan Reynolds stepped out with his wife in a Gucci midnight blue velvet Signoria tuxedo with grosgrain shawl lapels.

Joining his wife on the red carpet, David Beckham looked lovely in a white & black & white suit by Ralph Lauren Black Label.

Keeping with the white-on-black trend, Jay Z also attended wearing a Givenchy Couture suit, designer matching with his wifey.

Images courtesy of Zimbio