Yesterday evening, one of my all-time favourite fashion events took place in New York City; the prestigious Metropolitan Costume Gala. This year’s theme was “China: Through the Looking Glass”, and good gosh did our red carpet attendees deliver on the theme beautifully. There were a lot of dramatic entrances, big trains, bold colours & headpieces, and even the men brought their A-game. It’s safe to say the red carpet was on fashion fire! I am so excited as I’m writing this, so let’s get on with it; here’s this year’s MET Gala Killer Fashion’s Best Dressed list.

The Best Dressed

Never one to shy away from a dramatic entrance, Rihanna stepped out in this yellow flurry designed by Guo Pei Couture, that was totally theme-appropriate. Rihanna was one of the only attendees who truly honoured the theme; by wearing a Chinese designer. Her canary yellow cape-coat featured wide fur trims that bordered the whole piece, which RiRi held on to, with Chinese embroidery throughout for a full fashion impact. RiRi held on to her cape-coat at the front, giving us only a glimpse of a hot pink bodysuit bustier. Adding fuel to the fashion fire, the songstress added a gold swirled headpiece that sat on her perfectly sleek hair like a crown, along with a gold beaded layered choker-style necklace, ombré gold nails, winged liner & nude pink lips and Christian Louboutin gold glittering sandals. She was the perfect epitome of her song with Coldplay, a Princess of China. 

Oh she knows. Beyoncé was one of the last to step onto the MET Costume Gala red carpet, and here’s why: she would blow everyone away. Queen B attended in a see-through bejewelled gown by Givenchy Couture, that had everyone’s attention. The strategically placed candy coloured gems left little to the imagination as she showed off her gorgeous curves, strutting the red carpet in beige platform heels. Dotted with gems, the skirt’s trim also featured the embellishments, which matched the singer’s pink lip choice. Beyoncé finished up her look with a high wrapped ponytail, flicked eyeliner and gold drop earrings. Hot damn Beyoncé, hot damn!

Kate Hudson absolutely blew me away too. The minute I laid eyes on her attire for the event, I fell in love. The stunning actress opted for a Michael Kors creation, wearing a gold sequin & sheer sleeveless gown with a high neck and rounded train. The look definitely suited the evening’s theme, as the design was rather Asian-esque. Her casual updo with a hairpiece, perfectly applied makeup and that berry red lipstick with the white Edie Parker clutch were the perfect finishing touches to her look.

Dramatic Flair

Karen Elson also brought royalty to the red carpet, donning a gold bustier gown with a red tulle full skirt finish. Her look, by Dolce & Gabbana, was quite the statement with the embellished upper half, off-the-shoulder sleeves and arm cuffs that matched to the gold crown she wore, as well as her gold jewellery. A sleek no-fuss hairstyle, subtle smokey eyes and a red lipstick completed her MET Gala look.

Similar to Rihanna, Katy Perry loves a bit of fun & drama on the red carpet. Dissimilar to Rihanna, she didn’t wow me. Although her black strapless gown had punchy spray prints on it, the Moschino clad singer only shocked me with her new pixie cut. The mermaid gown was worn with the runway sleeves, and even a matching Jeremy Scott in tow to complete the OTT drama.

Also a lover of big looks, Lady Gaga arrived to the Gala in this black & white look by Balenciaga by Alexander Wang, with whom the singer walked the red carpet with. Her kimono-inspired coat dress look featured sheer lattice pattern & feathers on the body and wide sleeves with a plain silk panels was worn with sparkling leggings and her signature OTT platform boots. She added dramatic Geisha-like makeup, Fred Leighton jewellery and a black headpiece to top it all off.

Zendaya was also in attendance with a dramatic mini dress ensemble, that featured a train. Yes, a train on a mini dress. The young actress opted for Fausto Puglisi, donning a plunging dress with a wide-brimmed skirt that cascaded into a train, embroidered with sun motifs and monochrome zigzag lining underneath the red silk. Matching cuffs, a haircrown, jewellery by Lydia Courteille, Jack Vartanian, Pasquale Bruni & Casa Reale and black pumps added the ideal accessories to the look. It’s hard to believe that Zendaya is only 18 years old!

Fashion enthusiast & actress Sarah Jessica Parker stepped out in this black & red attire, wearing a custom-made asymmetrical dress by H&M that she designed. It featured a poppy flower motif with a tapestry-like runner along one side and adorned with Cindy Chao brooches. But the real talk about SJP’s look is her amazing headpiece by Irish designer Philip Treacy. It resembled flames in red & silver, featuring pom poms and tassel details for all the dramatic finishes. Smokey eyes and large bangle bracelets & jewels by Jennifer Fisher, Cindy Chao & Fred Leighton rounded up her look.

White Hot

Kicking off the white look, Amanda Seyfried attended in NYC in this white Givenchy Couture dress. The halterneck look featured a lot of nature appliqué with an inverted curved two-tiered waterfall skirt finish. The piece is a work of art in itself, and the actress worked it really well adding a dark red lip and slicked down updo to the look.

Attending with her beau P. Diddy, singer Cassie looked gorgeous in her white & sheer choice by Zuhair Murad. The dress featured a wide plunging neckline and full sleeves, with leaf-like sheer & silver crystal embellished designs around the waist & hips for that sexy vibe we know Cassie has down to a tee. She added Giuseppe Zanotti shoes, tassel earrings by Lorraine Schwartz and a Jimmy Choo clutch to finish up, along with a sleek and voluminous updo bun.

Dianna Agron looked lovely in her off-white custom-made Tory Burch gown with its one-shoulder feature and trio of birds motif. The dress was cinched in at the waist slightly, adding a nice silhouette to the actress’ frame, and styled with a matching minaudière and gold & jade green jewels for the perfect finishing touches that were oh so theme-appropriate.

Amber Valletta attends in a white Baroque embroidered high neck dress, which she styled with Cristina Ortiz jewellery and Christian Louboutin heels.

Although I do love what actress Sofía Vergara wore to the MET Gala, I’m slightly disappointed her Marchesa look didn’t blow me away. Usually I love both the actress’ red carpet style & the designer’s creations, but this was a tad lack lustrous. The strapless powder pink was made up of ethereal tulle & chiffon with sparkly embellishments around the waist and a slight train. Straight hair with flicks and smokey eyes completed her look.

However, Selena Gomez did not disappoint. The young singer attended in a wedding dress-like gown by Vera Wang, with whom she walked the red carpet. The custom-made dress featured a white body & train with a triangular cut out on the waist and an open back, complete with black tassel straps for that Oriental vibe. Adding an oversized floral crown to her slicked back updo hairstyle and a bold red lip to dark eye makeup & exaggerated lashes, the singer looked every bit perfect.

Black Beauties

Janelle Monáe is always on hand to look elegant, and she sure did so in this H&M two-piece caped look. The black cropped look featured white trims for the perfect Asian influence, that was on point with white sandals by Nicholas Kirkwood, jewellery by Jack Vartanian, Carla Amorim & Le Vian, and a Rodo clutch. The singer opted for matching red lipstick & mani-pedi as well as her signature hairstyle & plaited do. Beautiful!

Givenchy Couture was on fire on the evening, as Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore also attended in a look by the fashion house, wearing a black embellished silhouette dress. The bodice of the dress was fully embellished with white panels imitating sheer and a squared neckline for a classy finish. A dark berry red lip with minimal jewellery completed her ensemble.

Looking ever so beautiful, model Behati Prinsloo attended in a midnight blue & black velvet Tommy Hilfiger dress that featured sheer panels for some sexy structure. The open back dress was styled with a Judith Leiber Couture clutch, slicked back hair, avant-garde eyeliner and nude lips, with tassel earrings to complete.

I must say that I don’t love what model Cara Delevigne wore to the MET Gala. Covered in faux floral tattoos, the model wore this Stella McCartney jumpsuit ensemble that featured a beaded bodice underneath with cut outs on the front and sides, and skinny fit high-waisted trousers. Her peeptoe ankle straps were also by the same designer, which she wore with a body chain, slicked back hair and very smokey eye makeup.

Carey Mulligan looked lovely in her black choice dress, wearing a Balenciaga dress with a low waterfall skirt finish. The embellished neck and sleeveless number needed little accessorizing, which I’m happy the actress obliged adding only black pumps and a box clutch to the look, along with a dark red lipstick and a perfectly voluminous updo.

Always one for a fashion party, model Karlie Kloss joined her fellow catwalkers in this black Atelier Versace look that was rather subtle. The sleeveless halterneck dress featured intricate sequin detailing around the bodice and sheer overlay skirt that was more futuristic than Chinese, but still was beautiful. Jade green drop earrings and a perfect nude pout with tousled curls completed the model’s look.

Both Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen decided to wear black Dior by John Galliano dresses to the MET Gala. Mary-Kate’s look was the long-sleeved coat dress trend with wide fur lapels and a pearl brooch on the waist that she wore with circular earrings and a pearl-adorned ring too. Her sister Ashley attended in a lace ruffled gown that had a plunging neckline and silk panels throughout, with a fishtail tiered skirt finish. A half-up half-down hairstyle completed her look, and both twins opted for a minimal makeup finish.

Imogen Poots did make me look twice in her sheer lace black dress. The delicate lace of the dress with the subtle tiers was quite a risqué choice for the model, but she pulled it off with such ease. Opting for an embellished box clutch and peeptoe platforms, the British blonde styled her hair in a half-up half-down do with pinky eyeshadow and a matching pink lip to create a hauntingly beautiful finish.

Dressing to the nines for the gala, Caroline Trentini attended in a black & nude mesh designed gown by Versace. The Italian beauty’s gown featured fan-like motifs throughout with a halterneck finish and a blackened waistband, to which she added jewellery by Qeelin and finished with a black oblong clutch and a wispy updo.

Golden Girls

Stepping out in gold, actress Jessica Chastain brought a bit of sexiness to the drama carpet in her Givenchy Haute Couture gown. The look featured a plunging neckline with a slight train on the skirt and a T-bar back, with which the actress’ red curled locks were styled with a red lip and plum & silver drop earrings by Piaget.

Kate Beckinsale was also in on the gold action, showing up in a Diane von Fürstenberg dress that featured a halterneck and loose bodice with a body-hugging skirt finish. The big deal in this dress was the back, as it featured a sheer black & gold panel around the waist that posed as risqué around her derriere. The actress added Christian Louboutin heels, a Lee Savage clutch and jewels by Carrera y Carrera to voluminous curls, finishing with a subtle red lipstick.

Candice Swanepoel was also in attendance to the party, donning Michael Kors on the red carpet. Her floral lace flesh-toned wide-v dress hugged her body in all the right place, though as a whole look it sort of bored me. A slicked down and back hairstyle, oversized chunky silver bangle and black & gold clutch completed the model’s look.

Opting for quite a different look to what anyone else wore, Anne Hathaway stepped out in a slinky hooded gold lamé number by Ralph Lauren. Her liquid gold look was figure-hugging and perfect on her slender frame, and I really love that hood feature. Though it might not be as big a statement as RiRi or Beyoncé, Anne’s look had us talking because she proved that less is more, keeping accessories to a minimum with Giuseppe Zanotti heels, a Benedetta Bruzziches clutch, Repossi ear cuffs and barely there makeup.

Donning Dolce & Gabbana, actress Courtney Eaton looked every so royal in this gold midi full skirt look. The high neck dress featured embroidered circle patterns all over on a sheer body for a peekaboo effect, that she paired with a D&G bejewelled hairband atop her plait knotted hairstyle. Matching designer earrings and simple satin pumps with a smokey eye & nude lip colour completed her look.

Lady in Red

Poppy Delevingne attended with her younger sister, bringing a dark red dramatic look to the red carpet. Opting for this Marchesa look, the model stood tall as the floral motifs did all the talking. Adorned on a black lace plunging bodysuit with a black waistband & flowy skirt finish, Poppy brought more drama with her high bun hairstyle, the gold clutch by Edie Parker and smokey eyes. Although she does look gorgeous, I feel like I’ve seen this exact look before…

Giving it socks sans socks was actress Vanessa Hudgens, who stepped out in this strapless midi dress by H&M. The high street for red carpet trend was embellished with an open back, and styled with a gemstone veil hairpiece, chandelier earrings and ankle strap sandals. Adding dramatic smokey eyes and a red lip to the look, Vanessa was all smiles to join in the party.

Joining her mother on the red carpet, Bee Shaffer looked fabulous in a dark red & cream gown that featured cherry blossom & leaf prints for a truly Oriental themed look. The folded over bodice and cinched in waistband added to the classy look, that Bee styled with on-point hair & makeup and chandelier drop earrings.

Gong Li attended in a deep red velvet gown by Roberto Cavalli that featured lace sleeves and a high neckline, which contrasted well with the dress’ body. The lace panel also featured Oriental floral & fan motifs that were every bit perfect for the occasion. Tassel earrings, a slicked back do and barely there makeup completed her look.

Hailee Steinfeld was a pleasant surprise in her red strapless that was simple but sweet in Michael Kors. The squared neckline and spaghetti straps gave the look youth, which suited the young actress well, while her gold jewellery by Beladora & Edie Parker clutch allowed enough drama to be added alongside her dark smokey eyes and red lipstick finish.

Model Gigi Hadid attended alongside her model friends in this stunning Diane von Fürstenberg creation, that featured a plunging neckline and leg split. The detail in the sequin motifs on the bodice alone are just beautiful, which she styled with strappy red Christian Louboutin heels, but it’s Gigi’s natural beauty that I just adore, as it was accentuated by barely there makeup and her long blonde hair. Stunning!

I adore what Allison Williams wore, as her full ball gown by Giambattista Valli Couture was every bit perfect for the occasion. Her voluminous tulle skirt complimented the silk gown’s body and the black embellished neck- & waistline and the shoulder shoulder trims. She added Mariela Montiel by Unuezter heels and Fred Leighton jewels, with perfectly-applied makeup and a nude lip that meant it was all eyes on the dress.

Hannah Davis arrived wearing a sexy cut out, one-shoulder look by J. Mendel, with heels by Christian Louboutin, a Kotur clutch, and Marina B jewellery. I love this look, though I wish it was more to the theme.

Jessica Hart attended wearing a dark red full length long-sleeved dress with jewellery by Carrera y Carrera and Sutra. An updo and black clutch completed her look.

Singer Rita Ora wearing a custom-made Tom Ford high neck dress to the MET Gala. The silk dress featured a ribbon fastening to compliment the Cheongsam gown with capped sleeves, with which she styled a dark purple clutch, strong brows and red lips to.

Model Jourdan Dunn attends in Burberry as she walked the red carpet alongside Sophie Turner & James Bay. Christian Louboutin heels & a black box clutch completed her styling.

Reese Witherspoon looked lovely in her red choice by Jason Wu. Her strapless squared neckline gown featured a slit to show off the Angelina leg as well as her red satin Charlotte Olympia sandals. A silver necklace by Tiffany & Co and straight hair completed the actress’ look.

Also attending in red was Dame Helen Mirren, who looked fabulous in this red laser cut frock. Dramatic oversized earrings and a matching scarlet red lipstick rounded up her attire.

Never one to miss out, Jennifer Lopez attended the MET Gala in Atelier Versace, that was both nude sheer & red embellished to show off plenty of the singer’s bodacious bod. The gown featured an embellished dragon motif that swirled around the dress ‘dropping’ fire flames down to skirt, which was a nude to red gradient. A slicked back straight hairstyle, with pinky-red eyeshadow and nude lipstick rounded up the singer’s look.

Definitely adhering to the theme, model Karolina Kurkova attended in an Asian-perfect mini dress by Tommy Hilfiger with its high neck, the billowing sleeves with oriental inner prints and the strappy red & gold plaque shoes to boot. The tall blonde added a dark red lip, fan earrings and kept her hair back to complete the look.

From the Sky to the Sea

Model Lily Aldridge opted for a powder blue gown from Carolina Herrera, that was very chic. She teamed it with Brian Atwood heels and a Judith Leiber Couture clutch.

Going for a dark blue hue, Wendy Deng attended in an embellished & cut out floor-length gown. Her MET Gala look featured oriental flower prints along the neckline & waist and draped down the sides of the cut outs too. A lantern minaudière and side-plaited hairstyle rounded up her look.

Kendall Jenner makes a rare impression on me, but did so in this sea-green crystal-encrusted halterneck dress by Calvin Klein Collection. The socialite & model bared some sideboob on the red carpet as the sides were ribboned together. A straight hairstyle, glittering black sandals and Chopard jewellery were her finishing touches.

Opting for a dark green look, actress Claire Danes stepped out in this Valentino Couture number. Her chiffon & leather dress were matched with blonde tousled waves, a dark purple lip and Fred Leighton jewels, that look gorgeous but weren’t at all to the theme.

Naomi Campbell attended in Burberry for the event, as she glided down the red carpet in a plunging moss-green number that featured black feathers from the knees down. The sequins look also featured black sheer sections, which the supermodel teamed with a straight hairstyle, matching bracelets and a pink lip colour.

Giving serious fashion, actress Emma Roberts donned a gorgeous green satin number that was asymmetrical, one sleeved and featured a leg split & waistbelt too. Wearing Ralph Lauren, the tall blonde showed off some beautiful porcelain skin as the sleeve had a slit in it. A dragon-motif long clutch and black barely there sandals with on-point makeup and hair, this look is a sure winner.

Pretty in Pink & Purple

Looking ever so pretty in pink, actress Kerry Washington pulled off this ball gown by Prada perfectly. Her baby pink silk gown featured an oversized waterfall skirt with floral appliqué. She added Harry Winston to her look, with green pumps & matching clutch and simply beautiful makeup. From the back this dress is much more breathtaking.

Irina Shayk was also in attendance, wearing this lilac one-sleeved dress by Atelier Versace with its sexy mesh panel curving from the bust to the upper thigh, embroidered in colour floral motifs. The way in which this dress was designed is what I love about it, though I do wish the tall model had added a bit more flattering colour to her face via lipstick or earrings as I feel this makeup really takes away from the whole look. Matching lilac sandals completed her look.

Attending with her husband, Olivia Wilde made herself known on the red carpet as she stepped out in Prada in this plunging pink dress that was beaded, which she wore with jewel-embellished evening gloves & a matching clutch. The look was rather bold in a theatrical way, that the actress added an off-purple headwrap and Solange Azagury-Partridge earrings to, finishing with a straight hairstyle and cat eye makeup.

Alison Brie attended in this sequin-adorned gown by Prabal Gurung. Her purple choice featured a lace underlay, with which she added Christian Louboutin shoes, a Jimmy Choo bag and Irene Neuwirth jewels to. A soft but dramatic wavy hairstyle and barely there makeup completed her look.

Model Joan Smalls attended in a purple sheer embroidered dress by Roberto Cavalli. Her naughty sheer look featured floral motifs with subtle sequins and a leather waistbelt and an asymmetrical neckline & one sleeve. Wearing black barely there sandals and a black leather choker neckpiece, the tall beauty kept her hair straight & tucked back, with subtle pinky-purple eyeshadow and a selection of rings to finish.

Joining her husband-to-be, Gabrielle Union looks beautiful in this plum look that she accessorized with sparkling Kimberly McDonald jewels. I adore the curled lob with her full length long, sleeved dress, she just looks so pretty!

Metallic Madness

Surprisingly, I didn’t recognise Miley Cyrus at first, because, let’s face it – she usually wears less fashionable clothes these days. But fashion-wise, she hit the nail on the head in this metallic cut out dress by Alexander Wang. Her high neck dress was embellished in studs with large cut outs on the waist and hips as well as on the shoulders, which she wore with a slicked down & back hairstyle and ear cuffs by Ana Khouri. Though not going with the theme very well, Miley did look pretty damn good.

Model Miranda Kerr looked great in her embellished mini dress by Louis Vuitton dress. Her LBD featured sheer black sleeves with zigzag designs and an embellished body. A matching designer clutch, Giuseppe Zanotti pumps and and Lorraine Schwartz jewellery rounded up her look.

Being one of the few to wear Chanel Couture, actress Dakota Johnson stepped out in this über mini dress. Her metallic featured a scooped sweetheart neckline that was embellished all over. Her hair was styled into a wavy do, she added cat eyeliner and barely there sandals as well as a Geisha doll-like clutch to complete. Although she technically looked good, this look bored me.

A Splash of Colour

Opting for an interesting combination of classic black, floral motifs and cut outs, actress Jennifer Lawrence graced the red carpet in Christian Dior Couture. Donning an elongated runway version from the Spring 2015 Couture collection, JLaw attended in this hate it or love it look that featured a floral panel bodice that continued down the back of the dress, while a completely contrasting embellished bib panel stayed put at the front. The dark pink lip & lilac eyeshadow matched hues in the dress, while a casual bun and strappy pumps completed her look.

Opting for a fresh colour, funny gal & actress Kristen Wiig attended in a pastel yellow asymmetrical look that was every bit goddess, but not at all to the theme. The free-flowing look by Prabal Gurung featured a shoulder detail and cascading cape train, which she styled with chunky gold bracelets by Jennifer Fisher, and a beachy bob hairstyle.

Menswear

The menswear on the night was rather impressive, notably by P. Diddy whose silk lapels & white flower-adorned tuxedo looked ever so classy;

NBA star Dwayne Wade, who looked every bit like a basketball prince in his midnight blue suit with that red sash underneath, the trio of brooches and the man necklace;

John Legend, Neil Patrick Harris & David Burtka, who all wore stunning penguin suits and looked very pristine doing so;

Justin Bieber & Adrien Brody, whose suits were very much theme-appropriate and stylish;

Usher, who did not let his broken foot get in the way of MET Gala fashion as he walked the red carpet in Calvin Klein with a cane;

and singer Miguel who showed up in a Michael Kors red suit.

Notable Mentions

Images courtesy of Zimbio