Yesterday evening (May 2nd), one of my all-time favourite fashion events took place in New York City; the annual Metropolitan Costume Gala 2016. This year’s theme was “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age of Technology” that explores fashion designers merging handmade and machine-made creations in haute couture and avant-garde ready-to-wear, was well delivered by a fantastic turnout of beauties on the red carpet. There were dramatic entrances & big trains, ethereal romance and regal details, a lot of metallic sequins & embellishments, and the men stepped it up with classic suits & machina-twists. 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 Killer Fashion Best Dressed list for the MET Gala!

The Best Dressed

Looking romantic in so many ways, Blake Lively glided down the red carpet in this stunning creation. Surprisingly, this gown was designed by Burberry, and the blush pink pleated look featured technical silk organza & chiffon materials with a corset bodice and a detachable cape train that’s accented with hand-dyed & hand-sewn laser-cut acrylic petals. It was every bit ethereal as can be and I absolutely love it! The newly pregnant actress was smiling all the way too, adding to her natural beauty that was topped up with red lipstick and kohl-rimmed and a voluminous hairbun, as well as Lorraine Schwartz pink drop earrings & rings.

Karolina Kurkova was hands down one of the most beautifully dressed on the red carpet attending the MET Costume Gala. Of course, Marchesa dressed the supermodel for the occasion, evident in the nude-to-slate blue tulle waterfall gown that was adorned with delicate organza flowers & petals. What is a nice twist is that this gown was also made in collaboration with IBM Watson, as it was also designed with 150 hand-placed LED lights! Definitely embracing the gala’s theme. Simple jewels by Graziela Gems, with a flawless makeup finish and a chic hairstyle completed the blonde beauty’s look.

Hitting the nail on the head two years in a row, my favourite actress Kate Hudson looked fabulous in white. Donning Versace, the blonde actress’ strapless mermaid gown featured structured panels before cascading out in a tulle peplum fishtail skirt. Heels by Giuseppe Zanotti, flawless makeup and relaxed hair, Kate was just beautiful on the red carpet.

Dramatic Flair

Joined by her husband Marco Perego, actress Zoe Saldana made a big entrance to the MET Gala as she stepped out in this ball gown by Dolce & Gabbana. The strapless black & sheer corset bodice was accented by a full skirt adorned by multicoloured feathers and a very long train. She looked absolutely fabulous on the steps, adding same designer statement drop earrings & rings with Christian Louboutin heels. A thick ponytail plait, soft smokey eyes and barely there makeup finished the Colombian beauty’s look.

Always one who loves some fashionable drama, Katy Perry attended in a black & midnight blue velvet gown from Prada, that featured gold & emerald detailing all around the bodice, skirt and train. The gold enameled collage embroidery was also finished with keys around the neckline, a mini purse on the waist and even a Tamagotchi. Capped shoulders, a leather belt on top of the cinched in gold metal waistbelt and worn with leather dinner gloves, this look was all sorts of drama. The singer added more oomph with a very high chic hairstyle & full fringe, bleached eyebrows, dark blue eye makeup and black lipstick.

Claire Danes looked very princess-like in her airy powder blue ball gown by Zac Posen. The strapless sweetheart bodice featured a fold-over detail on the bust that was also glow-in-the-dark due to its fiber optic-woven threads, which the designer posted to his Instagram! This really worked to the MET Gala’s annual theme, uniting fashion & technology and delivering a beautiful product. The blonde actress styled her hair into a chic updo with fresh-faced makeup, red lipstick and Eva Fehren jewels to finish.

Attending in a fierce look, singer Demi Lovato rocked this Moschino by Jeremy Scott gown at the gala. The dress featured laser printed ornate designs around the neckline, sleeves, waist and skirt with black panels and silver fish scale sequins in between. The fitted mermaid fit gave Demi’s body even more beautiful curves, which she styled with Giuseppe Zanotti heels and an Edie Parker clutch, and simple jewels from Norman Silverman to finish. Dark smokey eyes, strong brows with a dewy makeup finish & pink nude lips, the singer completed her look with slicked back hair and posing like the fierce babe she is.

White Hot

Walking down in white, model Emily Ratajkowski attended in an asymmetrical Prabal Gurung gown. The front of the dress was white with a thigh-high leg split, whereas the open back had a black panel on the skirt for strong contrasting that also matched her black Tamara Mellon sandals. She opted for a slicked down low bun with dark kohl-rimmed cat eyeliner and sparkling jewels by Tiffany & Co.

Actress & singer Jennifer Hudson looked divine in a white strapless v-cut sweetheart gown by high street brand H&M. The structured bodice was well complimented by the fluffy tulle skirt finish that added enough dramatic flair suitable for the MET Gala. Adding Paul Andrew heels with beautiful jewels by Lorraine Schwartz and a Judith Leiber clutch, Jennifer finished with dark eye makeup and purple lipstick.

Going for a classic look, Fei Fei Sun attended wearing Chanel, in this white fitted gown that featured a sheer overlay from the neckline across to the shoulders, with a halterneck finish and lines of silver threading & sequins. Drop earrings, a black box clutch and off-red lipstick with a slicked back hairstyle to finish.

I do like how top model Karlie Kloss wore not one but two looks on the red carpet at the MET Gala! The tall blonde arrived at the event in a custom-made dress coat that features a high neck and sculpted cape by Brandon Maxwell, before removing it to reveal a sexy cut out gown by the same designer. From the keyhole slit and revealing cut outs on the waist, to the fold-overs and halterneck, the model sure switched it up from her earlier look. Red lipstick and an updo with Giuseppe Zanotti sandals and a Repossi pink gold & diamond earring.

Black Beauties

Liberty Ross looked gorgeous in her strapless black dress, opting for vintage Galliano on the night. The straight neckline featured a v-peplum detail on the waist and an inverted cut on the sheer skirt, that showed off her pumps. She added a chic Stephen Jones Millinery headpiece to her look, with David Webb jewels, cat eyeliner & red lipstick to finish.

A great surprise to the red carpet was Emma Watson, who I’ve dearly missed during awards season. The British beauty attended in quite an interesting look, as she wore this off-the-shoulder caped pants look by Calvin Klein Collection, which is part of the Green Carpet Challenge. The look is made up of taffeta twill top with a detachable train, worn with an ecru cotton bustier in nude & lace cups, and black satin trousers with zip details & strings. The aforementioned Green Carpet Challenge entails that all pieces of the gown are made Newlife fabrics that ensure each & every element has been considered from an ethical and aesthetic perspective. The actress wore her hair in an Old Hollywood glamour upstyle, with minimal Paige Novick jewellery and soft makeup.

Opting for black, Chloe Grace Moretz attended in this plunging dress from Coach. The look featured fringe and floral print details as well as metallic & sheer black pleats on the skirt, with a thin studded waistbelt to round it all up. Gorgeous mermaid waves, soft pink lips and a dewy makeup finish with Ana Khouri jewellery, and Chloe was all set for the night.

Dakota Fanning stepped out for the occasion donning this black velvet & lace gown by Nina Ricci. The actress’ look was rather gothic, which the blonde pulled off well with a choker necklace, a black box clutch and grey smokey eyes.

Zoe Kravitz went all out for the gala, donning a vintage haute couture from Valentino, which included a gathered mini dress with an oversized organza bow at the back complete with matching shoes. She also added a crochet lace mask to her look, with silver cuff bracelets and earrings to finish.

Metallic Madness

Huma Abedin attended in this sleeveless gown, which featured silver embroidery & embellishments throughout its panels, with black geometric striped & dotted trims. Red lipstick, a black box clutch and dangling earrings rounded up the finishing look.

Opting for a jumpsuit, Julie Macklow looked very futuristic in her fully sequined geometric one-piece, that featured a high neckline and was styled with silver & gold-studded pumps. A black Alexander McQueen envelope clutch with a metal hand strap & skull motif, drop earrings and a bouffant updo with dark eye makeup rounded up this ensemble.

Anna Ewers joined the metallic trend party wearing this one-shoulder asymmetrical BOSS dress. The feather-like sequins added a bit of sass to the otherwise understated look, with Old Hollywood glamour hair, a pavé bangle bracelet & drop earrings, a black minaudière and soft smoke eyes with nude lips to finish.

Poppy Delevingne loves a good gala, and her outfit choice for this year’s MET was perfect. She attended in Marchesa, that featured all-over embellishments & beading with a tiered scallop-trimmed skirt in sheer metallic-threaded materials. The bodice reflected the fashion designers’ signatures with intricate floral motifs and gemstones around the v-cut neckline as well as an additional choker & necklace. Long blonde straight hair, exaggerated lashes & deep red lipstick with drop earrings & a metallic silver box clutch completed the tall model’s look.

Walking the red carpet in a feathery affair, singer Rita Ora wore a silver & gun-metal grey illusion gown by Vera Wang. The dress featured cut outs & sheer panels on the waist, upper legs & chest in silver metallic embellishment, before cascading into a large feather skirt & train. Although this dress is beautiful, I’m bored with this style by Rita Ora, I feel I have seen this look time & time again and I know she can go bigger.

Opting for a high street design, model & actress Kate Upton looked stunning in her Topshop gown as she smiled on the red carpet. The newly engaged blonde beauty wore a one-sleeved bead-embellished dress that featured a cut out on the neckline and a train too. Adding minimal jewellery from Anita Ko & Amulet, she rounded up her look with contrasting gold heels & clutch by Jimmy Choo, kohl-rimmed eyes & nude glossy lips and curled hair. Beautiful!

Singer & dancer Ciara also attended the gala, as she stepped out in this custom-made H&M gown, which she helped design too. Choosing high street over designer looks is becoming more popular, and without knowing it this pulls off as high class as the fashion houses’ creations. The mother-of-one wore a sleeveless bead and crystal-embellished high neck column gown with diamond lattice pattern that had low open sides & a mid panel down the back, showing off her perfectly toned body. Her silver hair was styled into a chic Old Hollywood upstyle, worn with minimal jewels and flawless smokey cat eyes & nude lips.

Looking like the Australian queen of cinema that she is, actress Nicole Kidman glided onto the red carpet in Alexander McQueen. Joined by her country star husband Keith Urban, the redhead looked fabulous in this black & silver caped gown, which featured a wide v-neckline, cut outs on the bodice and was adorned with sparkling gems and moon motifs. Letting the gown do all the talking necessary, she added a matching hairband to her braided upstyle with classic makeup and minimal jewellery by Fred Leighton to finish. Just beautiful!

Legendary model Cindy Crawford also attended in an eye-catching silver sequin gown. The fitted dress by Balmain also featured sheer panels along the arms sides and cut outs on the shoulders that hugged the tall brunette’s body beautifully.

Oscar-winning actress Brie Larson attended the MET Gala in a fully fish scales sleeveless dress. The custom-made Proenza Schuler dress cut off above the ankles, with a quadruple tiered skirt and cut outs on the waist, complete with a black ribbon. She added black ankle wrap heels and jewellery by Niwaka to her look, finishing up with a slicked down ponytail and deep red lipstick.

Top model Jourdan Dunn embodied every bit the theme donning this metallic gown by her favourite designer Balmain. Her fully sequin-clad look featured black mesh panels and a high neckline that was styled with Eva Fehren jewellery. She completed her MET Gala look with dark smokey eyes, strong brows and nude lips with a sleek bob cut to finish.

Attending in a pantsuit, Alexa Chung looked great on the red carpet wearing Thakoon. Her black tuxedo was worn sans shirt and featured all-over lines of sequins with rolled up sleeves & ankle-grazing trousers in a relaxed fit. Brushed back hair, fresh-faced makeup and Anita Ko earrings with barely there sandals and the fashionista was all set.

Taylor Swift had quite the important role at this year’s MET Gala, as she was one of the co-chairs for the event alongside actor Idris Elba, Vogue editor Anna Wintour and Apple exec Jonathan Ive. So it’s not surprise she opted for a striking look, so much so that I did not recognize her at first! The tall singer wore a metallic mini dress by Louis Vuitton that featured snakeskin print, a triple tiered skirt and cut outs on the bodice with black leather trims. Together with same designer lace up boots and a collection of jewels by Mattia Cielo, Eva Fehren & Borgioni, TayTay looked hot in her peroxide blonde bob and vampy lipstick choice.

Supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio proved her model game in this crochet gown by Balmain. The intricate peekaboo look was made with metallic thread, and worn with a thick silver waistbelt with long sleeves and a column silhouette. She added Giuseppe Zanotti heels, jewellery by Fred Leighton & Jennifer Fisher and rounded up with a Judith Leiber purse.

Golden Girls

Amber Heard blew me away in this stunning look by Ralph Lauren Collection. The blonde beauty wore a silk charmeuse wrap gown that featured a leg split to show off her gold metallic Jimmy Choos. This was such an understatement that really worked, and the actress completed the look with Anita Ko jewellery, a berry red lipstick and relaxed combed-over hair. Just gorgeous!

Also in gold, Stacy Martin attended the MET Gala in a Miu Miu creation. The column gown featured capped sleeves, with red motifs all over, as well as strong embellishments along the v-cut neckline and waist. Dark smokey eyes, off-pink lips and tucked-back hair and this brunette beauty was good to go.

Choosing a metallic look, actress Rachel McAdams stepped out in this Valentino creation that sure had a lot going on. The upper-half of the dress featured armour-like mesh with gold sequin lines, whereas the skirt was sheer white with spiraling text & mesh details all over. Oxblood red lipstick, H Stern jewellery and soft curled hair rounded up her look.

As we know, Zendaya is a fashion chameleon, and she loves to change it up for whatever the occasion. For the MET Gala this was just the case as I really did not recognize her with that waterfall bob hairstyle. The actress opted for a very dark smokey eye & nude lips combination, as she styled it to her Michael Kors one-sleeved gown that featured a slight cut out on the neckline. The metallic sequin-adorned look hugged the tall actress’ body beautifully, and shone from all angles alongside her statement rings.

Going for gold, supermodel Lily Aldridge attended in a cut out dress by Michael Kors. The sequin-embellished strapless featured a bikini top and attached skirt from the middle with a slight train that the tall brunette wore beautifully. Opting for a slicked down hairstyle, she also had some fun with gold eyebrows and off-red lipstick, adding minimal accessories to finish.

Gorgeous in Gucci, actress Sienna Miller wore an all-over sparkling gold-embroidered gown to the MET Gala. The strapless look featured an oversized bow on the front, adorned with red & green jewels, was styled with a red plexiglass box clutch that also had star & bee motifs. An updo with bangs, the British-American blonde opted for the SS16 beauty trend of smokey eyes & nude lips with a selection of jewels by Gucci & Cartier.

Looking very regal, actress Nina Dobrev attended the gala in a Marchesa gown. The champagne & gold tulle gown was embellished in jewels all over the bodice, capped sleeves and on the upper half of the full skirt. A voluminous hairstyle, smokey black & silver eyes with blush pink lips and heels & clutch by Charlotte Olympia completed her MET Gala look.

Stepping out in liquid gold, Rose Byrne looked great in this Ralph Lauren Collection gown. Her slip dress featured ruffle details on the shoulders & neckline as well as asymmetrically across the skirt before finishing in a train. She wore same designer heels, and added a Jimmy Choo clutch with Cartier and finished with red lipstick, dark smokey eyes and a straight hairstyle.

Dylan Penn attended in liquid gold, donning this sleeveless dress by Diane von Furstenberg. The young model looked beautiful as she glided down the red carpet, adding a Victoria Beckham clutch to match the sequined neckline & bust in between the sheer panel above the bodice. Simple gold jewels, a tinsel-like hairband, tousled waves and flawless makeup rounded up her look.

Lady in Red

Tennis professional Maria Sharapova wore this red gown by Juan Carlos Obando. The wide-v slip dress was worn with a shoulders cut-out overlay that tied into the halterneck finish. One oversized gold earring and gold Gianvito Rossi sandals completed her look, along with a chic updo and simple makeup.

Attending in red, Amy Schumer walked alongside her dress’ designer Alexander Wang, as she donned a sexy cut out style to the MET Gala. The dress featured cut outs on the bodice, filled in with horizontal bars, chains for straps, off-the-shoulder cuffs and a thigh-high mid slit on the skirt that showed off her red sandals. Kohl-rimmed eyes, relaxed wavy hair and a studded red leather mini bag completed her look.

Ivanka Trump was all smiles on the red carpet attending in a sleeveless Ralph Lauren Collection jumpsuit gown. This interesting look featured a halterneck cape that was very flattering, which was styled with sideswept tousled waves, and accessories from her own Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry line.

The Beautiful Blues

Mama-to-be Emily Blunt looked gorgeous as she attended with friend & fellow actress Olivia Wilde. Her custom-made Michael Kors maternity dress featured blue beading all over with a scooped neckline and long sleeves. She styled the look with Forevermark diamonds, Michael Kors shoes and a clutch by Tyler Alexandra. Soft makeup with off-pink lipstick and a sleek bun rounded up her look perfectly.

Wearing a dark blue hue, actress Anna Kendrick looked lovely in her Derek Lam gown, with its v-cut neckline and mesh. The overlay also featured subtle seashell designs with iridescent sequins, which was accessorized with Effy earrings & rings, a chic low bun and Brian Atwood heels to finish.

Jessica Chastain has been a Killer Fashion favourite for years, and she did it justice as she attended the MET Gala in this stunning royal blue gown by Prada. Her sleeveless choice featured a black bib embroidered bodice with floral embroidery on the skirt and a crochet lace skirt trim, that cinched in at the waist and somehow made her even taller, though her Brian Atwood heels probably helped! With perfectly chosen Piaget jewellery, a berry red lip and a straight hairstyle, the actress looked absolutely beautiful.

Comedic actress Allison Williams attended in a beautiful asymmetrical gown by Peter Pilotto. The sleeveless dress also featured a cut out on the midriff, which was embroidered & embellished all over with circular & floral motifs. A chic braided updo, jewels by Finn with a marbled box clutch from Edie Parker clutch and a berry red lipstick to finish.

Gorgeous Greens

Donning a custom-made gown, Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o wore green to the gala as she stepped out in Calvin Klein Collection. The jade green sequin dress featured a v-cut neckline with sheer overlay that cascaded into a train. Her hairstyle was big talk too, as she opted for a very tall look that sure had heads turning. She added a clutch & heels by Jimmy Choo with Tiffany & Co. jewellery to finish.

Elizabeth Debicki attended the MET Gala in a green & white patterned Prada gown. With ruched half-sleeves, the v-cut dress was a nice addition the party, with whim an updo, kohl-rimmed eyes and pink lips to finish.

Making quite an entrance, Allison Sarofim attended in a furry feather cape coat wearing a green metallic-threaded peekaboo outfit. Black, silver & emerald jewellery with a slicked down hairstyle, deep smokey eyes and nude lips rounded up the actress’ look.

Actress Hailee Steinfeld joined her best friends on the red carpet, though she stood out from the crowd in this emerald green strapless choice. The young brunette wore a H&M dress to the event, that featured a textured bodice with side cut outs, and a silk skirt & train that also had a mid split showing off her gold Charlotte Olympia sandals. She added a gold bauble necklace by David Webb with a green box clutch from Rauwolf, and completed her gala look with smokey eyes, an updo hairstyle and plum lipstick.

Blushing Beauties

Actress Uma Thurman stepped onto the red carpet in a custom-made dress by Tommy Hilfiger. The squared-neckline was adorned with a Cartier museum diamond brooch on one strap, and featured satin waistbands and a leg slit on the skirt, showing off her Jimmy Choo shoes. She also added a Jimmy Choo envelope clutch, with a chic updo and soft smokey eyes.

Attending with her older sister Dakota, Elle Fanning was in attendance to the soirée in this custom-made gown by Thakoon. The duchess silk slip dress featured a deep v-cut neckline and a train, which she styled with Tiffany & Co. jewellery and Giuseppe Zanotti heels. Rounding up her look, the young actress opted for a high wrap-around ponytail and fresh-faced makeup.

Our Irish beauty Saoirse Ronan headed to the gala in this custom-made Christopher Kane gown, with whom she also attended. Her high-neck sleeveless look featured a fuzzy feathery detail around the neck, on the right shoulder and on the left skirt hem. The pink-black-grey palette was complimented by a dazzling butterfly brooch by Anna Hu on the dress’ waist and an asymmetrical slight slit on the skirt too. Cat eye makeup, nude lips and a slicked back updo with Giuseppe Zanotti heels rounded up the Oscar nominated actress’ look.

Beyoncé attended in a sexy latex look by Givenchy. Wearing a gown that adheres to her curves, Queen B knows exactly how to dress to the occasion as she glided down the red carpet in this stunning custom-made dress, which was adorned with pearls and floral motifs, as well as puffed sleeves. Dark smokey eyes, nude lips and straight hair completed her look, which she styled with nude box clutch, a black manicure and a selection of rings.

A Splash of Colour

Scream Queens actress Emma Roberts stood out from the rest as she attended in a purple ombré gown by Tory Burch. Her halterneck chiffon plissé dress was embellished with heat-sealed Swarovski crystals that gave quite boho vibe. The tall redhead added a black Edie Parker clutch with Giuseppe Zanotti heels and jewels by Norman Silverman Diamonds, finishing up with a braided updo and dark purple smokey eyes.

Giving us a good pop of colour, presenter Keltie Knight looked fabulous in her berry pink gown by Christian Siriano. The mermaid gown featured a v-cut heavily embellished collar piece that was made with beading, colourful jewels and capped the shoulders too. The silk crepe texture of the body contrasted perfectly with both the collar piece and the sheer tulle cape, that Keltie styled with minimal jewels, straight tucked-back hair and smokey eyes for a dramatic finish. Hot stuff coming through!

Aja Naomi King attended the MET Gala in a sunset yellow Prabal Gurung gown. The v-cut dress featured a sculpted bodice and a subtle mid slit on the skirt, that fell into a train. Her look was styled with Le Vian diamond earrings and dark gold Stuart Weitzman sandals along with a mirror-embellished box clutch. Flawless makeup, red lipstick and a voluminous hairstyle completed her look beautifully.

Regal Red Carpet

Donning an embroidered gown alongside her mother Anna Wintour, Bee Shaffer stepped out in a black gown by Alexander McQueen. The sophisticated style was very appropriate with floral designs of all colours and a train to finish, she styled her look with an updo & hairband, drop earrings and smokey eyes to finish.

When it comes to regal wear, Sofia Sanchez de Betak chose well by opting with Dolce & Gabbana. She did the fashion house proud wearing this Bordeaux red strapless tea dress that had gold-embroidered details on the tulle skirt and intricate design on the bodice. She upped her fashion game with a deep dark red & gold sequin velvet cape coat and a statement pendant necklace too, finishing her look with a floral crown around her updo. Eyeliner & a matching oxblood red lip to finish, this was one gorgeous look.

Joining the D&G queens, designer Tabitha Simmons also attended the gala in Dolce & Gabbana, wearing similar colours to Sofia as she stepped out in a Bordeaux red velvet & gold thick-embroidered fitted gown. The long-sleeved look featured ornate design on the bodice, sides & skirt with oversized capped shoulders and was worn with matching designer earrings and a velvet choker necklace, as well as an impressive embroidered & embellished box clutch. The British beauty kept her hair & makeup fuss-free with a chic updo and fresh-faced makeup to finish.

Going all out for the MET Gala, young actress Zoey Deutch attended in a floral embroidered gown by Dolce & Gabbana, which featured pixellated motifs in hues of pink & green on a sheer tulle body that also had an embellished heart design on the upper-middle of the bodice. She completed her regal look with a gold hairband adorned with pearls & jewels, cuff bracelets and statement drop earrings, both which are also by Dolce & Gabbana. Soft eye makeup, nude lips and an upstyle rounded up this beautiful look.

The Couples

As you know I love a well dressed couple, but on this red carpet it wasn’t just love between partners, but also siblings and friends and I just adore this! My favourite looks were from Claudine & Colin Farrell, Jason Statham & Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Keith Urban & Nicole Kidman, Zayn Malik & Gigi Hadid, and Alessandro Michele & Florence Welch.

Menswear

The menswear was very crisp, classic & clean and many of the gents looked absolutely on point. Notably, the dark blue suits were well represented by Lewis Hamilton, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau & Nick Jonas; where as Idris Elba, Nas & Tom Hiddleston opted for a classic longline tuxedo suit; and going for a fashionable twist were Will.i.am & Jared Leto, and designers Jeremy Scott & Tommy Hilfiger.

Notable Mentions

Nirina xx

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Images courtesy of Zimbio