Tonight was the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Benefit Gala (whew that’s a mouthful!). This event is one of the biggest nights in fashion and it is co-chaired by Anna Wintour. It is an opportunity for people in the fashion industry to get really dressed up in way out there gowns. Unlike a mainstream red carpet event, like the Academy Awards, the object here is to go as crazy as possible while still looking good. Every year a theme is picked and then usually each designer chooses a model/celebrity/actress to be their muse and wear their designs to the gala. This year the theme was “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” in honor of the late designer. I had a hard time picking out favorite photos this year because many of the ladies went over the top but unfortunately a lot of them did not look great doing it. A lot of the dresses I picked were on the simpler side because I just think they looked and fit better than most of the crazy ones. I’m not sure that many people really embodied the “Savage Beauty” theme anyway. I picked these based on the clothes alone not because I like these particular actresses/models. Here are my favorites:
Amy Adams in L’Wren Scott
Amy Adams looks great, I love the braid in her hair and it is so unusual to see a pattern on an evening dress so I like that this beading and color is unexpected.
Ashley Greene in Donna Karan
This is just a beautiful dress. It is a very safe choice but I can’t help but love the ballerina tulle and silver embellishments. It also fits her so well and she looks beautiful.
Christina Ricci in Zac Posen
This dress is really out there. It looks amazing on Christina Ricci though. I think this is one of the only dresses that played to the theme of “Savage Beauty”. Also, is she tight laced into this dress?! Her waist is so tiny!
Giselle Bundchen in Alexander McQueen
This is a lovely tribute to Alexander McQueen. Giselle looks good in every thing she wears but this is a beautiful dress. It looks simple but the bottom of the dress is much more detailed.
Joy Bryant in Missoni
This dress may be a little too casual for this event but I still think she looks great. I just love the color and the ombre effect in the traditional Missoni knit.
Karen Elson in Alexander McQueen
I love the metallic sequins and that this dress is partially sheer. This just looks like Karen Elson’s style too. I was surprised that more people didn’t wear McQueen given that the gala was a tribute to him.
Liv Tyler in Givenchy
Once again I love the ombre effect. I also just think this dress is beautiful and complex. It may even hint at “Savage Beauty”.
Maggie Gyllenhaal in Stella McCartney
This is another simple dress but I cannot resist navy blue in an evening gown. It has become more common recently but it used to never be used for gowns and I like seeing how designers use it in an unexpected way to combat it’s traditionally conservative reputation. I also think she looks beautiful.
Margherita Missoni in Missoni
Knit wear is so unexpected in an evening gown. I love this one for that. The colors are also beautiful and so great for spring. Plus the detailing on the bottom (feather, fringe?) is amazing. She accessorized the sweetness of the dress perfectly with a belt and edgy necklaces.
Michelle Williams in Miu Miu
She is just too adorable! I love the birds on this dress! SO unexpected on an evening gown. I think she stayed true to her quirky style and hit it out of the park with this one.
Vera Wang in ? (Her own design possibly?)
I love this color on her. It is also unexpected in an evening gown! Maybe I’m just jealous that this color will never look good on me.
I just realized how many times I used the word unexpected in this post haha. Apparently I like the unexpected! I also couldn’t think of any good synonyms to replace it and still get my point across so forgive the repetition. Also check out Style.com’s recap of their favorite looks from past Costume Institute Gala’s. I agree with almost all of their picks.
All photos from FabSugar.com
