MET Costume Institute Gala

Last night, stars, athletes, and designers attended the annual MET Costume Institute Gala in NYC.  The event is considered one of fashion's biggest nights, and provides celebrities with the opportunity to include some avante garde looks into their red carpet repertoire.  Last night's event included a tribute to the late Alexander McQueen, and Sara Burton (Kate Middleton's dress designer who works under the house of McQueen) was even in attendance.  Some stars took advantage of the opportunity to wear an over-the-top look, but others did not embrace the challenge.

Best Dressed:
1. Gwyneth Paltrow - Stella McCartney
2. Ashley Olsen - Christian Dior
3. Penelope Cruz - Oscar De La Renta
4. Sara Jessica Parker - Alexander McQueen
5. Tory Burch - Jean Patou

Gwenyth Paltrow- Wearing a nude, spakly, minimalistic, Stella McCartney gown, Gwyneth looked gorgeous and poised.  It fit perfectly, and there was even an open back.  I have really loved her fashion choices lately! At this rate, she may end up being my dressed celeb of the year. 
Ashley Olsen - With her fashion record in recent years, I never expected her to be on my best dressed list, but she blew me away in a sleek, elegant, and avante garde vintage Christian Dior gown.  I love that she took a risk with those sleeves.  They could have gone way wrong, but she pulled them off fabulously. 
Penelope Cruz - Cruz looked fantastic in a black, form-fitting, detailed, Oscar De La Renta gown.  I am basically obsessed with the horizontal layers and the delicate ruffle along the bust line.  Plus, the slight train makes this gown a perfect choice for this event.
Sara Jessica Parker - Her long, fitted, neutral, and embellished Alexander McQueen (how fitting!) gown, was impeccable.  The color was perfect and the all-over embellishments were perfectly placed.  This dress epitomizes great craftsmanship and attention to detail.  Plus, SJP's hair, complimented the gown perfectly!
Tory Burch - In addition to being an amazing designer and the creator of the ever-so-popular Reva flat (which I have referenced before), she knows how to dress! I absolutely adore this nude and black-lace detailed , one-shoulder Jean Patou gown.  The silhouette is absolutely phenomenal. 

Worst Dressed:
1. Freida Pinto  -Chanel
2. Serena Williams - Oscar De La Renta
3. Christina Hendricks - Carolina Herrera
4.  Kirsten Dunst  - Chanel
5. Barbara Walters

Freida Pinto - This young starlett has so much potential, which is why I had to giver her the title of worst dressed.  I am not a fan of her white, silky, draped, Chanel gown, that is complete with a skinny black tie.  The sleeve is a gorgeous element, but the look in its entirety? not so much. 
Serena Williams - Her, over-the-top, feathery, sparkly, monster of a dress, courtesy of Oscar De La Renta, was definitely out there.  Add in that Philip Treacy hat, and Serena ends up on my worst dressed list.  The Britsh know how to wear a Treacy hat without looking ridiculous (see my post from the royal wedding), Serena apparently does not.  This look was just too much even for a costume gala!
Chrisitian Hendricks - I adore her and Mad Men, but her half-sleeved, red and black ombre, horizontal-patterned, Carolina Herrera gown did absoultey nothing for her.  She needs to dress in ways that accentuate her figure, and this dress did not do the trick. It also weirdly matches her hair. yikes.
Kirsten Dunst - I have no idea why she would choose, and I have not idea why Chanel would make this black, floral, tea-length, sparkly, hideous gown! The neckline is odd, but not in a good way, and her shoes make the entire look even worse.
Barbara Walters - She is an elegant woman who I defintely look up to, but she needs to fire her stylist.  Her green, frumpy and fringed dress would have been horrible by itself, but when the shiny blue cape in added on top, it is really a complete fail.