Met Ball 2012: Best Dressed

Posted by Styloko

One of the most important events in the fashion calendar, the Met Costume Institute Gala (that’s the Met Ball to you and us) kicked off last night in New York.  We had our eyes firmly peeled on the red carpet, of course, to see who was wearing what and, natch, we’re dying to talk to you about the hits (and misses) of 2012.

Marking the opening of this year’s Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations fashion exhibition at the Costume Institute, we fittingly spotted several stars who chose to honour the living legend Miuccia Prada. Gweneth Paltrow, Kate Bosworth, Diane Kruger and Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour were just a few of the (many) celebs decked out in the designer’s creations last night. Our fave, though, has to be one of the evening’s hosts, Carey Mulligan, in a bespoke two-tone sequin dress.

Carey Mulligan, Jessica Biel and Gwyneth Paltrow, all wearing Prada

McQueen, Dior and Valentino were also popular choices for the last night’s attendees. And while some shone in opulent and elegant metallic hues (could we be more jealous of Camilla Belle?), others’ attempts to add a little sparkle were less successful (ahem, Jessica Paré).

Camilla Belle in Ralph Lauren, Jessica Alba in Michael Kors and Jessica Paré in L’Wren Scott 

Aside from a few faux-pas – we still can’t work out what possessed Beyonce to show so much booty or why Rihanna wanted to look like a baby crocodile – we can confidently confirm that the overall standards were high. As well as a few predictable choices, like Rooney Mara’s black lace Givenchy, there were a few unexpected surprises that excited and delighted us more. Solange Knowles outshone her sister with a striking yellow peplum gown, while Emma Stone, who’s fast becoming one of our faves with her fresh take on red carpet dressing, wowed in her knee-length red Lanvin number.

Solange Knowles in Rachel Roy, Emma Stone in custom-made Lanvin and Rooney Mara in Givenchy Haute Couture

Lastly, since we’re getting into a rather patriotic mood and all, we couldn’t help but feel super proud of the British Gala-goers decked out in Christopher Bailey’s Burberry Prorsum and Sarah Burton’s Alexander McQueen creations. Although we’re guessing Jourdan Dunn’s off-white Burberry lace gown was probably more of a hit than Florence Welch’s three-tiered soufflé-inspired number (what was she thinking?).

Florence Welch in Alexander McQueen, Cara Delevingne in Burberry and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Burberry

See our round-up on down-right disasters here.