By Chloe Schneider
The annual Costume Institute Benefit held in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most exclusive events of the year. Co-chaired by Anna Wintour, it draws the most elite crowd of Hollywood stars.
This year the event was held on May 2nd was themed ‘Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty’ to coincide with a new exhibition of works by the late designer. There were so many stars and so many incredible frocks that it’s hard to know where to begin!
Celebrity/Designer Date Night
Chanel muse Blake Lively arrived draped in an incredible gown by the luxury label and a pair of Louboutins, naturally. Her new strawberry blonde locks looked gorgeous at the event, muting any remaining negative public opinion. Karl Lagerfeld was by her side for the night, looking dapper in a monotone, floral printed jacket.
Blake wasn’t the only on-screen star to show up with her designer. Glee’s Dianna Agron who wore a stunning red gown by designer and date for the night Michael Kors. Her slicked back blonde hair and creamy white skin were an elegant choice and we can’t get enough of that huge brassy cuff!
Taylor Swift and Gilles Mendel arrived together looking stunning. Country crooner Swift wore a very grown-up nude and black gown by J Mendel teamed with strong red lips and a very old-Hollywood up-do. She looked completely at home at the elite event.
Valentino was escorted by the stunning Russian model Natalia Vodianova who wore a black gown from Valentino’s last ever collection.
Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci had ethereal beauty Liv Tyler on his arm. Her white and lemon gown from the designer looked almost good enough to eat.
The Event Chairs
Francois-Henri Pinault, chief executive of luxury conglomerate PPR and his wife Salma Hayek were the honorary chairs of the event. Hayek’s enviable curves were perfectly complemented by the tulle drapes of her nude McQueen gown.
Anna Wintour chose an unusual sequinned Chanel piece that we can hardly tear our eyes away from. Her daughter, Bee Schaffer, was also in attendance.
Stella McCartney, another vice chair, wore an ecologically friendly gown made from recycled sequins, help-silk and organic silk trousers. She topped it off with Cartier diamonds in her hair. Colin Firth was the final vice chair of the event and wore a Tom Ford suit.
The Daring Two
The Met Gala generally draws out the more sophisticated side of the stars but these two celebs chose something a little more on the sexy side…
Diane Kruger was undeniably one of the best dressed of the night in an embellished nude and black Jason Wu dress. Featuring a thigh-high slit, Kruger took a chance in this dress but it seriously paid off. She looked nothing short of incredible.
Rihanna’s black lace Stella McCartney gown has divided the public with some declaring it a hit and others a miss. The floor-length black lace gown appeared demure from one side but the other had nude panelling that 
showed off RiRi’s more risqué side. Her long, red braid and green earrings brought a much-needed splash of colour to the outfit and all in all we thought the ensemble was right on cue with the singer’s style.
The Aussies
Isabel Lucas wore a pleated, peach silk Louis Vuitton gown with a pearled headpiece and huge drop earrings. We’re not sold on the look but it was very much to her hippy-chic style and, although not a favourite, it was no disaster!
New Mum Miranda Kerr showed off her ridiculously perfect post-baby body in a white tulle and lace Marchesa gown and Nicholas Kirkwood ivory platform heels. She looked like a tiny ballerina and we are pleased to report Orlando Bloom was right by her side looking as adorable as ever. We just can’t get enough of Miranda and her family!
Naomi Watts, a regular at the Met Gala, followed the nude trend with a shimmering Stella McCartney.
Mia Wasikowska of Alice in Wonderland wore a black Thakoon creation with a plunging V-neck. She played it a little safe with plain black pumps and nude make-up but looked elegant and in-place nonetheless.
Isla Fisher wore a Tony Burch strapless blue gown that looked wonderful with her ginger hair.
