Kate Napleton,
May 05, 2009
The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Gala is one of the best events of the season for a fashion fiend. Many celebrities meticulously dress in their breathtaking couture, while others leave us breathless for a whole different reason. This year's theme of "Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion" did not disappoint as some of our favorite designers and the celebrities who love and inspire them turned out in extravagant duds.
See more outrageous fashion from the Gala.
The Tops
Shockingly, top honors go to Tyra Banks in a stunning Badgley Mischka black sweetheart ruffles-gone-right gown. She took a risk with her cascading updo, and I may be the only one, but I think the whole look screams vintage Barbie and reminds me of a time when Tyra was best known for her fab figure and smiling with her eyes. Marion Cotillard, accompanied by the majestic John Galliano, wowed in her strapless pale beaded Christian Dior. Her vintage pin-up curled bob and classic Dior quilted clutch sealed her place among my very exclusive "Style to Admire" list. Jessica Biel's stunning red Versace swept from tea-length to a romantic full train and added a touch of glamour to her bespectacled co-host date, Justin Timberlake. Anne Hathaway's plum Marc Jacobs literally made my heart flutter. The color, the fabric, the intricate yet not overworked folds, the zipper detail cinching the waist and the voluminous not-too-short skirt -- it all seemed just perfect for Anne. Throw in some gorgeous contrasting studs and a country music-style bouffant? I'm in couture heaven.
The Flops
Ashley Olsen seemed to take Monday's Star Wars Day pretty seriously, as she borrowed a Christian Lacroix robe from Princess Leia for the event. Madonna, it's nice that you could get a solid radio signal with that headpiece, but thigh high boots? After 40? Or ever for that matter? Instead of buying a new gown, Kate Hudson opted to go recession-friendly, presumably smothering herself in her five-year-old son Ryder's Elmer's glue and rolling around in a bath of gold sequins. It's nice to involve the kids, Kate, but maybe use a stylist next time. Victoria Beckham, you know how much I adore you. However, I think your one-shoulder, polka dot, short dress with a random train growing out of the middle of your back may, ahem, have been a bit much. Rachel Bilson, did you confuse this invitation with another event? The only explanation for your abbreviated turquoise sweetheart dress is a calendar malfunction. That hemline and basic straight hair were totally inappropriate for such a formal occasion. Girls get more dressed up than that to go out to bars.
Almost, but Not Quite
Three cheers for Rihanna for her first red-carpet walk since the Chris Brown incident. She stunned in a black Dolce and Gabbana tailored, cropped tuxedo. The one thing keeping her from top marks are her new highlights. Bleh! Brooke Shields wore a stunning one-shoulder teal gown, which had an interesting mix of traditional draping and architectural structure. However, something about the fit was totally off and didn't flatter her figure like it should have. Kate Beckinsale's navy blue dramatic Marchesa gown certainly made a statement. The chaos, complexity and volume of the bottom half are appropriate for very few venues, and this happened to be one of them. The bodice, however, leaves me wishing there were more structure, more sparkle and more contrast. Gisele Bundchen's Versace sequined minidress lacked as much excitement as it did length, but with Tom Brady as her arm accessory, she saves herself from the flops.
