Met Gala aka Met Ball 2014 — Best Looks

Each year there is a widely known fundraising gala that is put on for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute — Costume Institute Gala aka Met Gala aka Met Ball. There are many names, but no matter which you choose, it doesn’t take away from the amazing looks that grace the gala’s red carpet & event each year. Many fashionistas, fashion bloggers, and those in the fashion industry eagerly wait to see red carpet looks from major award shows — Oscars, Grammys Emmys. But the Met Gala red carpet is also on this must-see list! I hereby dub it Fashion Prom and I’m very excited to put together my 1st best dressed list ever for this event! It’s been a few days since these stars walked the red carpet, but hey, I go as fast as I can — law school finals must come first!

So the opening exhibit for this year was “Charles James: Beyond Fashion.” Charles James was a major fashion designer in the 1950s; he is widely known for being America’s first couturier. He is all about old school glamor and fitting in with that genre, this year’s theme for the Met Gala was “White Tie & Diamonds.” As with any best dressed piece there are lots of images to look thru. As I was picking my faves I found myself picking between 2 extremes — all out/full on glam (going big!!) to a more reserved look, but still quite fitting to the theme of old-school/Hollywood glam. So my list is full of stand-out drama, but also quieter looks that are nonetheless elegant in their simplicity. Enjoy!

KAROLINA KURKOVA

This look is bold, dramatic, and over-the-top, which I mean in a good way! This strapless navy sculptural Marchesa gown is just the sort of wearable art that I’m sure Charles James strove for when he was designing. The look is simply put, STUNNING — the hand-painted organza floral details to the satin organza material.

Karolina probably didn’t need much to compliment the dress, but I guess she truly went with the mantra — “Go big or go home!” She decided to pair with her gown more than $1 million of Harry Winston diamonds — a 44-carat Guipure diamond necklace, queen diamond rings, & diamond earrings. (image above from Karolina’s prep time while at The Mark Hotel)

The more subtle, yet still elegant final touches for Karolina were with her choices for a lovely, chic up-do & clean, fresh makeup beauty look — Hair was by Bryce Scarlett & Makeup was by Steffi Willmann.

SUKI WATERHOUSE — Suki’s look was one of the 1st ones I saw and I immediately fell in love; I knew it would be at the top of my best dressed list! I was instantly mesmerized by this tiered tulle, custom Burberry gown with never-ending layers of silk organza. My hypnosis continued to her wonderful choices for jewelry to finish off her look, pieces by Anita Ko — 18k white gold diamond Fan earringss, Leaf ring, Feather ring, wave ring, and ear cuffs.

BLAKE LIVELY — If I had to pick someone who channeled the old school, Hollywood glam the best, it would have to be Blake. This champagne silk chiffon Gucci Premiere gown with a plunging neckline just had it all to bring back that timeless classiness and glam from the Charles James era. I loved that she went with some color for her jewelry pieces, all from Lorraine Schwartz — ruby swirl drop earrings & diamond rings.

SARAH JESSICA PARKER

This is a gown so fabulous, yes, I had to share 3 images, showcasing it all from all sides! SJP was the gala co-chair so of course she had to pull out all of the stops & this gorgeous Oscar de la Renta gown with a black velvet bodice and ivory duchess satin skirt certainly met that goal!

The just as amazing accessories for SJP certainly didn’t disappoint either, the many lovely pieces of jewelry by Fred Leighton — 4k 19th century diamond drop earrings, a 19th century diamond & white enamel bracelet, & diamond, pearl circular brooches.

And really, if you are going to walk around with a designer name prominently showcased on your look, it might as well be OSCAR DE LA RENTA!!

ANNA KENDRICK — There was a lot of black & white trending at the Met Gala, as just seen with SJP, but I didn’t mind seeing that repeating trend, especially when it looked so amazing as with Anna’s look. Anna’s black & white number was a silk faille J. Mendel gown with a draped bustier, cummerbund waist, & pleated train. It’s always a plus when a look is completed with just as stunning accessories, again such as with Anna’s choices — her black Rauwolf clutch and statement making diamond Graff necklace and earrings.

The stunning touches didn’t stop just yet though, what about her amazing beauty look — perfect black cat eye, soft light plum lips (Burt’s Bees tinted lip balm and lip gloss), & her modern French twist (use of Herbal Essences hairspray). This was all attributed by makeup stylist Sara Glick & hair extraordinaire Matthew Monzon.

"Charles James: Beyond Fashion" Costume Institute Gala - Arrivals

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AMBER HEARD — I had the pleasure of working with and meeting Amber many years back, probably one of her 1st acting gigs. I am so happy for her success and just to see how her hard work and determination has really paid off. This includes being able to be a knockout on the red carpet as Amber has done with this nude Giambattista Valli Haute Couture embroidered gown. Her beauty look was just as stunning with this sculptured chic updo, created by Peter Butler.

Amber is channeling old-school glam and continues to do so, from head to toe, inclusive of her many Fred Leighton pieces — 19th century diamond pendant earrings, 19th century diamond cluster bracelet, & a pair of early 19th century diamond bracelets.

IDINA MENZEL

Black & white was a trend, but there was also quite a few flowing train looks for the Met Gala red carpet, and Idina’s look was certainly deserving a best dressed placement. This white Donna Karan Atelier gown with deconstructed flowers made of sequins, beads, and threadwork was dramatic and statement-making — GREAT PICK IDINA!!

KATE BOSWORTH — Kate was definitely in the glam-zone for the night’s festivities. She looked classic in this salmon Stella McCartney gown with 2 midriff slashes and a back filled with spaghetti straps. It’s hard to not love a look that is so eye-catching, literally all of the details — gold Jimmy Choo Claire clutch and Aquazarra Firenze heels.

Let’s not also forget the glam jewelry to complete her look, pieces from Ana Khouri (Peacock pearl & diamond gold earrings, Stem gold & diamond necklace, and Petter gold and diamond bracelet), Vieri (Lily Love rose gold pink Tourmaline pave diamond ring), Sidney Garber (gold and diamond chain link ring), & Anna Sheffield.

Great work by Kate’s entire team — Peter Gray for hair, Kris Zero — stylist, & Gucci Westman — makeup artist.

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My best dressed list certainly has some trends, as did the Met Gala red carpet — black and white gowns, and also dresses you have to see from all sides! Hailee’s choice of this Prabal Gurung look with a button detailed back was very much fitting for her & the evening. She looked like a perfectly prim princess! But there was more than just the dress. We can’t forget the satin pink Charlotte Olympia heels & matching onyx and ivory diamond jewelry pieces from Van Cleef and Arpels.

Hailee had a great team to create this magical look — hair stylist Matthew Monzon who created her sleek chignon with use of Herbal Essences; makeup artist Matin Maulawizada, creating a clean nude lip & dramatic eye; & stylist Karla Welch.

CHRISSY TEIGEN — Chrissy looked quite fit & trim in this custom halter column Ralph Lauren dress, which was covered in Swarovski crystals. Chrissy too was decked out in some major jewels, all by Lorraine Schwartz — all diamond pieces — fish cuff, bead cuff, natural pearl rings, and drop earrings.

There are a few good men….

DAVID BECKHAM

David looked handsome in his white shawl collar tuxedo jacket by Ralph Lauren Black Label, complete with a black bow tie!

JOSHUA JACKSON — Josh looked like a Boss, pun intended since he is wearing an ivory BOSS made to measure tuxedo jacket, which featured a black lapel and matching black tuxedo pants. He also sported a white bow tie, going perfectly with the night’s theme.

FRANK OCEAN

Frank was a Met Gala performer, wearing a sleek Givenchy Haute Couture tuxe (in white) by Riccardo Tisci iwth a black bow tie. He accessorized with a sparkling pair of Jacob & Co. white diamond studs.