Best Dressed 2019 — the Oscars of Fashion aka The Met Ball & Some Oscars Looks

A look back at my favorite looks from the 2019 Oscars, some of the afterparties, and the Met Gala. Looking at the Met Ball, the 2019 Met Gala theme was inspired by Susan Sontag’s legendary 1964 essay, “Notes on Camp,” in which she describes camp as the “love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration…style at the expense of content.”

NINA DOBREV

Met Gala — wearing Zac Posen & Christian Louboutin heels

LAUREN SANTO DOMINGO

Met Bala 2019 –– Proenza Schouler

JOURDAN DUNN

Met Ball 2019 — Zac Posen

CORAL CHUNG

Met 2019 — Sebastian Gunawan

MADELAINE PETSCH

Met 2019 — Jean paul Gauliter

SARA SAMPAIO

Met — August Getty

ALEXIS REN

2019 Oscars Elton John afterparty

KATIE HOLMES

Met 2019 — Zac Posen; Lorraine Schwartz jewelry

SOFIA SANCHEZ DE BETAK

Met 2019

WENDI MURDOCH

Met Ball 2019

EMMA STONE

Oscars 2019 — Louis Vuitton

2015 Met Gala — Best Dressed

Some went literal. Others went understated. And some just went their own merry route! That is the Met Gala, “aka Met Ball” for you though! This year’s theme was all about Chinese fashion and inspirations. The exhibit was entitled “China: Through the Looking Glass”. So who went thematic and nailed it, and who just looked too amazing I couldn’t help but include them on my Best Dressed list? Find out below!

Kate Hudson

1430795839_kate-hudson-560_640Gold was a hot color of the night, clearly color being not only a trend of the evening, but attempts to tie in with the overall theme. I believe when bold and antique looking as this custom, suntan-hued, stretch tulle Michael Kors dress with an open back and hand-embroidered paillettes, the theme was understated, but it was present. Simply put, Kate looked radiant! She carried an Edie Parker ivory and gold clutch and donned a Lorraine Schwartz headpiece.

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Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Another in gold, but Rosie went sensual, daring, and sexy in this molten Atelier Versace dress with an up-to-there slit and various cutouts.

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Coordinating perfectly were her Christian Louboutin Benedetta nude sandal heels.

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And she continued to accessorize well with Anita Ko earrings and rings.

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Keri Russell

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Not enough words to explain how PHENOMENAL this plunging, high-slitted Altuzarra dress is. It’s covered in emerald feathers. And I love all of the colors and textures, very captivating. With her bold look, she coordinated with black strappy Altuzarra sandals, Ana Khouri earrings and a Solange Azagury-Partridge ring.

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Jennifer Lopez

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This is a gown that looks great from any angle! It’s scaly creature on a flame-licked Versace dress, teamed with a Swarovski clutch and baubles by Sutra, Ivy, Harry Kotlar, and Jack Vartanian.

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The whole look is highly intriguing and completely eye-catching!

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Bee Shaffer

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I’m head over heels for this fully eccentric and eclectic Alexander McQueen custom burgundy embroidered gown. The details are just all so stunning, the floral embroidery, the gorgeous train — I’m in love!

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 04:  Bee Shaffer attends the "China: Through The Looking Glass" Costume Institute Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4, 2015 in New York City.  (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic)

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Amal Alamuddin

Amal I don’t think is a die-hard red carpet fan, but she certainly did well for herself here. This red-hot, ruffled, multi-media John Galliano dress for Maison Margiela was a great choice for her. The bodice has an exquisite fit and the overall look is daring, but not over-the-top.

Katie Holmes

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Ahhh, isn’t this gown so dreamy! It’s a vision, this navy blue speckled Zac Posen dress with dreamy cloud-shaped embellishments along the hemline.

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Katie is too a vision, especially with elegant accessories in that of diamond Chopard jewelry and a luxe Roger Vivier clutch.

And no worries on the new hair alert, as this is just a wig styled by DJ Quintero, using products from Alterna, the haircare company Holmes co-owns.

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Selena Gomez

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Selena looks stunning in this custom, silk crepe, Vera Wang creation, complete with a V-neck bra top, a plunging open back, and Chinese tassel accents.

And no way can you overlook this mesmerizing floral updo, created by Jake Bailey and  Renato Campora for Moroccanoil.

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Joan Smalls

My one, totally sexy, daring piece, has to be Joan in this semi-sheer purple lace dress with cutouts and a sheer skirt, which further complimented with Chopard diamonds. This color is so eye-catching, a great choice, and really what a dress — Peter Dundas for Roberto Cavalli.

Her beauty look is just as great, a mix of Pure Color Gelée Powder Eyeshadow in Cyber Magenta and Pure Color Envy Eyeshadow Palette in Currant Desire, from Estee Lauder.

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Wendi Murdoch

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Co-chair to the event, Wendi is right in the A+ game/lane, with this navy blue Oscar de la Renta fitted gown with gold embellishments adorned throughout the look. For her accessories, she went with a tassled Kotur clutch and Cindy Chao jewelry.

Dianna Agron

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This is such a wearable work of art, this ethereal white Tory Burch, one-shoulder, silk chiffon dress that boasted three cranes embroidered on its skirt. Dianna accessorized with a white Tory Burch clutch and emerald Fred Leighton baubles.

Adriana Lima

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Lots of special touches are in this deep burgundy Marc Jacobs dress, with a falling starburst design as just one of the highlights. I too love sheer bodice/neckline.

There are some fantastic accessories to compliment this look, ruby red Chopard jewelry and a black Judith Leiber clutch. This bold hair, blunt bangs and luscious waves, is courtesy of Anthony Cristiano Salon, And her sulty makeup is all thanks to Maybelline NY, Morgane Martini, cat eye and ruby red lip.

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Lizzy Caplan

This is probably one of my more obviously thematic looks, but nonetheless a must have on my Best Dressed list. This adoring blush-hued, asymmetrical Donna Karan Atelier dress, embellished with gold beading and embroidery is perfection.

She complimented this look well with gold tassel-style earrings by Jack Vartanian, a ruby Carla Amorim ring, and a pearlescent Edie Parker clutch.

Helen Mirren
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Helen is a red carpet pro, always such a standout and she doesn’t disappoint in this red lace Dolce & Gabbana dress. She is workin’ this look!
Miranda Kerr
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Miranda is proving you don’t have to go all out, full on gowns, to rock the red carpet. I love that she went short, simple, and sweet with this printed Louis Vuitton sheath dress. Dig her accessory choices as well, LV clutch, Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and black Giuseppe Zanotti heels.
And for her lovely beauty look, Lisa Storey for makeup & David Keough for hair.
Caroline Trentini
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This is a smashing look, sculpted and sensational — a sheer black Versace number.
Kudos to this phenomenal glam squad — Lisa Houghton for makeup, David Colvin for hair, as well as Esther Langham.
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Eddie Redmayne & Hannah Bagshawe
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And my one dynamic duo pair, both in Valentino, such a lovely couple, but the looks here, well worthy of best dressed nods. Hannah looks so sophisticated, very classy.

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!

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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.

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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)

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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.

1399330204_suki-waterhouse-560                                        "Charles James: Beyond Fashion" Costume Institute Gala - ArrivalsSUKI 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.

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blake-lively-435                       blake-lively-ryan-reynolds-gucci-met-gala-2014-02BLAKE 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.

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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.

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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!!

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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.
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1399340460_amber-heard-560                                                             johnny-depp-amber-heard-met-ball-2014-02AMBER 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.

1399349771_idina-menzel-560       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!!
163_3045_350                           kate-bosworth-2-290KATE 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.
hailee-steinfeld-435            hailee-steinfeld-2014-met-ball-red-carpet-02My 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.
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1399330704_chrissy-teigen-560                                       "Charles James: Beyond Fashion" Costume Institute Gala - ArrivalsCHRISSY 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.
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There are a few good men….

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DAVID BECKHAM

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

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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.

1399399400_frank-ocean-560        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.