The Met Ball 2011 - who had the Wow! and the How? factor

The 2011 Costume Institute Gala, Monday night's extravaganza was to celebrate the 'Savage Beauty' exhibition in honour of the late Alexander McQueen. This event is the about drama and fantasy of fashion, so I looked for outfits that did just that, and were worn well..


My fave of the night was Gisele who indeed looked like a striking gazelle. The drama was the colour and drape of the dress. You believed this fashion fantasy!

Gisele Bundchen in Alexander McQueen

Next is JLo. This woman has been so on point with her style recently. The drama was the colour and floral shrug/detail. Another amazing look. It also helps that she and Gisele are extremely beautiful.

Jennifer Lopez in Gucci

Daphne Guinness needed no introduction in this Alexander McQueen creation. She epitomised the event. Her dress really made you reflect on the man himself and his label. 

Daphne Guinness in Alexander McQueen

This Zac Posen dress is amazing. The webbed lace detailing and shape gave us true fantasy. Christina Ricci's hair looked a mess though. 

Christina Ricci in Zac Posen

Natalia Vodianova in Valentino with the man himself. 

This dress ticked all the boxes and had the 'Wow!' factor. The perfect dress for this occasion.

Natalia Vodianova in Valentino

Crystal Renn in Zac Posen. Her hair and dress brought the drama - A fine fantasy. Was this the same woman who flew the flag for the plus-size woman? What happened here then? She's very gaunt.

Crystal Renn in Zac Posen

Joan Small's Givenchy dress was another winner for me as the colour and detailing brought real drama and fantasy to a simple shape.  Stunning!

Joan Smalls in Givenchy

Gywneth Paltrow and Sarah Jessica Parker both looked amazing but their outfits could have been worn to any old red carpet do - all too safe for the Met Gala.


Unlike Anna Dello Russo in this tuxedo who never plays it safe, she accessorised with an egg-like hat by Alan Journo. I love her fearlessness of fashion! She looked fabulous!

Anna Dello Russo in Alexander McQueen

Thandie Newton and Taylor Swift also looked great on the night...


Now for... Andre Leon Talley. I tweeted last night that I was bemused and confused. I still am today.

Vera Wang in her own design. Has she always looked this thin?! She also cannot carry off neon lime! Not a good look at all.

Naomi is one of the most amazing faces and bodies in the world. She is wearing McQueen and all the elements are there; drama, fantasy and beauty. Yet this is so wrong in so many ways. Naomi, if you're reading this, let me have the honour to style you? PLEASE?

Naomi Campbell in Alexander McQueen

This Burberry dress looked tacky and cheap. It was glamour model-esque on Rosie Huntington-Whitley - Awful!

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Burberry

Serena Williams, what was she thinking? All she had to do was get rid of the hat and cuff, wear her hair loosely up and it would of been an ok but still not a 'Wow' look.

Serena Williams in Oscar de la Renta

Kirsten Dunst? I could go on and on...need to end this post now!

Kirsten Dunst in Chanel

One final thing. Madonna, is a mere mortal after all...she now has a little belly! Shock, horror and amazement. Maybe she's reduced the daily 5hr or whatever stints in her gym. She looks so much better. 
Bravo to her for not trying to look 25 years younger for a change. 

Madonna in Stella McCartney

So that's my take on the 'Oscars' of fashion. 

Who had the 'Wow!' and 'How?' factor in your opinion?

Please let me know.

Thanx CamilleA 

© Karma-Style 2011. All rights reserved

Pictures: various online sources; Style.com, In-Style.com