2010 Costume Institute Gala: Best And Worst Dressed

At the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala celebrating “American Woman: Fashioning a Nation,” on Monday evening in NYC, fashion literally imitated art.   Hosted by Anna Wintour, Patrick Robinson of the Gap and Oprah Winfrey, the red carpet was flooded with the A-list’s most fashionable men and women, including fashion designers, supermodels and actresses, who looked runway ready in luxurious couture.

It was no surprise that Burberry darlings Emma Watson and Claire Danes were outfitted in custom-designed gowns created by the Brit labels Chief Creative Officer Christopher Bailey.  The beauties (Claire’s plus one was hubby Hugh Dancy, who also rocked Burberry!) also sat at his dinner table, along with Daniel Craig and his wife Satsuki Mitchell, Edward Norton and famed photographer Mario Testino.

Zoe Saldana and Diane Kruger, who usually opt for eccentric and complicated couture, walked down the carpet in stunning, minimalist style.  Zoe looked flawless in a navy blue Calvin Klein Collection, one-sleeved gown, while Diane opted for an ivory, simply sleeved number from the same collection. Just goes to show, simple can be just as dramatic as elaborate!

Eva Mendes defined Hollywood glamour girl, wearing a black, ruched, rose print Dolce & Gabbana strapless mermaid gown, which flaunted her covetable curves, while Kerry Washington wore a Thakoon for Gap gown, which will be auctioned off for charity.

Other charitably chic guests?  M.I.A and Zoe Kravitz rocked edgy Alexander Wang for Gap gowns, Jessica Alba and Vera Farmiga looked gorgeous in Sophie Theallat for Gap and Kirsten Dunst and Jamie Bochert stunned in Rodarte for Gap.  All of the Gap collaborations will be displayed throughout the month at the Gap pop-up store in NYC, and will be auctioned off on their websites, with all proceeds goig to The MET in support of The Costume Institute.