By Mason Browne
Few red carpet events retain the respect and glamour that is the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala. Celebrities, designers, fashion editors, rock stars and 'it' girls mix and guests pay thousands to benefit one of the most prestigious collections of period clothing the world has to offer.
This year, the annual theme payed homage to late fashion luminary Alexander McQueen and was titled Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty. It would of course be honorable to wear him and many pulled out their best.
Brazillian bombshell Giselle waived the red-on red rules and donned a striking Fall 2005 ballgown. Daphne Guinness reigned supreme McQueen in Sarah Burton's Spring Summer 2011 feathered frock, whilst Anna Dello Russo's first outing to the gala saw her in another Burton creation, a marching band tuxedo matched with Bulgari jewels and well, why not? A giant egg on her head. There can be no doubt his name is in the right hands with Burton at the helm.
Others chose to highlight a myriad of designers from Marc Jacobs to Proenza Schouler, Stella McCartney to Anna Wintour's custom Chanel Couture. It was Nicole Richie's vintage 1930's white bias-cut gown combined with 1960's House of Harlow jewels that went against the grain. Beyonce donned an astonishing McQueen-like Pui Pui, the fishtail however failed to negotiate the Met's infamous stairwell.
We never see Diane Kruger looking her worst and she wins best dressed in Jason Wu, sheer perfection. A close second starlet in Chanel Couture, everybody's favourite gossip girl Blake Lively.
Once again the Met Gala never disappoints to indicate the best and most ridiculous, from the fair to the far-out. One can only hope Lee McQueen enjoyed the view from above.