Best Dressed (and Other Winners) at the Met Costume Institute Gala

By Marni Elyse Katz
May 3, 2011

On the tail of the royal wedding comes the debut of "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The retrospective, which runs May 4 to July 31, includes 100 ensembles and 70 accessories from top fashion designer Alexander McQueen's 19-year career. Last night Hollywood and fashion joined forces to celebrate at the 2011 Costume Institute Gala. While there were some interesting (not always successful) evening looks, most looked spectacular, striking just the right chord for a style extravaganza. Here are five standouts, and eBay match-ups so you can re-create a similar fashion trend.

kate hudson, renee zellweger, dakota fanning

While Jessica Alba and Alicia Keys also boasted beautiful bellies, Kate Hudson glowed in a golden Stella McCartney strapless evening gown with gold peep toe platforms (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/FilmMagic). Actress Renee Zellweger played it safe, but still sexy (there's serious back action here) in a nude Carolina Herrera with long sleeves (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images). Ever age-appropriate, actress Dakota Fanning beat out Ashley Greene and Kristen Stewart for best-dressed "Twilight" star (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/FilmMagic)

daphne guiness

Daphne Guiness pulled off a performance art piece of sorts when she got dressed for the Met Gala in the window at Barneys on Madison Avenue in New York. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Barneys New York)

Best in Feathers

Lots of ladies borrowed fashion trends from the birds, including Liv Tyler in Givenchy couture, Demi Moore in Prabal Gurung, Rumer Willis in Badgley Mischka, and Serena Williams in a puffed up feather ball gown by Oscar de la Renta and royal-worthy hat. But Daphne Guinness, who dressed in the window of Barneys New York yesterday afternoon, did it best. The artist wore a quintessential Alexander McQueen fashion design in an exaggerated silhouette smothered in feathers.

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BCBG White Feather Woven Draped Gown

(buy it now price, $328.80)

Natural Patent Almond Toe Platform Mary Jane Pump

(buy it now price, $23.99)

Black Rose & Feathers Hair Clip Fascinator

(buy it now price, $8.99)

Best Dressed (and Other Winners) at the Met Costume Institute Gala

Artist Daphne Guinness (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/FilmMagic)

Best At Cutting It Out

While Ginnifer Goodwin wowed in an emerald green number by Topshop Unique (actresses Maggie Grace and Jessica Szhor, also sported the collection) and Emma Roberts looked elegant in cream Michael Kors, we loved Kerry Washington’s understated blend of sexy and demure in mint green Escada evening gown and matte pink lips.

Vintage Green Cut Out Exposed Wrap Tie Mini Dress

(buy it now price, $42)

MAC "Pink Friday" Nicki Minaj Collaboration Lipstick

(current bid, $7)

Vintage Silver Texture Wrap Bracelet

(starting bid, $9.99)

Kerry Washington (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

Best Pantsuit

While more than one woman went for masculine ensembles that fell flat (such as Freida Pinto in Chanel), Iman rocked a Cher-like sequined jumpsuit straight out of Studio 54.

Balmain Three Piece Suit

(buy it now price, $5,999)

Judith Leiber Black Belt with Gold Tone Lion's Head

(starting bid, $89)

Black Two-Tone Serpent Heel Platform Pumps

(starting bid, $23.99)

Model Iman (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

Best Dressed

Taylor Swift channeled glamour with dark red lips and an updo. Her nude and black lace J. Mendel couture evening gown was more grown-up than girly with a just interesting enough origami-like bottom. The singer accessorized with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and Christian Louboutin pumps.

Jovani Black-Nude Formal Gown

(buy it now price, $638)

Silver White Cabachon Link Bracelet

(buy it now price, $16)

Color Round Diamond Stud Earrings

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Musician Taylor Swift (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

Best in Red: Gisele Bundchen

Model Doutzen Kroes wore a full skirted red Giambattista Valli and newcomer Saoirse Ronan went with a slightly awkward red Rodarte, but Gisele Bundchen was the most gorgeous scarlet woman, in a stunning, if somewhat safe, red strapless fitted party frock by none other than Alexander McQueen. Husband Tom Brady was the only accessory she really needed.