A Gala of Looks at The Met Costume Gala

Emma Roberts, all grown up...

The 63rd annual Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is truly the last all-out dress-up party of the season. After this, it’s all summer whites, the Hamptons, and beachy hair. 
 
We saw plenty of long, waved hair, some nice up-dos, braids, royal wedding-inspired fascinators, and half-up-half-down looks that all seemed to suit the fashions on display. 

One look we loved was Emma Roberts, who has transitioned from a young ingénue to a nice sexy style. She’s really taken it up a notch with her Veronica Lake-inspired waves and deep side part. It’s soft but not totally controlled. Brava!

The timeless Iman...

We loved Iman, from her golden caramel curls and voluminous waves to her gold sequined Stella McCartney jumpsuit. She exudes the sexiness and confidence that only come with age, and being comfortable with who you are. You can see she takes care of herself outwardly and inwardly. She’s not afraid of showing her age, and who would be if they looked like THIS?  

Serena and Demi looked "fascinated"

Serena Williams' and Demi Moore’s fascinators are very obvious effects of the the royal wedding influence. For a fascinator or hat to work, the hair must be subdued to give the headgear all the focus. Critics haven’t thought much of them, but they both look confident and playful.
  

Amy Poehler

Amy Poehler had a great half-and-half ‘do, slicked back from a center part in the front to a burst of soft curls in back at the nape of her neck. It’s the combination of juxtaposing textures that works here, slick and soft at the same time, like a gown with a smooth bodice and an ornate skirt.
  

Hair bling: Jessica, Isabel and Kate

We also saw hair jewelry, from the simple piece worn over long, flowing locks on Kate Hudson, to the extravagant jeweled headpiece and matching earrings worn by Isabel Lucas. The lovely Jessica Alba also wore “hair bling” to crown her sexily tousled up-do. Just like a statement piece of jewelry to offset a gorgeous gown, these accessories do the same for the hair.  

Alexa Chung: Casual that works

We saw two highly casual looks, on Kirsten Dunst and Alexa Chung – one a hit, one a miss. Alexa’s hair looked au natural and a bit lived in, but groomed enough for an evening event of this caliber and her Christopher Kane formal mini dress. 

Kirsten Dunst: Casual that does not...

It’s her signature style, and she knows how to make it work. On the other hand, Kirsten Dunst’s Chanel frock and beautiful satin shoes couldn’t save her lank, un-styled hair. This is what can happen when the artfully messy look fails.   
  

Golden Girl Michelle Williams

The ever-lovely Michelle Williams once again the darling of the critics in her black MiuMiu gown embroidered with gold sequined birds. Her signature pixie had an enriched, more golden tone than the baby platinum she was wearing, and it really brings out her skin tone much better. She seems to get better with each event!

Braided ladies Rhianna and Amy

Braids are very “in” and for this event we had the Rapunzel-like, red-hot braid on Rhianna, and the fishtail braid wrapped around her crown on Amy Adams. It’s a look that can be both elegant and casual, and in this case, they both look fabulous. 

The lovely Ashley Green

One of our favorites is Ashley Green. On this night, everything came together perfectly for her: her haircolor looks rich, shiny and beautiful, the style an elegant-yet-sexy side-swept chignon, her Donna Karan blush-colored gown making her glow rather than washing her out. She was simply perfect from head to toe.
 

Anna Wintour: A classic

Finally, we must say something about the perennial china-doll bob worn forever by Vogue’s Anna Wintour (in Chanel): A classic is classic. Some styles simply never need more than a little change here and there for interest. Ms. Wintour has worn it shorter and longer, but never changed the proportions or color. If you can carry off such a profound signature statement, do it! Her hair is like the Chanel jacket – a little change each season but always, always a classic.

Until next week…