2011 Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala Red Carpet

Yesterday was the official opening of the The spring 2011 Costume Institute exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty (May 4, 2011, to July 31, 2011). On Monday night, the Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala was held for designers, models and stars alike. Thankfully for people like me and you, many stars choose to interpret the "Costume Institute Gala" as a theme for their attire of the evening. Shall we take a peek at their clothes?

(Note: The following pictures were borrowed from Socialite Life for costume study purposes.)

First, I would like to note that many a gentleman showed up in interesting fashion, enough to make it to this post.

Andre Leon Talley attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

I have rarely seen Andre Leon Talley in something subtle, and that is not about to change as he wears a court coat made just for him on this red carpet.

Designer Karl Lagerfeld and actress Blake Lively attend the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Karl Lagerfeld is never boring in his choice of clothes and that night was no exception. On his arm, the beautiful Blake Lively wears a modern interpretation of a Pallas. Whatever those fashion critiques have said, I love it.

Designer Christian Louboutin and Ashley Olsen attend the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Red has long been Christian Louboutin's signature colour, so it should come as no surprise that his velvet jacket matches the carpet. As for Ashley Olsen, black and white (creme) will always be a classic. I do love the wide puffy sleeves; they remind me of a chemise under stays.

Designer Marc Jacobs & Robert Duffy attend the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

You have to admire men who are sure enough of their masculinity to wear a kilt in public. Bravo!

European Vogue editor-at-large Hamish Bowles and artist Daphne Guinness attend the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Keeping to the tartan theme, this gentleman choose to skip the kilt, but still wear its colours. Very daring. He is accompanied by a distant relative of Big Bird's. (Sometimes, too much really is just that. But I still admire her originality.)

Actress Freida Pinto attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

Not only were some of the boys interestingly dresses, some of the girls were inspired by men's fashion. Here, a Freida Pinto chooses to add a simple black tie to contrast her white satin dress.

Singer Janelle Monae attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

While Janelle Monae goes Dandy, Top hat and all.

Model Iman attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

Iman looks straight out of Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002). 70's Baby, yeah!

Actress Brooklyn Decker attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Don't say it, don't say it... Red Carpet Barbie. Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

Actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

Wait, didn't I see this outfit on one of the "babes" in Star Trek: The Original Series?

Actress Sarah Jessica Parker attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Sarah Jessica Parker's dress is beautiful, no questions there. But is it just me, of did someone get inspiration from The Mummy (1999) for the beading design? (Look up Anck Su Namun's body make up).

Actress Leighton Meester attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

A little black dress should always be perfect for such an occasion, but why does this one look like it is made from horizontal blinds? I Guess this is the modern version of Carol Burnett's "I saw it in a window and I just couldn't resist".

Actress Mary-Kate Olsen attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

I love Mary-Kate's 70's Boho dress, and the colour combination of dress and accessories. But maybe this was a bit too dressed down for a red carpet.

Nicole Richie attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

I just loved the sleeves on this one. Simple, elegant, with a little Sci Fi je-ne-sais-quoi.

Actress Dakota Fanning attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

All this dress needs is a pair of wings and you have the perfect Meadow Fairy costume!

Athlete Serena Williams attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

I think someone watched the Royal Wedding too many times last week-end! (One word: Hats)

Actress Demi Moore attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

I think someone else watched the Royal Wedding too many times. (One word: Feather Duster hair fascinators.)

Singer Fergie attend the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

Really people, enough with the Royal Wedding already! (Kidding, I love that dress).

Actress Christina Ricci attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

I read someone calling this dress "The Spider Queen". It is either that, or a penciled doodle dress. In either case, as original as it is, I find it to be very unflattering for Christina Ricci. It make her skin tone look grey.

Unless this is NOT Christina Ricci, and this is in fact Wednesday Addams, all grown up. That would explain it.

Madonna attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Madonna has always looked amazing in 1930's and 40's fashion. Remember Evita (1996)?

Rihanna attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Gorgeous lace, love the one arm and train, AND the red hair (truly wish I had the gut to dye my hair red - I've been thinking about it on and off since I was 13), but what really sold me on this look were the earrings:

Rihanna attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

They look so Steampunk!

Jennifer Lopez attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin)

Whatever those mean fashion commentators have said, I love the flower shrug J Lo is sporting.

Singer Beyonce attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

This is my number one dress of the evening. It is The Tudors meet Modern evening wear (Mermaid dress). Just look at the gold on black embroidery!

Singer Beyonce attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca)

Oh, and the back! It is like a sleeveless doublet. Really, I can't get over how amazing that dress looks.

I am starting to think I need an excuse to wear evening/party dresses like that. Any suggestions?