Unlike the Golden Globes or the Oscars, the annual Met Gala, which kicks off the Costume Institute’s annual summer exhibition, is all about fashion. (This year’s exhibition honors couturier Charles James, whose designs will be on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art from May 8 to August 10.) So when everyone’s bringing their best to the table — the event is run by Anna Wintour, Vogue’s illustrious editor-in-chief — who ends up on top and who ends up at the bottom? Here’s our take.

BEST-DRESSED

Diane Kruger

Diane Kruger in Hugo Boss At first glance, the unassuming Hugo Boss gown that Diane Kruger wore may not seem that exciting, but because it’s Diane Kruger, I know to expect more. A closer look reveals that, in her dress alone, Kruger is sporting three textures that share the same lovely pearly color. Kruger keeps her makeup, hair, and manicure simple, allowing her dress (and complementary marbled clutch) to shine.

Janelle Mona¦üe

Janelle Monáe in Tadashi Shoji Janelle Monáe broke with her signature black-and-white color scheme for her Tadashi Shoji ensemble. Monáe may not be the first person to rock a cape (see Lupita Nyong’o at the Golden Globes, for instance) or even the only person to wear one to this particular event (see Charlize Theron’s miniature version), but hers stands out for its vibrant color and intricate pattern. The fly’s wings straps of her shoes keep things interesting next to the cape’s plain black hem.

Hailee Steinfeld

Hailee Steinfeld in Prabal Gurung Hailee Steinfeld’s Prabal Gurung gown boasted the flattering silhouette most recently popularized by Stella McCartney’s hourglass dresses. What made hers stand out among the black-and-neutral dresses Charlize Theron and Vera Wang wore was the hem that rose cheekily in the front, allowing a peek of pink lining to show. Her blush-colored platform pumps matched her nails and lips, and she kept her accessories simple with monochromatic earrings and rings.

Emma Stone

Emma Stone in Thakoon There’s something incredibly appealing about Emma Stone’s simple Thakoon dress. What could just be a crop top and skirt became an ensemble worthy of fashion’s biggest event, thanks to the look’s paired pinks and subtly sophisticated shapes. Stone finished things off with a wispy braid, natural makeup, and a silver minaudiere. Several other gala attendees also worked two-piece looks, including Anne Hathaway in Calvin Klein Collection, Gabrielle Union in Prada, and Rihanna in Stella McCartney.

Dita Von Teese

Dita Von Teese in Zac Posen Burlesque queen Dita Von Teese stunned in a Zac Posen masterpiece. Her cream-colored gown hugged every curve until it exploded at the knee into magnificently architectural ruffles; the red edge of those ruffles was echoed in the bodice and in the clutch she carried in her red-manicured hands. Von Teese played the two dominant colors in her look to perfection.

Suki

Suki Waterhouse in Burberry The fact that the tiered ruffles have been done before doesn’t make model Suki Waterhouse’s Burberry gown any less beautiful. The salmon-hued dress’ subtle two-toned asymmetry and uneven hem gave it a delightful edge. The pop of color lent by Waterhouse’s mulberry-colored lips topped off an otherwise unadorned look.

WORST-DRESSED

Naomi Campbell

Naomi Campbell in Givenchy Even though she no longer books as many shows and campaigns as she used to, Naomi Campbell is still modelesque. Nevertheless, the revealing cutouts in her Givenchy gown seem unnecessary, especially when paired with the feathery arm-warmers she seems to be wearing.

Kate Upton

Kate Upton in Dolce & Gabbana Kate Upton manages to look shapeless and even frumpy in her somber Dolce & Gabbana ensemble. Her choice of washed-out orange-and-green necklace and earrings does not hold its own against the overwhelming black of her dress and headgear. In other photos, her famous chest is more prominent, but the corset-and-lace combination is not doing favors for the rest of her.

Donatella Versace

Donatella Versace in Versace Donatella Versace’s gown, which she presumably designed in her role as chief designer for Versace, would look equally at home on a teenaged prom attendee of questionable tastes. Her mossy green dress features puzzling hexagonal bling, copper sparkles, and an ombre train, none of which add anything positive to her look.

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