The Glam Society: Feeling Romantic-Idyllic Looks at the 2010 Met Costume Institute's Gala

By: Stacie Forrest

The celebs were out last night in looks that were retro, reminiscent and romantic. This year's "American Woman" theme was resplendent in glamour and fabulousness-beautiful draping, ethereal silhouettes, and dramatic beadwork that can only be described as red carpet worthy.

But before we get to WHO was wearing WHAT, let’s start off with a little bit of history, shall we?

The Museum of Costume Art was founded by couturiers Aline Bernstein and Irene Lewisohn. In 1937 these two style mavens merged with the Metropolitan Museum of Art and became the Costume Institute department. Today, the collection contains more than 80,000 costumes and accessories. The Institute was once housed in what was known as the "Basement" area of the Met because it was downstairs at the bottom of the Met facility; however, realizing that the integrity of the collection could be compromised, the displays were removed. Instead of being shown in one consistent location, the Met holds two separate showings in the Met’s galleries using ensembles from its collection, with each showing focused on a specific designer or theme; taking inspiration from designers, Chanel and Gianni Versace and moving themes such as “Models as Muses” and “Superheroes.” The Costume Institute's annual Benefit Gala, co-chaired by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, is an extremely popular, if not exclusive event in the fashion world; this year the 700 available tickets started at $8,500 per person and this year the event was hosted by the legendary Vogue editor in chief along with talk show queen-Oprah Winfrey.

So, without further ado-let's take a look at the looks that graced the gala at the Met:

Kerry Washington - do I need to say a word? Nope! But I have to: STUNNING!!!! Ms. Washington is wearing Thakoon for Gap.

So why do you suppose Nicole Ritchie chose to come as though she were auditioning for the role of Morticia meets Elvira on the Adam's Family? She is capable of doing so much better. I am a huge fan of Michael Kors, but I am not a fan of how this was put together here.

Mary J. Blige looks like she could be on display at a funeral parlor. J. Mendel is usually spot on as is Ms. Blige's forward thinking about fashion and what works for her frame. This doesn't make me smile.

Poor Maggie looks as though she she fell asleep in this Louis Vuitton, woke up, put on some shoes and voila! An evening at the Met. No matter what this child does, she doesn't seem to do it the right way. For shame, for shame, for shame.

As is the normal practice, Ms. Tyler looks out of place and clueless in Stella McCartney.

Kirsten Dunst (heavy, heavy sigh)....I don't even feel like telling you who the designer is-it's a waste of time.

Now, I think I love the nude tones of this timeless look on Kate Hudson. Stella McCartney created a seamless cohesive ensemble and her look is flawless.

Kate Bosworth looked amazing in this simple but elegantly shaped Valentino. I love the color!

The Good Wife is one of the evening's best dressed. Julianna Margulies' Narcisco Rodriguez basic black column is smart, polished and classic.

Michael Kors poured his design on Brooke Shields and she looks fabulous. She looks like she's wearing liquid gold!

Why did Ms. Dawson do this to herself? She looks like something out of Hello Dolly...not crazy about the cut or the color.

I fell in love with the simplicity of Sarah Jessica Parker’s peachy pleated Halston gown

Eva Mendes is a fashion icon and this Dolce and Gabbana look is haute! I love the print!

Jessica Alba was breathtaking in a mauve draped sensation by Sophie Theallet for Gap.

Stained Glass Window anyone? After September, the ones at New Psalmist Baptist Church will be available for your use and wear.

Poor Ms. Emma looks like she used the housekeeper's cleaning rags for this get up.

So what's on display here? Christina Hendrick's dress or the boobs that double as a table? This L'Wren Scott dress is not her finest hour.

I'm not quite sure what's going on here- are you? Oh its Chloe Sevigny. That explains it.

I don’t think that there were too many times that Marion Cottillard didn’t stop traffic and this amazing beaded wonder was so simple in its shape and form, but out of this world in it’s splendor.

There are some designers that are consistent and true to who they are…you can take one look at a design and without batting an eye can tell who the artist was. That’s how I feel about Oscar de la Renta. I love this dress and the color-but I'm not convinced thatthis dress is for Ms. Winfrey. What do you think?

Anne Hathaway has truly matured into a beautiful young woman and her fashion sense is an indication of that very fact. She looked like a princess in this outstanding confection from Valentino.

Who doesn’t love a Navy column? I can’t think of a soul-and I also can’t think of anyone who would disagree that Zoe Saldana hit the ball out of the park with this sensational Calvin Klein stunner.

Giselle Bundchen is not a favorite of mine-but this edgy look gets a thumbs up from me. She in Alexander Wang and hubby Tom Brady in Tom Ford for Gucci. Magnificent!

I love the simple and clean lines of Diane Kruger’s white jersey Calvin Klein’s long- sleeved column. NOTE: Do not try this at home if you do not have the proper undergarments to pull this off. I REPEAT: DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!!

Ahhh youth!!!! Blake Lively's look is playful, young and fresh in this frilly frock from Marchesa. And yet another note: The over 50 and unaware of the age limitations on fashion need not apply.