Cate Blanchett, Rihanna, Carey Mulligan and Cameron Diaz wow on the red carpet

May 9, 2012 17:41 GMT  ·  By

The MET Gala 2012, held in New York City at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, had its hits and its misses, as is the case every year. Now's the time to look at some of the best dressed ladies of the night.

Since we already discussed the boldest outfits on the red carpet, as well as some of the most uninspired and unflattering choices, it's time to pay credit where credit is due: the extraordinary fashion, the impeccable styling and the utmost sophistication.

In other words, that which makes the MET Ball the “Oscars of the fashion world.”

Already crowned by many fashion gurus the ultimate fashion icon, the always stunning Cate Blanchett confirmed once more she earned her title the hard way.

The actress wore a stunning, black, feathered Alexander McQueen dress from the Fall 2012 collection, matched with Van Cleef & Arpels jewels, and the simplest and most noble-looking styling.

Emma Stone played up her girlie image in a bright red mini dress with a big skirt and hand-embroidered crystal flowers, signed Alber Elbaz for Lanvin.

She rocked messy hair with crystal hair pins by the same designer, and black leather pumps and her unmistakable mega-watt smile.

Probably the best way to describe Emma's look would be “playful doll.” Gwyneth Paltrow went for the exact opposite of that.

Always proud of her insanely fit and slender body, the actress wowed in all Prada: a blue ice halterneck mullet dress with oversized pockets made to stand out even more through embroidered paillettes, and killer steel blue shoes.

Cameron Diaz opted to flash less skin than Gwyneth (who even revealed a bit of her chest in some photos), going with the long sleeved trend that is getting all women interested for red carpet ceremonies.

She wore a gorgeous, golden Stella McCartney gown with a low-scooped back, matched with a gold metal clutch.

Sofia Vergara also opted for a more classic design, making for a painfully breathtaking appearance in a mermaid-like sparkling Marchesa gown, accessorized with Casadei crystal pumps and jewelry by Harry Winston.

The co-host of the evening, Carey Mulligan, was equally stunning in a fishscale golden dress whose color changed depending on lighting.

The design was by Prada, as also were the shoes and the bag, which seems only fitting since the gala was meant to celebrate the opening of the “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations” exhibition.

The next batch of beauties also opted for classic designs, with a touch of quirky for a bigger impact on the viewer.

Scarlett Johansson, for instance, always reliable when it comes to turning on the glamor for events of this caliber, did not disappoint: she wore a heavy princess gown by Dolce&Gabbana, matched with Louboutin shoes and a Judith Leiber clutch.

Kate Bosworth got her first chance to wear on the red carpet a dress especially made for her: she looked ravishing in a Prada feather creation with a low cut back.

She completed the look with diamonds and platinum jewelry, a severe bun and plum lipstick.

Singer (and aspiring actress) Rihanna and “Transformers” beauty Rosie Huntington-Whiteley both wowed in floor-length gowns, each amazing in its own special way.

Rihanna wore Tom Ford, while Rosie looked positively royal in Burberry.

Last but not least, Christina Ricci: the diminute star earned raving reviews from the fashion community for her Thakoon dress, which featured a giant bow in the back and which she accessorized with jewelry from Tiffany & Co.

Photo Gallery (11 Images)

Cate Blanchett at the MET Gala 2012 in NYC
Emma Stone at the MET Gala 2012 in NYCGwyneth Paltrow at the MET Gala 2012 in NYC
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