Best of the 2012 Met Gala

She seems to be over her tear-inducing haircut! The is all smiles as she rocks her shorter do against the supersexy draped back of her Stella McCartney beaded organic silk gown, worn with a perforated metal clutch, also by the designer, Casadei heels and Fred Leighton earrings.

Going for a golden goddess look with a one-shoulder, draped lamé Michael Kors gown, plum lips, Brian Atwood platforms, a Roger Vivier clutch and elegant Wilfredo Rosado jewelry, shimmers on the red carpet.

“It’s a waterproof dress,” Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz ( date for the night) said of the actress’s ultragirlie floral mini, covered with about 3,000 plastic flowers and red crystals and worn with black pumps, also by the line.

The World’s Most Beautiful Woman easily hangs on to her title in a majorly sheer Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci embroidered gown with a jaw-dropping purple ombré train. Well, that’s one way to show you’ve lost all the baby weight, !

“I just want to wear things that are me in different ways,” the says of her dressing philosophy – as evidenced by her pale lilac Prada dress embellished with paillettes on the pockets, Prada shoes and major Anna Hu hoops.

Dolce & Gabbana’s beautiful dazzles in a one-of-a-kind, pearl-embroidered, off-the-shoulder gown with a fit-to-flare silhouette, Christian Louboutin heels, Fred Leighton earrings and a Judith Leiber clutch.

She may not consider herself a fashion icon, but the is doing a good job of convincing everyone she is in her ethereal, custom-designed, Donna Karan Atelier snow-white gown with sequin beading, plus Casadei heels, a Judith Leiber clutch and Jacob & Co. gems.

The Glee returns to a favored silhouette: a high-slit, plunging-neckline Diane von Furstenberg gown in navy, paired with a tassel necklace and other diamond jewels by Lorraine Schwartz, plus matching silvery-blue accessories (including Christian Louboutin sandals).

On the arm of her , the opts for a tea-length blush sheath, coordinating shoes and clutch (“that Mrs. Prada picked for me,” she said), plus $2 million of Lorraine Schwartz gems. Justin makes fine arm candy in a Cartier watch and a tux by Tom Ford, about whom he says, “He’s a beautiful man, and he makes beautiful suits.”

Stepping out in a stark Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci style, softens her typically hard look with layers of lace, a sheer skirt and rosy lips.

We think Blair Waldorf would approve of this ethereal embroidered tulle Marchesa confection, which accents with tons of Harry Winston gems, Tabitha Simmons sandals and an embellished clutch.

Model mom shows off her stems in a navy Escada mini with a long lace overlay and Christian Louboutin heels – plus plenty of Lorraine Schwartz jewels to make up for her newly ringless finger.

In head-toe-toe Prada, the tries two of the night’s major trends, deep plum lips and sexy, swingy feathers – plus a ballerina bun and Fred Leighton bracelets.

“The dressing part was easy, the nails took forever!” said of her textured black high-neck column (worn with Christian Louboutin pumps) and seriously dramatic talons.

Taking another of those fashion risks she’s known for, Diane makes a sweeping entrance in a feathered violet gown worn with a bright bag (both by Prada) and a Fred Leighton pendant necklace.

Though it’s hard to draw attention away from his bombshell – especially when she’s wearing a slit-to-there beaded Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci gown with killer sandals and David Yurman jewelry – the football player manages to grab (some of) the spotlight with his asymmetrical do.

“Usually these dresses are made for supermodels, so I have to trick them a little bit!” the Modern Family giggles about her silver embroidered Marchesa gown, worn with Casadei pumps and Harry Winston jewels.

“It’s embroidered with a crazy psychedelic flower!” designer Christopher Kane says of his creation worn by the young actress. For her part, Shailene (wearing Pomellato diamond studs and Tabitha Simmons pumps) gushes, “Who wouldn’t want to wear this dress?”

Balenciaga’s newest wears Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière – a color-block leather dress – with multistrap white sandals and loose locks.

Wearing custom Wes Gordon and Wilfredo Rosado jewelry – plus Stella McCartney shoes handpicked from her closet by Vogue editor (and her escort for the evening) Hamish Bowles, the Girls star shows up in one of the night’s hottest hues, green.

“I like to lean toward the avant-garde,” said the Mad Men actress, who offsets her superhero-esque, sculptural lemon Versace gown with a vintage diamond-and turquoise necklace and golden clutch (both by Cartier) and coral lips.

Proving once again why she’s the body of Burberry, the supermodel cuts an enviable figure in a striped dress by the line with a beaded collar and adds a hard-sided House of Harlow 1960 clutch, J/Hadley ring and glam Irene Neuwirth earrings.

Mirror Mirror’s heroine looks princess-perfect in a demure lace Valentino Haute Couture gown finished with H. Stern rings.

Downton Abbey’s eldest sister exudes elegance in a black Ralph Lauren Collection beaded evening gown and crystal earrings from the designer’s Vintage Collection.

Showing a little more skin than normal in a plunging white brocade J. Mendel gown, Claire accessorizes with class: shimmery Christian Louboutin peep-toes, Van Cleef & Arpels gems and a sweet ’60s-inspired do.

One of many stars who chose to ruffle feathers – on their dresses, of course – during the evening, Cate makes a striking entrance in a floaty trumpet-hem black Alexander McQueen gown worn with Van Cleef & Arpels jewels and a black minaudière.

Leaving beau at home, the joins the many stars who opted for peplum at the event – though her ensemble easily stands out, thanks to whimsical embroidery and a two-tone clutch (all by Prada) plus a David Webb ring and Fred Leighton earrings.

The couple that wears Calvin Klein together, stays together: The adorable duo coordinates with creations by the designer – she in a sleek backless salmon gown and silver accessories (including Neil Lane baubles, a Christian Louboutin clutch and Jimmy Choo sandals), in a slim-fitting suit and skinny tie.

Elegant in a beaded orange Monique Lhuillier, H.Stern jewels and slipper-esque satin shoes by Brian Atwood, the star plays it bright and bold at the gala.

Supermodel Liya Kebede, actress Rashida Jones (in Neil Lane jewels), and supermodel-turned-actress Brooklyn Decker (in House of Lavande danglers) flank designer Tory Burch (sporting a David Webb ring), all wearing very different yet equally chic gowns by the designer.

A designer herself, celebrates the two similarly avant-garde women of the Met exhibition (Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada) with a Victorian-inspired, high-neck black silk gown, plus an antique clutch and jewels by Fred Leighton.

Another Glee star shines in a diaphanous pine-green Carolina Herrera gown with a patent belt, sparkling Judith Leiber clutch and Sergio Rossi pumps. She finishes the look with Fred Leighton diamonds and sapphires.

The stylist turned designer wears a fringed gown of her own creation with a massive statement choker by David Webb, and dresses the supermodel in a rose gold Rachel Zoe Collection gown with a matching turban and oodles of Fred Leighton gems.

“I’m wearing Valentino because I love this dress. It reminded me of a different time,” the says of her formal, floral-accented ball gown, worn with matching pumps and golden Fred Leighton cuffs to accompany the designer on the carpet.

“They sent sketches and I was blown away by them. I’m really honored to be wearing it,” the event cochair (and newlywed!) gushes of her golden-and-silver paillette Prada frock, worn with shoes by the line and Neil Lane diamonds.

The star wears a striking, shining Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci halter gown and shoes by the line, finishing the look with a satin clutch and delicate Fred Leighton gems.

Was the North Pole her style inspiration? That’s our guess based on the white-edged scarlet Rodarte skirt suit belted with a dramatic golden buckle and accented with a Van Cleef & Arpels watch, plus Neil Lane ruby hair clips, earrings and ring.

Mixing elegant ombré with a superdaring sheer skirt, the French beauty is boldly sexy and sophisticated in Dior Haute Couture – and she wisely keeps the rest of her look, including a diamond Chopard watch, simple.

“It’s so comfortable, it’s unbelievable!” the actress raves of her sheer-paneled Emilio Pucci gown with a dramatic organza train, which she wears with massive diamond chandelier earrings and a yellow gold ring, all by David Webb.

After taking some time off from her red carpet chic streak, the star makes a stunning return to the scene in a beaded, corseted steel blue Louis Vuitton gown, $1 million worth of Harry Wisnton diamonds, pin curls and deep maroon lips.

Forgoing a gown for a slim-fitting Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci tux – made slightly more girlie with open-toe booties and vintage-feeling jewels (including a Pomellato ring) – the turns the gala into a glam date night with husband Swizz Beatz.

Radiant in a raspberry mermaid Carolina Herrera gown with navy detail at the bust, plus Jimmy Choos, keeps the rest of her look totally laid-back with beachy waves, Jacob & Co. earrings and bubble-gum lips.

Looking like she’s ready for the Metropolitan Museum to turn into a disco, Malin sports long, straight blonde locks to go with her fluid gunmetal Diane von Furstenberg gown and clutch, Christian Louboutin heels, winged-out eyeliner and a Diane von Furstenberg by H.Stern bracelet, plus plenty of glam Fred Leighton gems.

In a super-dramatic Donna Karan Atelier gown with burnout-beaded detailing, shimmering H. Stern jewels, Jimmy Choo sandals and Judith Leiber clutch, the Vampire Diaries star kills it on the red carpet.

Never one to avoid a grand entrance, the star pays homage to Studio 54 in head-to-toe Miu Miu: a mirrored, midriff-baring mini and sparkly clogs (yes, that’s right, clogs).

Somehow managing to look simultaneously black tie and beachy, glows in a tangerine, keyhole-cutout Tommy Hilfiger halter accessorized with a golden Judith Leiber clutch, Jimmy Choo sandals and Van Cleef & Arpels gems.

Taking print mixing to the next level and causing jaws to drop, the Hunger Games star makes a major style statement in a plaid peplum dress with a capelike addition and sparkly Christian Louboutin sandals. She added gold-and-diamond gems and a red enamel clutch, all by Cartier.

One of Time’s Most Influential People continues to stand out, wearing a full-skirt orange Stella McCartney lace number with two-tone platform pumps, also by the designer, and Fred Leighton jewelry.

No ’60s styles for this Mad Men star! The actress stuns with a thoroughly modern, golden cap-sleeve gown by L’Wren Scott, a black Christian Louboutin clutch and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Florence and the Machine’s fashion-forward frontwoman twirls down the red carpet in a tiered greige Alexander McQueen gown and matching heels that left everyone buzzing.

The actress is simply elegant in an ivory tulle-and-beaded dress, worn with champagne-hued sandals (both by Ralph Lauren Collection) and Ralph Lauren Vintage Collection gems – plus über-glam dark lips.

“It chose me! I am lucky to be here tonight with them,” the says of the selection process behind her lilac Louis Vuitton gown, paired with Fred Leighton diamond hair clips and bracelet.

A pale pink pleated silk creation by Vera Wang, worn with coordinating shoulder-grazing Lorraine Schwartz pink sapphire chandeliers and dome ring, is a perfectly feminine pick for the actress.

To offset her superclassic black-and-white one-shoulder Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown, the accents the style with a whimsical, loose-fitting golden bow belt, Fred Leighton earrings, a Judith Leiber clutch and Brian Atwood heels.

“I’m thrilled to be getting to wear her tonight and leaving a trail,” the funny lady says of her sweetheart-neckline, feather-covered Fotini gown, paired with Jimmy Choo platforms.

The Hart of Dixie star leaves her country duds at home, instead choosing a slightly sheer, ruffled red satin gown worn with coils of Bulgari jewels and an art deco-inspired clutch, also by the line.

One of the few wearing electric blue (in the form of a Zac Posen with intricate bodice detailing), plus sleek Mizuki drop earrings and a Forevermark ring, the star arrives with her New York Knicks hubby Carmelo Anthony.

“I’m so happy to be with a designer that I love,” the actress gushes of her elaborate orchid-hued bustier gown’s creator (and coordinating date for the evening!). She finishes her look with Tiffany & Co. jewels and Christian Louboutin heels.

The dresses inside the museum aren’t the only ones with a history: The model’s chartreuse Givenchy jumpsuit (worn with pink satin Sergio Rossi pumps, a Kotur clutch and Wilfredo Rosado gems) was previously owned by Elizabeth Taylor and won by the model at Taylor’s record-setting Christie’s auction – complete with an original wine stain.

Making a major entrance in a navy, one-shoulder lace gown (accessorized with a cane), the actress accents her glamorous ensemble with a sleek box clutch and delicate Tiffany & Co. jewels.

Arriving on the arm of Prabal Gurung, who designed her mermaid-esque emerald gown with a dramatic open back, the actress finishes her look with House of Lavande jewels and a Nancy Gonzalez clutch.

Both wearing streamlined, vividly hued Rachel Roy dresses, the DJ and the designer set off their sleek silhouettes with bright clutches (Solange’s is Edie Parker; her shoes are Christian Louboutin) and stylish jewels (Solange wears Solange Azagury-Partridge).

The breakout star of Girls (and daughter of news anchor Brian Williams) makes a sleek entrance in a slim amethyst column paired with a crystal-studded clutch (both Ralph Lauren Collection) and Ralph Lauren Vintage Collection citrine gems.

Debra is quite a Smash in her plunging beaded KaufmanFranco gunmetal gown worn with dramatic Fred Leighton gems, a gray clutch and Brian Atwood pumps.

The star revealed she tried on a lot of dresses for the event but ultimately went with this stunning orange beaded Elie Saab gown, which she paired with a Christian Louboutin clutch and jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz and Ofira.

“We wanted to do something that would be a little dark and glamorous,” designer Joseph Altuzarra says of the sparkling silver bustier gown he whipped up for the singer, which she accents with a showstopping cape.

Going fo r the bold in a black lace two-piece dress with an enormous pale pink ruffle around the bodice, black patent pumps and Tiffany & Co. jewels, the actress updates a ’60s silhouette.

Also in Prada for the designer’s big night, the model/actress gets fringe benefits from her scarlet-and-black gown, playing peekaboo behind the long slit skirt. She finishes the look with Jacob & Co. gems.