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Best of the 2012 Met Gala

Best of the 2012 Met Gala

See which stars are stealing the spotlight on fashion’s biggest, boldest night

By Alex Apatoff

Updated May 08, 2012 04:00 PM

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CAMERON DIAZ

Credit: Gilbert Flores/Celebrity Photo

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.

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JESSICA ALBA

Credit: Larry Busacca/Getty

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.

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EMMA STONE

Credit: Andrea Renault/Polaris

“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.

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BEYONCé KNOWLES

Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

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, !

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GWYNETH PALTROW

Credit: Stephen Lovekin/FilmMagic

“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.

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SCARLETT JOHANSSON

Credit: AFP/Getty

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.

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ASHLEY GREENE

Credit: Gilbert Flores/Celebrity Photo

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.

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LEA MICHELE

Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

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).

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JESSICA BIEL & JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

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.”

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ROONEY MARA

Credit: Anthony Behar/Sipa

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.

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LEIGHTON MEESTER

Credit: Larry Busacca/Getty

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.

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HEIDI KLUM

Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

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.

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KATE BOSWORTH

Credit: Marion Curtis/Startraks

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.

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RIHANNA

Credit: Andrea Renault/Polaris

“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.

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DIANE KRUGER

Credit: Stephen Lovekin/FilmMagic

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.

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TOM BRADY & GISELE BÜNDCHEN

Credit: Marion Curtis/Startraks

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.

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SOFIA VERGARA

Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

“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.

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SHAILENE WOODLEY

Credit: Larry Busacca/Getty

“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?”

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KRISTEN STEWART

Credit: Gilbert Flores/Celebrity Photo

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

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LENA DUNHAM

Credit: Erik Pendzich/Rex USA

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.

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JANUARY JONES

Credit: Larry Busacca/Getty

“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.

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ROSIE HUNTINGTON-WHITELEY

Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

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.

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LILY COLLINS

Credit: Gilbert Flores/Celebrity Photo

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

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MICHELLE DOCKERY

Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

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.

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CLAIRE DANES

Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

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.

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CATE BLANCHETT

Credit: Larry Busacca/Getty

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.

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EVA MENDES

Credit: Barket-Hahn/Abaca

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.

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EMILY BLUNT & JOHN KRASINSKI

Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

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.

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GINNIFER GOODWIN

Credit: Gilbert Flores/Celebrity Photo

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.

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LIYA, TORY, RASHIDA & BROOKLYN

Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

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.

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MARY-KATE OLSEN

Credit: Larry Busacca/Getty

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.

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DIANNA AGRON

Credit: Gilbert Flores/Celebrity Photo

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.

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RACHEL ZOE & KAROLINA KURKOVA

Credit: Lucas Jackson/Reuters/Landov

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.

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SARAH JESSICA PARKER

Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

“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.

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CAREY MULLIGAN

Credit: Stephen Lovekin/FilmMagic

“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.

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LIV TYLER

Credit: Larry Busacca/Getty

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.

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KIRSTEN DUNST

Credit: Larry Busacca/Getty

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.

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Best of the 2012 Met Gala

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CAMERON DIAZ

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JESSICA ALBA

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EMMA STONE

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BEYONCé KNOWLES

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GWYNETH PALTROW

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SCARLETT JOHANSSON

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ASHLEY GREENE

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LEA MICHELE

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JESSICA BIEL & JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

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ROONEY MARA

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LEIGHTON MEESTER

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HEIDI KLUM

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KATE BOSWORTH

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RIHANNA

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DIANE KRUGER

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TOM BRADY & GISELE BÜNDCHEN

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SOFIA VERGARA

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SHAILENE WOODLEY

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KRISTEN STEWART

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LENA DUNHAM

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JANUARY JONES

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ROSIE HUNTINGTON-WHITELEY

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LILY COLLINS

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MICHELLE DOCKERY

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CLAIRE DANES

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CATE BLANCHETT